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ATJ 113.8

Divorce Summons

Illinois · Illinois Supreme Court · Effective March 1, 2025

This form is a Summons used to officially notify someone that a divorce case has been started in court. It provides instructions to the person who receives it about how and when they must respond to the court.

Open the official PDFfrom Illinois Supreme Court

Where this fits in a case

Start a case

Stage: Start a case

This form is used when one person files a case to start a divorce in the Illinois Circuit Court. The person who is sued (the Respondent) receives this document.

Usually filed by the person starting the case.

Official instructions

How-to guides published by the court for this form.

Common questions

What does this form tell me about the divorce stay?
The Summons states that a 'dissolution action stay' is active immediately upon service. This stay places restrictions on both parties regarding physical abuse, harassment, and concealing minor children until a final judgment is reached or the case is dismissed.
What must I do if I receive this Summons?
The instructions state that the Respondent must file Appearance and Answer/Response forms with the court within 30 days after being served. Failing to do this could result in the judge deciding the case without hearing from you.

Revision history

No changes recorded since we started tracking this form on October 9, 2026. The current version took effect March 1, 2025.

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