A divorce decree is a legal document signed by the judge that officially terminates the marriage. The divorce decree typically includes the judge’s ruling on all matters related to the marriage and any minor children—including division of marital or community property, payment of marital or community debts, spousal support, child custody, child visitation, child support, any obligation to provide health insurance for minor children, and the payment of extracurricular expenses for minor children.

These determinations or rulings set forth in the divorce decree become legally enforceable obligations when the judge signs the divorce decree—and may be enforced by further legal action in the court if one or both of the former spouses fail to comply with the terms of the divorce decree.

In Illinois, a divorce decree is the final court order that legally ends a marriage. It is issued after the court has resolved all pertinent issues, which may include the division of marital property and debts, spousal support (also known as maintenance or alimony), and matters concerning children such as custody, visitation, and child support. Illinois is an equitable distribution state, meaning that marital property is not necessarily divided equally but rather in a manner that is deemed fair by the court. Child custody decisions are made based on the best interests of the child, and Illinois law encourages joint parenting arrangements when appropriate. Once the judge signs the divorce decree, the terms set forth become enforceable legal obligations. If either party fails to comply with the terms of the decree, the other party may return to court to seek enforcement, which can result in various legal consequences, including contempt of court. It is important for individuals going through a divorce in Illinois to consult with an attorney to understand their rights and obligations under the state's divorce laws.