Grounds for Divorce

What are grounds for divorce in Illinois?

There are several grounds for divorce. They include, but are not limited to:

1. Extreme and repeated mental cruelty
2. Extreme and repeated physical cruelty
3. Adultery
4. Desertion
5. Habitual drunkenness
6. Conviction of a felony or other infamous crime
7. Party has infected the other with a sexually transmitted disease
8. Irreconcilable differences

What are Irreconcilable Differences?
Irreconcilable differences are differences that have caused the irretrievable breakdown of the marriage. The court determines that efforts at reconciliation have failed and that future attempts at reconciliation would be impracticable and not in the best interests of the parties. Further, that the parties have lived separate and apart for a continuous period in excess of two years prior to the entry of judgment. That the parties may stipulate in writing to waive the two year separation requirement and instead choose the six month separation period.

Divorce Videos Divorce videos which describe the process of filing for divorce and the legal issues involved in divorce cases.

Property Rights What is the difference between Marital and Non-Marital Property?

Annulment An annulment is now known as a "Declaration of Invalidity" of marriage. A court will enter a judgment declaring a marriage invalid under certain circumstances.

Maintenance Maintenance is an award of spousal support, which may be permanent or temporary, in an amount which the court seems just, regardless of marital misconduct.