Top Divorce Lawyers Near Me
Top Divorce Lawyers Near Me
Maybe you’ve known for a while now that your divorce was coming. Or perhaps you were shocked to be served divorce papers. Whatever your story might be, you need top divorce lawyers near you to help you navigate this often-tumultuous life transition. Divorces are one of the most challenging periods in life. So much is changing at once. Even if you are mentally and emotionally prepared for these changes, the process is still emotionally taxing. While there’s no easy button to hit for divorce, by having the right divorce attorneys by your side, you can ensure that your rights are upheld and that you will end up with the best possible outcome.Â
Requirements to File for Divorce in Illinois
When you hire top divorce attorneys near you, they can help you evaluate if you meet the requirements to file for a divorce in the state of Illinois. First, Illinois has fault-based and no-fault divorces. If you file a fault divorce, one spouse has to establish that the other behaved in a manner that led to the divorce. On the other hand, in a no-fault divorce, you don’t have to prove that one spouse caused the end of the marriage.Â
If you will be filing a no-fault divorce, you or your soon-to-be ex-spouse need to have lived in the state for a minimum of 90 days before filing for divorce. You must also have lived separately from each other for a minimum of two years. Unlike some other states, Illinois doesn’t require that the couple lives in separate households during that time. They must simply live more like roommates rather than like spouses.
Another path to divorce is if both spouses express in writing that their marriage is irretrievably broken. If they do this, they only need to be separated for six months before filing for divorce.
Ground for Fault Based Divorces
Spouses who want to file a fault-based complaint can use one or more grounds for divorce, such as:
- Adultery
- Bigamy
- Impotence
- Abandonment for one year or longer
- Alcohol abuse or drug addiction for two years
- Attempting to take the other spouse’s life
- Extreme physical or mental cruelty
- A felony conviction
- Infecting the other spouse with a sexually transmitted disease (STD)
Illinois courts don’t usually consider either spouse’s fault when determining property division. As such, divorcing couples choose not to list any fault-based reasons for their split. Suppose you want to list a reason for your divorce. In that case, you can discuss any potential benefits of doing so with top divorce lawyers near you.
Are You Searching for Top Divorce Attorneys Near You?
If you are facing a divorce, you are likely facing many uncertainties. You will need to consider and negotiate issues such as the division of your assets and debts, parenting time and parental responsibility, child support, and the allocation of spousal maintenance, otherwise known as alimony. The good news is that you don’t have to face these issues alone. Contact us today to speak with top divorce lawyers near you and schedule a confidential divorce case review.
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.