Lombard Divorce Attorney
Lombard Divorce Attorney
Wherever you are in the divorce process, you likely realize the hefty financial and parental implications inherent to the process. In fact, the potential consequences of your divorce are so significant that you owe it to you and your children’s future to work closely with an experienced Lombard divorce attorney who is committed to helping you obtain terms that uphold your financial and parental rights.
Your Parental Rights
The State of Illinois uses the term parental responsibility to replace the better-known child custody, but the meaning remains the same. Child custody was once divided into legal custody and physical custody, but now divorcing parents are required to agree to a parenting plan which encompasses all of their rights and as a parent.
Creating and negotiating parenting plans can be tough, since they must cover matters such as education, religious education, medical care, and extracurricular activities. Decisions that must be made on a daily basis and emergency decisions fall to the parent who has the children in his or her care at the time they arise.
When ex-spouses share custody, it can range from splitting time with the children straight down the middle all the way to one parent being the primary custodial parent (with whom the children live primarily) and the other having a visitation schedule, known as parenting time. It’s important to note that, even with sole custody, the other parent is very likely to be awarded parenting time with the children.
Finally, there is child support to consider. While child support is a financial concern, it is generally predicated on your child custody arrangements. The parent who provides the children with their primary residence (when this is the case) is generally considered to fulfill his or her financial responsibility to the children, and the other parent usually pays child support to him or her. Child support is calculated in accordance with state guidelines and is based on each parent’s relative financial ability to pay (outside of certain minimum payments).Â
Your Financial Rights
The assets that you and your spouse accumulated throughout the years of your marriage amount to your marital property, and they are to be divided equitably upon divorce. This means fairly in relation to the circumstances involved, and the matter can quickly become exceedingly complicated. While those assets that you brought into the marriage with you and kept separate throughout should remain separate property, any increase in their value will likely be identified as marital property (to be divided equitably between the two of you). Factors that can complicate this already complicated matter include business ownership, high assets, and diverse financial holdings.  Â
Consult with an Accomplished Lombard Divorce Attorney Today
Cameron H. Goodman at Goodman Law Firm is a dedicated Lombard divorce attorney with more than two decades of impressive experience helping clients like you successfully resolve their divorce issues. To learn more, please don’t hesitate to contact us 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.