Family Law Lawyers Oak Brook
Family Law Lawyers Oak Brook
If you have a legal concern that involves your family, it’s an important matter. Family law encompasses the terms of divorce, post-divorce modifications, and much more, and each of these is a primary concern for the family who is experiencing it. If you are faced with a family law issue, turn to the professional legal guidance of a family law lawyer in Oak Brook for the help you need.Â
Family Law Cases
While family law is a broad area of the law, some of the most common family law matters include:
- Parenting time and post-divorce modifications
- Child support and post-divorce modificationsÂ
- Spousal support and post-divorce modifications
- The division of marital property
- PaternityÂ
Parenting Time
Parenting time, post-divorce modifications, and parenting time outside of marriage and divorce are all very common to family law. Matters based on the welfare of children are always determined in accordance with their best interests, which means that a wide range of factors is taken into consideration.Â
Child Support
Child support is determined according to state calculation guidelines that explore a variety of relevant factors. The primary determinants, however, are the number of overnights each parent has with the children and each parent’s income. Very generally, the parent who earns more will have the child support obligation.Â
Maintenance/Spousal Support
Spousal support (or alimony) only plays a role if the recipient experiences a financial downturn upon divorce and the payor has the financial means to help offset it.Â
The Division of Marital Property
In Illinois, those assets that you and your spouse accumulate while you are married are considered marital property, which means they belong to both of you (regardless of who wrote the check or who signed on the dotted line). Such assets must be divided between you equitably upon divorce, and this means fairly (given the circumstances involved).Â
Paternity
Paternity is the legal term that is used for fatherhood, and if the parents are not married in the State of Illinois when a child is born, paternity must be established for legal purposes. The options for establishing paternity include both parents agreeing to the matter and signing off on a Voluntary Acknowledgement of Paternity (VAP) or either parent requesting that the court establish paternity (generally via DNA testing). Establishing paternity helps to ensure that all the following happen:
- The father and child have the opportunity to bond meaningfully.
- The father protects his parental rights and establishes his parental responsibilities.
- The mother and the child benefit from the father’s additional financial support.Â
- The child has the legal rights of inheritance.
- Benefits from the father flow to the child in the form of employer-sponsored health insurance, military benefits, social security benefits, or any combination of these.
It’s time to Consult with an Experienced Family Law Lawyer in Oak Brook
Cameron H. Goodman at Goodman Law Firm in Oak Brook is a very capable family law lawyer who puts his clients’ rights and best interests first. 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.