Six Tips to Make Your Divorce Easier

 Posted on May 31, 2026 in Divorce

Divorce doesn't have to drag on for years or drain your bank account. Many Illinois couples resolve their cases faster and with far less conflict than they expect. The trick to making divorce a little easier is knowing what to do, and what to avoid, before and during the divorce process. 

Whether you're just starting to think about divorce or you're already in the middle of one, these six tips can help you get through it with less stress and more control. A DuPage County divorce attorney at The Law Office of Matthew M. Williams, P.C. can walk you through what to expect from filing to the final prove-up hearing. 

What Makes Divorce Easier or Harder in Illinois in 2026?

Before diving into our tips, it helps to understand what actually drives up the cost and length of a divorce in Illinois. Most of it comes down to conflict. The more spouses disagree, the more time attorneys and judges spend resolving those disagreements, and the more money both sides spend getting there.

Contested vs. Uncontested Divorce in Illinois

An uncontested divorce means both spouses agree on the major issues, including property division, parental responsibilities, and support. These cases move through the courts much faster and cost significantly less. A contested divorce, where spouses fight over one or more issues, can take years and cost tens of thousands of dollars in attorney fees alone.

Illinois Divorce Law is No-Fault

Under 750 ILCS 5/401, Illinois is a no-fault divorce state. You don't have to prove wrongdoing to get a divorce. You only need to show that the marriage has broken down due to "irreconcilable differences." 

Most couples negotiate their own divorce settlements, using mediation when necessary. If mediation doesn’t work, Illinois family judges will make decisions about the major issues. With children, this means prioritizing their best interests and protecting their relationship with both parents. With asset division, this means aiming for an equitable distribution of marital assets. 

Six Practical Tips to Make Your Illinois Divorce Smoother

Find Agreement With Your Spouse as Much as Possible

After over 25 years of working with divorcing couples, we know agreeing with your soon-to-be-ex-spouse is easier said than done. Still, every issue you can resolve on your own is one less issue a judge has to decide. Start with the easy ones and build from there. Even partial agreement on property, parenting time, or support shortens the process and reduces what you'll spend on legal fees.

Consider Mediation or Collaborative Divorce

Mediation brings both spouses together with a neutral third party to work through disagreements outside of court. Collaborative divorce uses a structured process where both sides commit to settling without litigation. Both approaches cost less and take less time than going to trial. At The Law Office of Matthew M. Williams, P.C., we focus on these methods because they tend to produce better, more lasting outcomes for families – especially those with children.

Get as Organized as Possible as Soon as Possible 

You'll need a lot of documents for your divorce. Getting organized now will save you time and money later. At the very least, try to get the following records together before your case begins:

• Marriage certificate and any prenuptial or postnuptial agreements

• Recent pay stubs, tax returns, and bank statements

• Mortgage documents, retirement account statements, and credit card statements

• Records of any debts held in your name or jointly with your spouse

Having these ready means your attorney isn't waiting on paperwork, and the court isn't waiting on your attorney. Delays caused by missing documents are some of the easiest to avoid.

Have a Prenuptial or Postnuptial Agreement

If you already have one of these agreements in place, it can resolve major issues before the divorce even starts. Find it and show it to your attorney. Common topics that prenups cover include property division and spousal support.

Be Realistic About Your Case

Many people come in expecting a simple divorce and find their situation is more complicated than they thought. The length of the marriage, the size of the marital estate, the number of shared assets, and whether children are involved all affect how difficult a case is to resolve. An honest look at your case helps your attorney build the right strategy from day one.

Understand the Factors Outside Your Control

You can choose to be cooperative. Your spouse may not make that same choice. You may feel strongly about equal parenting time, while your spouse wants to fight for a 20/80 split. 

Expect that parts of your divorce will not go the way you expect or want. This will help you stay focused on your goals rather than reacting emotionally to every development. Your attorney can help you stay on track when things get difficult.

What Should You Do If Your Illinois Divorce Is Getting Complicated?

Even if you started with the best intentions, some divorces get worse before they get better. If that's happening to you, there are still steps you can take to protect yourself and keep things moving in the right direction.

When to Ask for Temporary Orders in Your Divorce

Under 750 ILCS 5/501, either spouse can ask the court for temporary relief while the divorce is pending. This can include temporary support, temporary parenting time arrangements, or exclusive use of the marital home. 

These orders protect both spouses and children while the final agreement is being worked out. They are usually requested shortly after filing, but can be requested at any point during the divorce process. 

When You and Your Spouse Can’t Communicate at All During Divorce 

If communication with your spouse has completely stopped working, your attorneys can step in. Having your lawyers manage the back-and-forth between you and your spouse is a better strategy for many people. If every attempt to discuss anything turns into a fight, stick to mediated communication for now. 

Call a DeKalb County Divorce Attorney Today

If you're ready to move forward with your divorce, talking to a DuPage County family lawyer with The Law Office of Matthew M. Williams, P.C. costs nothing and will give you better information about your options. We can help you understand what the divorce process is likely to look like for your situation and brainstorm strategies for making it easier. Call 630-409-8184 today to schedule a free, confidential consultation.