Illinois family law resources
Free guides, forms, and tools for Illinois family court
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What forms you need, where to file, who to call, and step by step instructions for your county. No account required.
What do you need help with?
I need to change allocation of parental responsibilities or parenting time
Petition to Modify process under 750 ILCS 5/602.10 — substantial change required
I need to change child support
Illinois uses the income shares model — both parents' net incomes determine support
I was served papers and need to respond
You have 30 days to respond after service — deadlines matter
I need to understand the process
What to expect before, during, and after a family law hearing in Circuit Court
I need help writing an affidavit
Illinois requires notarization — turn your facts into a proper sworn affidavit
I need to prepare for mediation
Cook County requires mediation for all contested parenting matters before trial
I need help with evidence
Learn to organize exhibits and documents for your Circuit Court hearing
I'm going to court for the first time
How Illinois family court works, who's in the room, and what to expect
I need to understand maintenance
Illinois statutory formula: 33.33% of payor's net income minus 25% of payee's
I think the other parent is hiding income
How Illinois courts calculate imputed income for child support and maintenance
The Family Law Playbook — Illinois Edition
12 guides from start to finish
Step 1
What Is Family Court in Illinois
How it works, who's in the room, and your rights in Circuit Court
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Step 2
Parent Rights in Illinois
Allocation of parental responsibilities, parenting time, and how courts decide
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Step 3
How to Modify Parental Responsibilities or Parenting Time
Petition to Modify process for changing existing orders under 750 ILCS 5/602.10
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Step 4
How to Write an Affidavit for Illinois Family Court
Structure, notarization, and common mistakes for Illinois affidavits
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Step 5
How to Prepare Evidence for Illinois Family Court
Organizing documents, exhibits, and records for your hearing
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Step 6
How Child Support is Calculated in Illinois
The income shares model, both parents’ incomes, and the worksheet
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Step 7
Hidden Income and Imputed Income in Illinois
How courts calculate income when a parent is self-employed or hides assets
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Step 8
Maintenance in Illinois
The statutory formula, duration multipliers, and modification under 750 ILCS 5/504
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Step 9
Can I Get Attorney Fees Paid in Illinois
Need-based fees under 750 ILCS 5/508 and how to request them
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Step 10
How to Serve Court Papers in Illinois
Personal service, 30-day deadline, and proof of service requirements
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Step 11
Mediation in Illinois Family Court
Mediation in Illinois — what to expect and how to prepare
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Step 12
What to Expect at a Family Law Hearing in Illinois
Preparation checklist and courtroom walkthrough
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More guides
Specific topics and situations
Child’s name change in Illinois
Petition, service, and what the court considers under Illinois law
Removal or relocation
The relocation process and what you must prove under 750 ILCS 5/609.2
Contempt and enforcement
When the other parent violates court orders