Check if you qualify for a fee waiver based on low income or public benefits
Get the Illinois fee waiver form from the court or Illinois Courts website
Complete the fee waiver form with your financial information
File the fee waiver request with your divorce petition at the circuit clerk’s office
Ask the clerk to review the waiver request before paying any filing fees
If approved, file your divorce case without paying court fees
If denied, ask the clerk or legal aid about refiling or other options
Use free Illinois Legal Aid resources to prepare your divorce forms
Look for self-help centers at your county courthouse
Use the Illinois courts’ approved divorce forms for uncontested cases
Serve your spouse using a method allowed by Illinois law
Ask the court for a waiver of service fees if you cannot afford service
Attend all required court dates and bring copies of your filed papers
Request additional fee waivers for certified copies, service, or other court costs if needed
Contact your local legal aid office for free help with forms and filing
Check your county court website for local filing rules and waiver procedures