In Illinois, a dissolution of marriage does not become final immediately upon agreement or court order. There is a statutorily defined timeframe that must elapse before the divorce is officially concluded. This mandated duration, following the entry of a judgment, ensures that both parties have a final opportunity to reconsider their decision or address any outstanding issues. For example, even if a couple reaches a complete agreement on all divorce terms in January, the actual legal termination of their marriage might not occur until later in the same month or beyond, due to this required pause.
The existence of this interval serves several key purposes. It allows for a period of reflection, potentially mitigating rash decisions made during an emotionally charged time. This delay can also provide a buffer for resolving unforeseen complications that may arise after an initial agreement. Historically, such periods have been implemented to encourage reconciliation, although their primary function now centers on ensuring procedural fairness and completeness in the divorce process.
