04/18/23 1

Pro Se DivorcePro Se Divorce

Or how to get a divorce by Or how to get a divorce by representing yourselfrepresenting yourself

04/18/23 2

Introduction Introduction

A divorce is a legal process that ends a A divorce is a legal process that ends a marriage and deals with children, marriage and deals with children, property, debts and other issues.property, debts and other issues.

You will learn how to represent yourself in You will learn how to represent yourself in a court and get a divorce without using a a court and get a divorce without using a lawyer.lawyer.

Because this is a class, any information Because this is a class, any information you decide to reveal about yourself or you decide to reveal about yourself or your case will not be confidential.your case will not be confidential.

04/18/23 3

AgendaAgenda

We will coverWe will cover The different legal issues involved in a The different legal issues involved in a

divorcedivorce How to prepare the paperworkHow to prepare the paperwork How to file the paperworkHow to file the paperwork How to notify your spouseHow to notify your spouse What you have to do in CourtWhat you have to do in Court

04/18/23 4

Overview Overview

Pro Se means you are representing Pro Se means you are representing yourselfyourself

For a simple divorce onlyFor a simple divorce only You must be able to follow instructions You must be able to follow instructions

and do things in the correct orderand do things in the correct order Take notes and ask questionsTake notes and ask questions Make copies of the forms before you Make copies of the forms before you

write on themwrite on them

04/18/23 5

VocabularyVocabulary Words you will need to knowWords you will need to know

Grounds Jurisdiction Venue Child Custody Child Support Marital and Non-Marital Property Marital and Non-Marital Debt MaintenanceMaintenance

People you will work withPeople you will work with Judge Circuit Clerk Sheriff

04/18/23 6

Preparing the PaperworkPreparing the Paperwork

Application to Sue or Defend as a Poor Person Petition for Dissolution of Marriage NoticeNotice

Personal Entry of Appearance Publication

Judgment of Dissolution Uniform Order for Support Child Support Information Sheet Notice of Withholding Proof of Mailing

04/18/23 7

Filing the PaperworkFiling the Paperwork CopiesCopies

-one for you-one for you-one for your spouse-one for your spouse-one for the court file-one for the court file

File with Circuit ClerkFile with Circuit Clerk Circuit Clerk assigns number and file-Circuit Clerk assigns number and file-

stampsstamps CostsCosts

-must be paid or waived-must be paid or waived-waiver includes cost of service in Illinois-waiver includes cost of service in Illinois-separate waiver for publication notice-separate waiver for publication notice

04/18/23 8

Going to CourtGoing to Court

All other steps must be done firstAll other steps must be done first Scheduling the hearingScheduling the hearing

Personal Service Entry of Appearance Publication Notice

Type of Hearing Notice of Hearing Preparing for the Hearing: Testimony Attending the Hearing

04/18/23 9

After the HearingAfter the Hearing

File your documents with the Circuit ClerkFile your documents with the Circuit Clerk Send a copy of the documents to your ex-Send a copy of the documents to your ex-

spousespouse File Notice of Mailing with the Circuit ClerkFile Notice of Mailing with the Circuit Clerk Support WithholdingSupport Withholding

Serve employerServe employer Notify State Disbursement UnitNotify State Disbursement Unit Notify Division of Child Support EnforcementNotify Division of Child Support Enforcement

04/18/23 10

SummarySummary

Learned how to represent yourself Learned how to represent yourself Pro Se in an easy divorce case.Pro Se in an easy divorce case.

Learned about importance of NoticeLearned about importance of Notice Learned about importance of making Learned about importance of making

the effort to do a good jobthe effort to do a good job QuestionsQuestions