Disclaimer: All facts gleaned from the filings stated hereafter are only as truthful as the petitioner. The tone of this article expresses a style of writing historically employed by America’s greatest writers and, as such, is for opinion purposes only. No intentional harm is due. Do not read if the topic of divorce (even your own) causes you emotional distress. Continue at your own risk.
Beneath the steady rhythms of Cook County life, another union nears its end—not with fury or recrimination, but with the wearied finality of irreconcilable difference. On May 2, 2025, Carolyn Kennedy Jean petitioned the Circuit Court of Cook County for the dissolution of her marriage to Thomas Jean, a bond solemnized nearly twelve years ago on August 17, 2013.
What once began with promise has, according to Carolyn, given way to distance and disunion. The couple, aged 38 and 36 respectively, have lived apart for more than six months, cohabitation a memory rather than a reality. Carolyn attests that all efforts to reconcile have failed and future attempts would be both futile and unwise. She filed pro se, unrepresented by counsel.
Three young children stand at the center of the matter. The petitioner requests that parental responsibilities for their upbringing, education, health, and religious guidance be shared equally between the parents. Parenting time is to be divided in accordance with statutory guidelines and the family’s past dynamics.
Carolyn seeks equitable distribution of marital property and debt, and asks the court to affirm each party’s sole entitlement to their respective non-marital assets. Notably, she moves that both parties be barred from seeking spousal maintenance, affirming their self-sufficiency.
No protection orders have been filed, and no parallel petitions are pending elsewhere. The request is simple yet firm: end the marriage, and let its remnants be divided with fairness, leaving no entitlement to linger and no illusion of restoration.
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