Can You Pause or Stop a Divorce Once It Has Started?

 Posted on January 14, 2026 in Divorce

In 2025, the Pew Research Center reported that more than 1.8 million Americans had divorced. As of January 2026, Illinois law allows spouses to pause proceedings or dismiss a case entirely under certain conditions.

Divorce is not always a straight path from filing to final judgment. There is room for reconciliation, delays, and procedural pauses, depending on where the case stands and what both spouses want.

If you are having second thoughts or want time to explore your options, speaking with a DeKalb, IL divorce lawyer early can help you understand what steps are still available.

Can You Stop a Divorce After It Has Been Filed in Illinois?

A divorce can usually be stopped if both spouses agree they no longer want to proceed. The case officially begins when one spouse files a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage. Until the court enters a final judgment, the case can often be dismissed voluntarily. This ends the divorce process and leaves the marriage legally intact.

If only one spouse wants to stop the divorce, the case may still move forward. Illinois is a no-fault divorce state, which means one spouse can continue even if the other spouse has changed their mind without anyone needing to prove that someone is responsible for the breakdown of the marriage. Under 750 ILCS 5/401(a)(2), a court may grant a divorce based on the marriage being "irretrievably broken" without requiring agreement from both spouses.

How Does Pausing a Divorce Work in Illinois?

Pausing a divorce does not always mean the case goes away. In many situations, the case stays open but does not actively move forward.

Courts may allow continuances, which are formal delays of hearings or deadlines. These pauses can give spouses time to work through issues and decide whether reconciliation is realistic.

Judges generally allow reasonable delays, especially early in the case. They usually will not allow a divorce to remain paused indefinitely without a clear reason.

Why Do Some Couples Choose To Pause a Divorce?

Couples pause divorce proceedings for many practical and personal reasons. Common situations include:

• Wanting time to try marriage counseling

• Needing space to sort out finances or housing

• Hoping to reduce conflict before making final decisions

• Reconsidering the impact of divorce on children

Pausing the case can provide breathing room without forcing an immediate outcome.

What Happens if You Reconcile During a Divorce in Illinois?

If spouses reconcile, they can ask the court to dismiss the divorce case. Once dismissed, the court no longer has authority over issues such as property division, support, or parenting matters connected to that case. The marriage continues as if the divorce was never filed.

If temporary court orders were entered before reconciliation, those orders may still apply until the case is formally dismissed. Under 750 ILCS 5/501, Illinois courts have the authority to issue temporary orders for things like support, use of property, or parenting issues. Those orders remain in effect unless the court modifies them or dismisses the case. This makes proper timing and filing important when spouses reconcile.

Does the Waiting Period Affect Whether a Divorce Can Be Paused?

Illinois does not require a mandatory separation period before divorce. However, other timing rules still affect how quickly a case can move.

Residency requirements must be met before filing, and contested issues take time to resolve. These built-in delays sometimes give couples space to reconsider before the court enters a final judgment. Once a final judgment of dissolution is entered, the divorce cannot be paused or undone.

When Should You Talk to an Illinois Attorney About Pausing a Divorce?

Timing matters when trying to pause or stop a divorce. Acting early gives you more options. As experienced Illinois attorneys, we understand that the choice to pause a divorce can sometimes spring up overnight. However, once deadlines pass or court orders are entered, flexibility decreases. Knowing what paperwork to file and when can help avoid unintended consequences.

Contact Our DuPage County, IL Divorce Attorney Today

Divorce decisions are often emotional and complicated. It is common to have second thoughts after a case begins. At SpyratosDavis LLC, we help clients understand their options and make informed decisions about how to move forward.

If you are considering pausing or stopping a divorce, or if you need clarity about your case, contact a DeKalb, IL divorce lawyer. Call 630-810-8881 to schedule a consultation and discuss your next steps today.