Petition
A completed petition for dissolution sets out jurisdiction, marriage data, and the relief requested for custody and support in sworn form.
A complete package reduces procedural delays, clarifies parenting and support obligations for minor children, and provides the court the necessary sworn statements to enter a final decree. Accurate, organized forms help avoid continuances, reduce the risk of post‑judgment disputes, and preserve enforceable child-related orders under Illinois law.
Typical filers include self‑represented petitioners, family law attorneys, and court clerks assisting pro se litigants. These users focus on accuracy, required disclosures, and parenting provisions.
Parties that want a streamlined court appearance or no appearance at all typically use a complete package to show the court both sides consent to terms regarding minor children.
The spouse who files the petition signs pleading pages and any verification or affidavit. A petitioner must provide accurate personal, financial, and parenting information under oath and may be required to appear at hearing.
The other spouse signs the acceptance of summons, settlement documents, parenting plan and judgment when consenting. Respondent signature binds that party to custody, support, and property terms once the court enters the decree.
| Field | Configuration |
|---|---|
| Signer order | Petitioner then respondent; specify sequential or parallel. |
| Authentication | Email + SMS code for added signer validation. |
| Conditional fields | Show child-related questions only when relevant. |
| Notifications | Reminders for unsigned documents and filing deadlines. |
Electronic signing can speed execution, but check court rules for required original signatures, notarization, or in‑court filings before e-submitting.
Verify local circuit court e-filing rules and confirm whether the clerk accepts electronically signed documents or requires original notarized pages prior to filing.
| signNow | DocuSign | Adobe Sign | PandaDoc | HelloSign | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $8/user/mo | $15/user/mo | $14/user/mo | $19/user/mo | $15/user/mo |
| Free Trial | 7-day free trial | Varies | Varies | Varies | Varies |
| Bulk Send | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Audit Trail | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| HIPAA Compliant | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
A completed petition for dissolution sets out jurisdiction, marriage data, and the relief requested for custody and support in sworn form.
Detailed parenting time schedule and responsibilities addressing holidays, education, decision-making, and dispute resolution to reduce future conflict.
Statutory-calculation worksheet documenting incomes, deductions, and the resulting guideline support amount for court review.
Sworn disclosure of assets, debts, income and expenses supporting support and property division determinations.
Mutual agreement summarizing settlement terms, signed by both parties and attached as the basis for the final judgment.
Proposed final decree for the judge to sign, incorporating parenting, support, and property provisions for enforcement.