What Can I Do if I Regret Filing for Divorce?

 Posted on December 25, 2025 in Divorce

Getting a divorce is a life-altering decision. If you find yourself questioning whether it’s the right move, you’re not alone. Emotions can shift once paperwork is filed and reality sets in. If you are feeling unsure, overwhelmed, or hopeful about reconciliation, you have options. First, speak with a Wheaton, IL divorce lawyer to understand what you can do to stop the case from moving further.

Is It Normal To Regret Filing for Divorce?

Regret is very common after filing for divorce, especially early in the process. Divorce filings often happen during periods of stress, conflict, or emotional exhaustion. Once the initial crisis passes, doubts may surface.

That does not always mean divorce was a mistake. It can stem from fear of change, financial uncertainty, concern about children, or pressure from others. In some cases, it reflects a genuine desire to reconcile. Illinois law allows room to reassess, depending on where the case stands.

Can I Stop a Divorce After Filing in Illinois?

In many situations, you can stop a divorce after filing. It depends largely on timing and whether your spouse agrees. Nothing is final until the court enters a judgment of dissolution, the order that legally ends the marriage. Until then, there may be ways to dismiss or slow the case. The earlier you act, the more options you usually have. Once the case progresses, those options can narrow.

Can I Back Out of Divorce if My Spouse Has Not Responded Yet?

If your spouse has not yet filed a response or entered an appearance, you may still have significant control over the case. In some situations, you may be able to voluntarily dismiss the divorce before it moves forward.

Divorce cases in Illinois are governed by the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act. Under 750 ILCS 5/401, a court may grant a divorce only when irreconcilable differences have caused an irretrievable breakdown of the marriage. If you no longer believe that applies, it can affect how the case proceeds.

Before dismissing a case, it is important to understand any legal consequences, especially if service has already occurred or temporary requests were filed.

Can a Divorce Case Be Dismissed Once It Has Started in Illinois?

Illinois courts do allow divorce cases to be dismissed, but the process depends on whether both spouses agree. If both parties want to stop the divorce, dismissal is usually straightforward. If only one spouse wants to stop, the other may still choose to continue the case. At that point, dismissal may not be available without consent. When dismissal is not possible, the focus often shifts to managing the pace of the case rather than ending it entirely.

Is It Possible To Slow Down or Pause the Divorce?

In some cases, spouses are not ready to move forward but do not want to fully dismiss the case either. Courts may allow the case to be continued or delayed through scheduling changes.

Common reasons people ask to slow down a divorce include:

• A desire to try counseling or reconciliation

• Emotional or mental health concerns

• Financial uncertainty or job changes

• The need to stabilize arrangements for children

Judges have discretion to manage their calendars, but leaving a case inactive without a clear plan can still cause problems. Legal advice helps ensure delays are handled correctly.

Should I Consider Legal Separation Instead of Divorce in Illinois?

If you regret filing for divorce but still need structured boundaries, legal separation may be an option. Illinois allows legal separation under 750 ILCS 5/402. This option lets spouses live separately while addressing financial support and parenting issues.

Legal separation does not end the marriage. It can provide time and space to decide whether reconciliation is possible, without fully dissolving the relationship. For some families, this approach reduces pressure and conflict.

However, legal separation is not right for everyone. It still involves court orders and legal obligations. A lawyer can help you decide whether this makes more sense than dismissing the case or continuing the divorce.

How Does Regretting Divorce Affect Children and Parenting Issues?

When children are involved, regret often goes hand in hand with concerns about stability and routine. Parents who regret filing often worry about:

• Disrupting children’s routines

• Confusion caused by changing plans

• Long-term effects of conflict

• Whether temporary orders become permanent

Illinois courts always focus on the best interests of the child. Under 750 ILCS 5/602.7 and 750 ILCS 5/602.5, judges look at factors related to parenting time and decision-making responsibilities. This is what you might call physical and legal custody.

Even if you are unsure about whether you want to continue with the divorce, the court may have already entered temporary orders that set rules for parenting time and decision-making. Those temporary rules stay in effect while the case is pending and can shape daily routines for you and your children until something changes or the case ends.

What Do I Do if Temporary Orders Are Entered and I Change My Mind About Divorce?

Regret after temporary orders are entered does not mean you are stuck, but the situation needs to be handled carefully. Changing or ending those orders often requires court approval or agreement from the other spouse, and that can take time. Acting too quickly or without guidance can create confusion or affect your position in the case.

This is often the stage where legal advice becomes especially important, because early missteps can be difficult to undo later.

Schedule a Free Consultation With a DuPage County, IL Divorce Attorney

At Davi Law Group, we help clients understand their options and make informed decisions at every stage of the divorce process. Early guidance can help protect your rights while you determine how you want to move forward.

Attorney Dion U. Davi brings a valuable perspective to these cases after spending several years as an Assistant State’s Attorney in DuPage County. That experience provides insight into how courts evaluate issues and manage divorce matters. To discuss your situation and explore your options, call 630-657-5052 to schedule a free consultation with a Wheaton, IL divorce lawyer.