Sullivan Taylor & Gumina, P.C.
1250 E. Diehl Road
Suite 400
Naperville, IL 60563
Phone: 630.665.7676
Fax: 630.665.8630
Google Map of the office

DuPage Divorce Law Q & A: "What is a bench trial?"

A "bench trial" is a trial without a jury, with just you, your spouse, the Judge, and attorneys present.  (The Judge's clerk will also be there, and possibly a court reporter in some counties in Illinois divorce cases). You may also have other witnesses present to testify if needed.  Illinois divorce cases are tried without a jury.  Interestingly, juries were allowed for divorce cases up to 1976 in Illinois.  Believe it or not, most divorce trials are fairly boring to an observer, with large numbers of financial documents being discussed by attorneys and the parties, and examined by the Judge.  The dramatic TV and movie divorce trials are quite rare.  A very small percentage of divorce cases actually go to trial, most are settled by the parties.

If you need help with your DuPage divorce case, please call to schedule a consultation at 630.665.7676, or click here to contact us.