What Factors Could Affect the Cost of My Illinois Divorce?

 Posted on August 07, 2026 in Divorce

Most people do not plan to get a divorce when they get married. Couples typically do not go through the trouble of planning a wedding and making large purchases only to divorce a few years later. For many people, getting a divorce can put a huge strain on their finances, so naturally, their first question is often, "How much will the divorce cost?"

The answer to that question is difficult to predict at the beginning of a divorce. There are various costs associated with getting a divorce, and many of them depend on how the case progresses.

Our experienced Naperville, Illinois divorce attorney at Law Office of Ronald L. Hendrix, P.C. can explain your options to you. As a court-appointed mediator with over 30 years of legal experience, Attorney Hendrix can look for ways to avoid costly litigation in your case. When litigation is inevitable, he can represent you at trial and pursue a cost-efficient resolution.

What Factors Influence Divorce Costs in 2026?

Many things can affect the cost of a divorce. A divorce can cost anywhere from a few thousand dollars to tens of thousands of dollars, depending on the circumstances of the case. Some of the costs associated with your divorce, such as court costs and filing fees, are set by the court. However, many other variables can affect the total cost.

Children in the Marriage

This is a basic factor that will affect the cost of your divorce. If you have children, the cost of your divorce will usually be higher than the cost of a divorce for a couple without children. This is simply because there are more issues to address in a divorce between parents.

In cases involving children, parents need to agree on who makes decisions, parenting time, and child support. Each of these issues can require extra negotiation, and sometimes a trial. In some cases, a judge may order a professional evaluation. This evaluation can add both time and cost to the case. Child support calculations can also lead to disagreements, especially when parents disagree about income or expenses.

Level of Cooperation Between the Spouses

The level of cooperation between spouses has a major effect on the cost of a divorce. A divorce between two people who are willing to work together and cooperate will usually cost less than a divorce with constant disputes. Taking your case to trial will usually increase attorney fees and other costs.

Hidden, Complex, or Valuable Assets

Some divorces involve more than a house, a car, and a joint bank account. A couple may own a business, several rental properties, stock options, retirement accounts, or valuable collections. These assets can be harder to value than a simple bank account. A spouse might also try to hide money or property to avoid splitting it fairly.

When this happens, a divorce may need help from appraisers, forensic accountants, or other professionals. These experts cost money, but they can also help identify and value property so it can be properly divided during the divorce. The more complex the assets, the longer the divorce may take, and the higher the overall cost can climb.

Can I Request Temporary Support During a Divorce?

A divorce can take months or even years to finalize. During this time, one spouse may need money to pay bills, cover housing costs, or support children. Illinois courts can order temporary maintenance or child support while a divorce is pending (750 ILCS 5/501). This support can help a spouse keep up with daily expenses without going into debt.

A financial affidavit must be included with your request for temporary support. The affidavit shows the court that your need for support is grounded in facts. It usually includes documents such as tax returns and bank statements.

How Do Courts Split Divorce Costs Between Spouses?

In most cases, each spouse pays for his or her own divorce expenses. However, Illinois courts do have the discretion to divide certain costs between spouses. After considering each party’s financial circumstances, a judge can order one spouse to pay certain costs and attorney fees. This is not a given in every case. The judge will often look at each spouse's income, assets, and ability to pay. If one spouse earns far more than the other, the judge may order that spouse to cover a larger share of the costs.

This helps prevent one spouse from being locked out of the legal process due to a lack of money. Every case is different, so the final split of costs depends on the specific facts involved. The judge will consider each spouse’s financial situation and the facts of the case.

Can One Spouse Be Ordered to Pay Attorney Fees in Illinois?

In some cases, a judge can order one spouse to pay part or all of the other spouse's attorney fees. This often happens when there is a large gap in income or assets between the spouses. A judge may also consider this if one spouse caused unnecessary delays or extra costs during the case.

For example, refusing to cooperate with discovery can drive up legal fees for the other side. Courts want both spouses to have fair access to legal help, regardless of their income level. If you are worried about affording a divorce attorney, it may help to raise this concern early. A judge may not be able to address the issue if it is not raised during the case.

Contact a DuPage County, IL Divorce Lawyer Today

Although there are many costs associated with a divorce, it is important that you do not choose a divorce lawyer based only on cost. At Law Office of Ronald L. Hendrix, P.C., we understand the financial uncertainty a divorce can cause. Our knowledgeable Bolingbrook, IL family law attorney will fight to protect your best interests every step of the way and help you prepare for financial success for life after divorce. To schedule a free consultation, call our office today at 630-355-7776.