Divorce Attorneys Wheaton
Divorce Attorneys Wheaton
The terms of your divorce will directly affect you and your children’s lives, but the stress and emotional upheaval that tends to accompany divorce can make focusing on the contractual aspects difficult. Because divorce is a major transition and because your parental and financial rights are on the line, having an experienced divorce attorney in Wheaton on your side is the surest path forward.Â
Parenting Time
Illinois addresses parental rights and responsibilities in terms of parenting time and parenting responsibilities, which refer to who will be making the major decisions that need to be made in every child’s life, such as:
- The child’s education
- The child’s religious upbringing
- The child’s participation in extracurricular activities
- The child’s healthcare needs
You and your ex can make these decisions by consensus, or you can divide them according to the topic at hand. Alternatively, one parent may take on the sole responsibility or be awarded tie-breaking authority for those decisions that you’re unable to resolve together.Â
Parenting time sets the visitation schedule that determines how you and your ex will divide your time with the kids. The basic options include dividing your parenting time somewhat evenly or one of you becoming the primary custodial parent.Â
Child Support
Another important aspect of raising your children separately is balancing their financial support between the two of you (according to your ability to contribute), and this is accomplished through child support. While the amount of time each parent spends with the children can affect the state’s child support calculation, the primary factor is each parent’s income, and the parent who is the higher earner generally pays child support.Â
The Division of Marital Property
Those assets that you and your spouse acquire – either separately or together – while you are married are considered marital property. During the course of your divorce, you’ll need to address dividing these assets (or their value) between you in a manner that makes sense, given the unique circumstances involved. While your separate property (those assets that came with you into the marriage and that you kept separate throughout) remains your own, the distinction between separate property and marital property can be difficult to maintain.Â
Alimony
In Illinois, alimony is called spousal support, and it only factors into the divorce terms when one spouse is left without the financial ability to support himself or herself. If the other has the financial ability to help, alimony may be awarded in an amount and for a period of time that allows the recipient to gain greater financial independence.Â
Reach Out to an Experienced Divorce Attorney in Wheaton for the Help You Need Today
If you are facing a divorce, Cameron H. Goodman at Goodman Law Firm in Wheaton is a compassionate divorce attorney with a long history of helping clients like you obtain favorable divorce terms that firmly support their parental and financial rights. Your case is important, and we’re here to help – so please don’t hesitate to contact us for more information today.
FAQs About Divorce in Illinois
What should I do if I have been served with divorce papers?
If you have received service of divorce papers, contact an experienced divorce attorney to review the documents, understand your rights, and plan your next steps. Time is critical in divorce proceedings, and having skilled legal counsel from the start can make all the difference.
How can I prepare for my initial consultation with a divorce attorney?
Bring documents such as financial records, prenuptial agreements, and a list of any questions you have. Be prepared to discuss your relevant goals and concerns openly and honestly. The more information you provide, the better we can assess your situation and develop a strategy that serves your best interests.
How are collaborative law, mediation, and negotiation different?
- Collaborative law is a structured process where both parties and their attorneys commit to resolving the divorce without going to court. It involves open communication and cooperation, with the goal of reaching a mutually beneficial agreement.
- In mediation, a neutral third-party mediator facilitates discussions to help divorcing parties reach a mutual agreement. Rather than making decisions, the mediator guides the negotiation process toward productive outcomes.
- Negotiation involves discussions between the parties directly or their attorneys to settle divorce terms. Unlike mediation, there is no neutral third party.
What should I expect during the divorce process?
The process typically involves filing for divorce, exchanging information, negotiating terms, and finalizing the agreement. If negotiations fail, courtroom litigation will become part of the process.
What happens if my spouse refuses to cooperate during the divorce?
If your spouse is uncooperative, the court may have to intervene to resolve disputes. At Goodman Law Firm, our attorney has experience in handling contentious cases and will advocate for your interests even in circumstances where spousal cooperation is limited.