What is a Joint Simplified Dissolution of Marriage?

 Posted on September 16, 2012 in Family Law

In Illinois there is an option for people who want a quicker and easier divorce, it is called a joint simplified dissolution of marriage. The law in Illinois has set this procedure for people who have no children and little to no assets. It is a divorce which must be agreed upon by both parties because it is a joint petition. Both sides will need to go to court together and file for the divorce. Before it seems too easy to do, there are certain requirements which must be met in order to file for a joint simplified dissolution of marriage.

There is an Illinois residency requirement for both parties. Either spouse must have lived in Illinois for at least 90 days, which can include being stationed there by the military. But the two sides can’t live together during that time. Separate living arrangements must be kept for at least 6 months in order to qualify for this kind of divorce. The marriage will be childless and not last longer than eight years. There are also qualifications which must be met as to the assets that are held by the married couple before they split.

Neither spouse can have legal rights to any real estate. If the married couple owns any property such as cars, bank accounts and the like, then the total fair market value must not total $10,000. This will make it easier for the two parties to jointly divide the remaining assets and debts between each other. Another financial requirement is that neither party can make more than $20,000 a year or over $35,000 combined.

This type of divorce is easy yet has so many different requirements to be met is because both parties essentially sign over all marital rights to property or alimony or support. If you are contemplating filing for a joint simplified dissolution of marriage, do not make any decision without thinking about the consequences. Contact a reputable divorce attorney in DuPage County to talk about the next steps in your divorce.