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Ask A Divorce Lawyer: Get Answers To Questions About Divorce

We work hard to help clients navigate the divorce process with confidence. Divorce is difficult, but as your divorce lawyers, we will take as much of the burden from your shoulders as possible. If you have children, their interests should be your priority.

Whether working toward a settlement or preparing for trial, we strive to obtain the best possible results for our clients. We are responsive and attentive to client needs every step of the way. Protecting your children, finances and assets is the job for experienced and devoted Libertyville-area divorce attorneys.

We have been practicing Illinois family law for a combined 35-plus years. Our practice is concentrated on resolving family law issues in Lake County and the surrounding areas with efficiency and effectiveness.

Contact us online today at 847-908-3955 to schedule a free initial consultation.

Can You File For An Uncontested Divorce?

If you and your spouse can reach an agreement on every issue, your case can be resolved without the cost and emotional strain of contested hearings or a trial.

However, when people try to file for divorce and resolve their marital separation issues on their own and problems arise down the road, they often realize that their agreements are lacking. They realize that they would have been better able to protect their interests and their children’s interests if they had worked with a divorce attorney to put together the agreement.

Still, working with a divorce lawyer does not inevitably lead to high conflict and exorbitant legal fees. I can work to resolve matters outside of the court process so that, in the best scenario, you only have to make a single court appearance to present your agreement. You will have to consider things you may not have thought of before, such as:

How will you afford to support two individual households rather than one?
How will your business be affected?
What does Illinois law say about property division?
How will your retirement accounts be affected?
Who gets the kids on which nights of the week?
What if you or your spouse wants to move away?
Who will have the significant decision-making responsibilities for the children?

While Illinois no longer provides for joint or sole custody, you still must consider which parent should be allocated significant decision-making responsibilities in connection with the children.

What Is A High-Asset Divorce?

When spouses have significant valuable assets, they face unique challenges during the divorce process. High-asset divorces involve careful and thorough consideration when navigating property division, as these assets are incredibly valuable, and spouses may fight over who gets to keep them. Common types of high assets include businesses, multiple real estate holdings, retirement accounts, prized collectibles or art collections and much more.

High-asset divorces are often contentious and require significant attention to detail. The financial implications can have a tremendous impact on a spouse’s livelihood and future. Many of these assets need to be properly valued to determine their worth before they can go through the process of property division. Determining how to effectively divide a business or a marital home takes time and skillful negotiation from an attorney who is experienced in handling these types of cases.

If you have valuable assets that you wish to protect during a divorce, you need a divorce lawyer who can fight for a full and fair settlement.

Breaking Down The Divorce Process In Illinois

Deciding to end your marriage is difficult enough. Navigating the divorce process in Illinois can be even more challenging, especially without the aid of an experienced lawyer. Here’s a simple breakdown of how the divorce process works and what you can expect:

If you fulfill the Illinois residency requirement of 90 days, the court can enter a divorce judgment.
Illinois has “no-fault” divorce. A couple can file for a divorce citing “irreconcilable differences.”
Divorces can be both contested and uncontested. An uncontested divorce will proceed much faster, though this can be more difficult for couples with children or significant assets.
You will need to settle major divorce issues, including child-related issues such as the allocation of significant decision-making responsibilities (formerly referred to as child custody) and parenting plans. Questions surrounding marital property and debts will also need to be resolved, as well as issues regarding spousal support.
The timing of your divorce will vary. Some couples may be able to file a joint simplified dissolution of marriage form that can speed up the process considerably. Several factors need to be met. Some of which include:
- You must have been married for less than eight years.
- You have no children together.
- Your joint income must be less than $60,000, and neither parent may have income over $30,000.
- You own no real estate.

Whatever your situation is, it’s always a good idea to consult a lawyer with knowledge of the family law issues you’re facing. Divorces are never simple, even when spouses agree on the majority of issues. We can help you explore your options and present your case in the best possible light.

Your Divorce Lawyer Is Just A Phone Call Away

We have decades of experience in the courtroom and work every day to resolve family matters successfully with a wide range of client concerns around divorce, including:

We are ready to help with all of these things and more! Contact us online today or call Douglas Law, A Professional Corporation, at 847-908-3955 to schedule a free initial consultation.