Mt. Prospect Divorce Attorney
Mt. Prospect Divorce Attorney
Divorce is a difficult life event that many couples are forced to address. The emotional element of divorce is often so weighty that it’s difficult to focus on the pragmatic financial and parental matters that must be addressed. If you’re facing a divorce, don’t wait to consult with an experienced Mt. Prospect divorce attorney.
The Primary Components of Your DivorceÂ
No two couples are exactly alike, and every divorce is similarly unique. Nevertheless, your divorce will address all the same issues that every other divorce does, including:
- Division of Marital Property – That property that you and your spouse amass as a married couple is marital property that will be divided between you equitably (or fairly) upon divorce. This division is often one of the most contentious components of divorce, but taking a balanced approach that systematically addresses your full range of assets can help keep problems at bay (and working closely with an experienced divorce attorney from the outset can help you manage this feat).
- Child Custody Arrangements – Child custody arrangements are part of parental responsibilities in Illinois, and this term has replaced child custody in the text of the law. A parenting plan is now used to determine who will be making important decisions related to education, religious upbringing, medical care, and extracurriculars, (once known as legal custody), and with whom the children will live and on what schedule (previously called physical custody).
- Child Support – Because both parents are financially responsible for raising their children, child support payments are in place to help balance both parent’s contributions (relative to the daily support they provide and their financial ability to pay).Â
- Alimony – Alimony is called spousal support in Illinois, and it is a payment made to a spouse who experiences diminished finances as a result of divorce and made by the spouse with the financial ability to help.Â
In combination, these elements of divorce guide help guide your post-divorce future, which is why it’s imperative that you allow each the legal attention it deserves.
Forging Mutually Acceptable Terms
If you and your divorcing spouse can forge mutually acceptable terms in each of the categories necessary, you can present those terms to the court and expect it to sign off on them. If one or more sticking points remain, however, you have options other than turning to the court for intervention, including:
- You and your spouse can negotiate together with your respective divorce attorneys’ skilled guidance.
- Your respective divorce attorneys can negotiate with each other on you and your divorcing spouse’s behalf.
- A professional mediator can help you and your spouse (along with your respective divorce attorneys) explore your best options going forward and forge mutually acceptable compromises.Â
Turn to an Experienced Mt. Prospect Divorce Attorney
Divorce is never easy, but with Cameron H. Goodman at Goodman Law Firm on your side, you can move forward with the confidence that comes from knowing you’re in good hands. Mr. Goodman has more than 20 years of experience helping clients like you, 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.