Efforts to End No-Fault Divorces in Illinois

 Posted on September 24, 2024 in Divorce

No-fault divorce has played an important role in family law for many years. Instead of requiring spouses to convince the court that there are reasonable grounds to let them get divorced, a couple can say they have irreconcilable differences and start the process. By enabling couples to end their marriages because they are not happy together, without needing to prove that anyone did something wrong to the other, the entire process of dissolving a marriage became smoother.

However, a movement in the country has been working to change that. This article will explore what it would mean if no-fault divorce came to an end in Illinois. If you have more questions about this, speak with a skilled St. Charles, IL divorce lawyer who can answer them.

What Does No-Fault Divorce Mean?

Some couples want to split up for specific reasons: If one spouse had an affair, developed a debilitating addiction, or was caught hiding money or otherwise acting dishonestly, most people would not blame the other spouse for wanting to end the marriage.

However, many times, a couple simply grows apart. After being married for years and dealing with the nitty-gritty of everyday life rather than the butterflies and romance of the honeymoon period, some couples find that they simply are incapable of spending the rest of their lives together.

No-fault divorce is specifically for those couples who want to end their marriage without either of them being blamed for the breakup. Instead, the couple can say they have "irreconcilable differences" and that is enough for a court to grant their request.

Is No-Fault Divorce at Threat in Illinois? 

There is an increasingly popular movement to get rid of no-fault divorce throughout America. Its proponents claim that no-fault divorce makes it too easy to get a divorce without attempting reconciliation, and therefore, it undermines the institution of marriage. On the other hand, advocates for victims of domestic violence claim that if divorce is harder to get, a victim can be trapped in an abusive marriage.

The calls to eliminate no-fault divorce in Illinois are part of a greater effort to convince people throughout the entire country to do so. No state in the U.S. has done so yet, but some - including Arizona, Arkansas, and Louisiana - have taken steps to reduce its scope.

Thankfully, no-fault divorce in Illinois is not under threat. The state’s lawmakers are primarily Democrats and the ending no-fault divorce movement is mostly popular in Republican areas. There is currently no serious discussion of ending no-fault divorce in Illinois.

Schedule a Free Consultation with a Kane County, IL Divorce Lawyer

If you are considering a divorce, a qualified St. Charles, IL family law attorney can explain how a no-fault divorce can help you. Although some are pushing an agenda to end no-fault divorce, this important option currently makes it easier for people to get out of unhappy marriages, and at Goostree Law Group, that is our goal. Call us at 630-584-4800 to schedule a free consultation.