Reconciliation in Illinois Divorce

February 17th, 2025 by Tiffany Hughes

Divorce is a challenging journey fraught with emotional, financial, and legal complexities. However, amidst the turmoil, some couples find themselves contemplating reconciliation. In Illinois, where divorce laws are designed to support both the dissolution of marriage and potential reconciliation, understanding the process and options available for couples seeking to reconcile is crucial.

What is Reconciliation?

In the context of Illinois divorce, reconciliation refers to the process by which a married couple who have initiated dissolution of marriage or legal separation proceedings or are experiencing marital difficulties, work together to rebuild their relationship and potentially resume their marriage. Reconciliation involves both parties actively addressing the issues that led to the breakdown of their marriage, communicating openly and honestly, and making a mutual commitment to resolving conflicts and rebuilding trust. Reconciliation can take various forms, from seeking marital counseling to engaging in open dialogue and making efforts to improve the relationship. The goal of reconciliation is to create a healthier, more fulfilling relationship and avoid the dissolution of the marriage through divorce or legal separation.

Is it Too Late to Reconcile once you’ve hired a lawyer?

No, not at all. But reconciliation requires both spouses to be willing to put in the effort. In Illinois, since it is a pure no-fault state, if one spouse is determined to proceed with dissolution of marriage or legal separation proceedings, there’s little that can be done to stop it.

What about suggesting a trial separation to bring the couple closer together?

Attempting a trial separation to try and reconcile is a personal decision. If you and your spouse think a temporary trial separation will help gain perspective and bring you both closer together, then it may be an option. However, as previously stated, if one spouse wants a divorce or legal separation, a temporary trial separation may not be a viable resource for reconciliation.

If reconciliation is on the table, do you need to dismiss the divorce proceedings?

No, it is not necessary to immediately dismiss divorce or legal separation proceedings. Depending on the status of your case and local procedures, you may be able to put the divorce on hold temporarily while you and your spouse attempt to reconcile and save your marriage. However, courts typically aim to resolve cases as quickly as possible, so indefinite delays aren’t feasible.

Reconciliation in an Illinois divorce is a complex and deeply personal journey. While reconciliation presents challenges, it also offers the opportunity for growth, healing, and renewed commitment in a marriage. Whether couples ultimately choose to reconcile or proceed with divorce or legal separation, the key lies in open communication, mutual respect, and a willingness to confront the issues that led to the breakdown of their marriage. By navigating the process with empathy and determination, couples can find the path that best suits their unique circumstances and pave the way for a brighter future, whether together or apart.

Need More Information or Representation?

If you are thinking of filing for or have an ongoing divorce or legal separation case, but also would like to attempt reconciliation with your spouse, give The Law Office of Tiffany M. Hughes, P.C. a call today at 773-893-0228 for a confidential, complimentary 30-minute phone consultation or email Tiffany Hughes directly at Tiffanyhughes@thugheslaw.com. Our entire practice is solely dedicated to the area of family law. We are highly experienced in providing legal representation to anyone who is getting an Illinois divorce or legal separation, trying to file for dissolution of marriage, wanting to learn more about no-fault states in divorce, contemplating reconciliation, seeking more information on what reconciliation is, marital counseling, how it will affect your Illinois divorce or legal separation, if it is too late to reconcile after hiring a lawyer, or if you need to dismiss divorce proceedings if you are attempting reconciliation in an Illinois Divorce.

      About Tiffany M. Hughes, Divorce Attorney, Principal, Managing Partner, The Law Office of Tiffany M. Hughes, P.C.:

Tiffany M. Hughes is a divorce attorney and Managing Partner of The Law office of Tiffany M. Hughes. Recognized as a Top 100 Lawyer in Lawyers Magazine in 2018 and 2019, Super Lawyer from 2016 to date, and in addition to numerous other accolades, Ms. Hughes represents individuals in all aspects of family and matrimonial law proceedings, including litigation, mediation, allocation of parental responsibility (formerly known as custody), parentage, divorce and other child-related matters.

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This blog is made available by The Law Office of Tiffany M. Hughes, P.C. for educational purposes only as well as to give you general information and a general understanding of Illinois law, not to provide specific legal advice. By using this website you understand that there is no attorney client relationship between you and The Law Office of Tiffany M. Hughes, P.C. The website should not be used as a substitute for competent legal advice from a licensed professional attorney in Illinois.  The law changes constantly and we do not go back in time to edit old posts that may be affected by these changes.  If you have any questions about Illinois law, which is the only State this blog and website discusses, please call The Law Office of Tiffany M. Hughes, P.C. for a complimentary phone consultation and do not draw any legal conclusions without speaking to a competent attorney in Illinois first.