All cases involving the dissolution of a marriage or civil union, commonly referred to as divorce, are heard by the Domestic Relations Division. This includes declaration of invalidity of marriage (commonly referred to as annulments) and legal separation matters. The Domestic Relations Division also hears child support, parentage, allocation of parental responsibilities (formerly known as custody), parenting time and third-party visitation. Petitions for an order of protection in connection with an existing Domestic Relations case will also be heard by the Domestic Relations Division.
The IMDMA and the Parentage Act of 2015 are the primary statutes that provide the Court with the authority to resolve cases in the Domestic Relations Division. Pursuant to the IMDMA, the court may dissolve a marriage, dispose of debts and assets between the parties, award maintenance (formerly known as alimony) and much more.
For more information on how the IMDMA and the Parentage Act govern the Domestic Relations Division, please see 750 ILCS 5/ and 750 ILCS 46/.
Go to the Domestic Relations Division