Divorce Lawyers St. Charles
Divorce Lawyers St. Charles
Divorce is one of life’s more difficult transitions, and the outcome of your divorce is likely to have significant financial consequences – in addition to affecting your parental rights. Because the terms of your divorce will directly affect you and your children’s future, working closely with experienced divorce lawyers in St. Charles is in your best interest.Â
Your Marital Property
The assets and properties that you acquire while you are married are almost certain to qualify as marital property, which must be divided between you and your spouse equitably – or fairly – upon divorce. It makes no difference who made the purchase or whose name is attached – if you acquired the asset in question while you were married, it’s very likely to be a marital asset. The exceptions include gifts or inheritances that are made in one spouse’s name only. Your separate property (that you brought into the marriage with you and that you were able to keep separate throughout) will remain your own property.Â
Your Parenting Plan
In Illinois, child custody is addressed in terms of parental responsibilities and parenting time, which are both addressed in your parenting plan. Parental responsibilities determine how you and your children’s other parent will handle important decisions related to your children’s upbringing, including those related to the following:
- Your children’s schooling
- Your children’s health care
- Your children’s extracurricular activities
- Your children’s religious education
Parenting time, on the other hand, addresses the matter of how you and your ex will divide your time with your shared children. The options include one of you becoming the primary custodial parent (while the other has what amounts to a visitation schedule) or both of you dividing your time with the children more evenly.Â
Supporting Your Children Financially
Both parents are expected to continue supporting their children financially post-divorce, and child support is the state’s payment mechanism. While a wide range of determinative factors is included in the calculation process, the primary concerns are the number of overnights each parent has with the kids and each parent’s earnings. Typically, the parent who earns more pays child support to the other parent (even when parenting time is divided equally).Â
Alimony
Alimony – or spousal maintenance – only comes up in those divorces in which one spouse is left with a financial deficit and the other has the financial ability to help. Alimony is generally set only for an amount of time that allows the recipient to gain the education, job skills, or experience necessary to become more financially independent.Â
Reach Out to Experienced Divorce Lawyers in St. Charles for the Help You Are Looking For
Cameron H. Goodman at Goodman Law Firm in St. Charles, Illinois, is a compassionate divorce lawyer who understands just how difficult the divorce process can be and who is committed to advocating for your rights while helping you resolve your divorce as efficiently as possible. We are on your side and 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.