Divorce Law Firm Downers Grove

Divorce Law Firm Downers Grove

Although getting divorced is often commonplace, it is still a complex legal process. Divorce involves deadlines, requirements, negotiations, court dates, legal paperwork, and many other aspects that most laypeople don’t have experience with or knowledge about. If you are thinking about getting divorced or are already in the process, hiring a divorce law firm in Downers Grove to represent your interests is a move you won’t regret. In fact, having such representation can improve the outcome of your divorce. With an experienced divorce attorney on your side, you can confidently face the essential matters in your divorce. 

Dividing Assets

One often significant point of contention in a divorce is the division of assets and debts. Illinois is an equitable distribution state. All assets must be split equitably between both spouses. Keep in mind; however, this doesn’t necessarily mean they will be divided equally. The presiding family court judge will consider the following factors when determining the equitable distribution of assets:

• Contribution of each spouse to the increase or decrease in value of marital assets
• Duration of the marriage
• Financial resources of both spouses

In Illinois, misconduct in the marriage, such as adultery or abuse, isn’t one of these factors. Wrongdoing on the part of one spouse doesn’t give the other spouse the right to more assets.

Suppose you have assets that were brought into the marriage or received as a gift or inheritance during your marriage. In that case, they won’t be subject to property division. They are yours to keep. However, if you used money or assets from these property types to buy something for the benefit of the marriage, property division can become more complex. Having a seasoned divorce law firm in Downers Grove represent you in these matters will be to your benefit. 

Will You Pay or Receive Spousal Support?

Also known as alimony or maintenance, spousal support is money paid from one divorcing spouse to the other during and/or after the divorce. These payments are intended to support a spouse that was financially dependent on the other during the marriage or at the time of divorce. In some cases, it’s also intended to let one spouse continue to enjoy the same type of lifestyle that both spouses enjoyed during the marriage. Either spouse can request alimony. Whether you will pay or receive maintenance depends on many factors such as:

• The standard of living established during the marriage
• The length of the marriage
• The age and physical and emotional condition of each spouse
• The financial resources of each party, the nonmarital and the marital assets and liabilities assigned to each
• If applicable, the time required for either spouse to obtain sufficient education or training to allow them to find appropriate employment
• What each spouse contributed to the marriage, such as services rendered in homemaking, child care, education, and career-building of the other spouse
• Income sources of each party

When you work with a divorce law firm in Downers Grove, they can help you determine if you might need to pay spousal maintenance or if you might qualify to receive it. 

Do You Need a Reputable Divorce Law Firm in Downers Grove?

No matter the issues specific to your divorce, the Goodman Law Firm can help. Our divorce law firm in Downers Grove has represented divorce clients from all walks of life and all ages. We thoroughly explore all of your options and help you make the best-informed decisions for you and your family. Contact us today to schedule a confidential divorce case review.