Downers Grove Divorce Lawyers
Downers Grove Divorce Lawyers
If you and your spouse are moving toward divorce, it is not only an emotionally difficult time but also an important time in which many significant decisions will be made that directly affect you and your children’s future. Obtaining divorce terms that support your financial rights and that support your and your children’s best interests is paramount, and our Downers Grove divorce lawyers are here to help. Â
Your Child Custody Arrangements
In any divorce that involves children, child custody arrangements – called parental responsibility in Illinois – are key. While coming to terms with altered living arrangements can be difficult, you and your divorcing spouse can get creative in the arrangement-making process, and you may find a new normal that works well for all involved. Keeping your mind open to all the possibilities can help you move forward with less trepidation. At Goodman Law Firm, our experienced Downers Grove divorce lawyers have helped many families craft customized parenting plans that suit their unique needs, and we welcome the opportunity to help you, too.
If you cannot find mutually acceptable terms between yourselves (with the negotiation skills of your respective attorneys), the court will do so for you. The court is always motivated by what it determines are the children’s best interests, but ceding this important decision-making power can be very stressful – with unknowable results. Alternate dispute resolution options may be available to you, such as mediation, before you need to ask the court to intervene.Â
The Division of Marital Property
In most cases, the property you and your spouse acquired together during your marriage will be divided equitably upon divorce. In essence, this means that your marital assets will be divided in a way that is fair in relation to the circumstances of your marriage. As you can probably imagine, this process can quickly become complicated and often heated. The following can all make the matter even more difficult and more likely to require serious negotiation efforts:Â
- Owning multiple properties
- Having high assets
- Owning a business
- Having complicated assets that include both separate and marital properties that may have commingled
- Divorcing after a marriage of many years
Child Support
Child support amounts are based on state guidelines that spell out exactly what percentage the paying party (usually the parent with fewer overnights with the child, but not always) will pay from their income in support of the couple’s shared children. The court does, however, have considerable discretion in the matter, and if there are any extenuating circumstances – such as a child with special needs – it is likely to deviate from the standard guidelines. Working with experienced Downers Grove divorce lawyers can help you negotiate child support amounts that are reasonable for everyone involved.
Alimony
Alimony (or spousal maintenance) is usually reserved for those instances when one spouse has a significant post-divorce financial need, and the other spouse has the financial means to help alleviate that need. You should discuss possible alimony determinations with your divorce attorney.Â
Reach Out to One of Our Downers Grove Divorce Lawyers
No two divorces follow identical paths, but obtaining favorable divorce terms can be essential to starting the next chapter of your life in a positive way. At Goodman Law Firm, our resourceful and compassionate Downers Grove divorce lawyers have the experience and commitment to skillfully guide your case toward divorce terms that uphold your rights and benefit you. We are here to help, so please do not delay contacting 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.