The first time you appear in court for your divorce can feel intimidating. Your first divorce court appearance sets the tone for how the rest of your case will go, and you may not know what to wear, how to act, what will happen, or how long it will take. Understanding what to expect, both legally and logistically, can make the experience far less stressful.
As of October 2025, Illinois divorce cases continue to follow the procedures outlined in the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act. While every county has its own local rules, the process in DuPage County generally follows a predictable sequence. The more you understand before you arrive, the more confident you will feel when you stand before the judge. Our Wheaton divorce attorneys can prepare you for your first hearing and for everything that happens before and after.