OK I had it backwards, in this case. He will need to be a resident of Iowa for one year in order to file as the plaintiff. However, YOU can file in Iowa as a non-resident, in the county in which HE is a resident.
In Illinois you have to be a resident for 90 days. Again, as a non-resident, I don't think he can file right now.
Still, what makes the most sense is for you to file right away in Illinois. Don't worry about the old papers--the lawyers have it all formatted and ready, they just fill in the particulars.
But do ask your lawyer about the Illinois/Iowa residency thing. I may not have it right.
