A Dissolution of Marriage (commonly referred to as a divorce) is a serious legal step which should not be taken without considerable thought. If you are considering such a proceeding, you should note the following:
It is in the best interests of each of the parties to consult attorneys regarding the dissolution of their marriage.

• You should not rely exclusively on this information. This information is intended only as a guide for self-representation.
• Once you lose the right to maintenance in a legal proceeding, you can never again obtain maintenance from your former spouse.
• A judgment entered in a dissolution proceeding is final. You will have no right to appeal. Such a judgment may only be set aside on grounds of fraud, duress, accident, mistake, or other grounds at law or in equity.
• You and your spouse remain married and cannot remarry until a judgment dissolving your marriage is signed by the Judge.

 Statewide Approved Divorce Forms

 Financial Affidavit Forms

 

Filing Certificate of Dissolution

Pursuant to 750 ILCS 5/707, a certificate of each dissolution of marriage ordered in Illinois shall by filed with the Illinois Department of Public Health.  This form shall be prepared by the person filing the petition for dissolution of marriage and shall be presented to the judge for his/her inspection prior to the entry of the final order.  After the judgment of dissolution is granted, the Clerk of the Court completes the remaining entries on the certificate and files it with the Illinois Department of Public Health. 

Below is a link to an electronic version of the Certificate of Dissolution provided by the Illinois Department of Public Health.  This form should be completed and filed electronically when filing your new divorce case.

Certificate of Dissolution Form

 

 Parenting Class 

The Judges of McHenry County are concerned for the welfare of children of divorce. Parenting Class is mandated in McHenry County for any parent in the process of divorce or who is involved in after-divorce proceedings in which there are minor children involved. Parents involved in parentage actions, and ordered by the Court must also attend, however, any adult who is interested in the program can participate. The four-hour class offered at McHenry County College, "Focus on the Kids," is designed to offer parents the opportunity to learn about and discuss the effects of divorce on minor children. Registration fee is $90 per person (materials included) and is due in full at the time of registration. The fee is paid to McHenry County College; do NOT pay the Court. McHenry County College accepts cash, money order, Visa, MasterCard and Discover for payment. Both parties must complete the Parenting Class before a judgment of dissolution will be entered in a divorce case.

Read more information and download a Parenting Class Registration Form from McHenry County College.

 

Family Mediation

Click here for more information on the 22nd Circuit Family Mediation Program