The Illinois Summons Petition for Dissolution of Marriage/Civil Union is a legal document used to initiate the process of dissolving a marriage or civil union. It is an official court notice that is filed with the court to begin the dissolution process. The petition must be served to the other party, and must include legal information such as the names of the parties, the date of marriage or civil union, the grounds for dissolution, and other relevant information. The Illinois Summons Petition for Dissolution of Marriage/Civil Union can either be a Joint Summons, a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage/Civil Union, or a Petition for Dissolution of Civil Union. A Joint Summons is used when both parties agree to end the marriage or civil union and both parties are in agreement with the terms and conditions of the dissolution. A Petition for Dissolution of Marriage/Civil Union is used when one party initiates the dissolution, and the other party does not agree with the terms and conditions of the dissolution. A Petition for Dissolution of Civil Union is used when one party is seeking to dissolve a civil union rather than a marriage. The Illinois Summons Petition for Dissolution of Marriage/Civil Union must be completed and signed by the party initiating the dissolution. Once the summons is filed with the court, it must be served to the other party. Upon receiving the summons, the other party has 28 days to respond and file a response with the court.