The Illinois Entry of Appearance (Petition for Dissolution of Marriage/Civil Union) is a legal document filed with the court by a person involved in a divorce or civil union dissolution. It notifies the court that the person wishes to participate in the proceedings and have their rights protected. This document is required for the court to recognize and accept a party’s pleadings and documents. There are two types of Illinois Entry of Appearance (Petition for Dissolution of Marriage/Civil Union): petition for dissolution of marriage and petition for dissolution of civil union. The petition for dissolution of marriage is filed when the parties to a marriage wish to end their marriage and seek a legal dissolution. The petition for dissolution of civil union is filed when the parties to a civil union wish to end their union and seek a legal dissolution. The Illinois Entry of Appearance should include the names of the parties involved, the date of the marriage or civil union, and the grounds for the dissolution. It should also include a signature and date from the filer.