Bolingbrook Divorce Lawyer

The divorce process can be lengthy and complex, causing intense emotions and several material challenges. A Bolingbrook divorce lawyer can help ease tensions and ensure you reach your goals during settlement. Whether it’s pursuing fair child support arrangements or securing a fair share of marital assets, your Bolingbrook family lawyer can fight on your behalf and protect your rights.

A Bolingbrook divorce attorney can help you pursue the settlement you expect. The divorce lawyers in Bolingbrook, IL  at Vahey Law & Mediation, LLC, has experience with a variety of divorce-related tasks to help make the process as seamless as possible. They include:

• Advising clients: We help our clients understand the legal process of divorce and the rights that they have.
• Negotiating:  We represent our clients through the negotiation process and help them communicate their needs and wants with their spouse.
• Mediation: Through mediation, we help our clients come to an agreement with their spouse.
• Representing clients: We will represent you in front of a judge or throughout court hearings to ensure you receive the most favorable outcome in your settlement.
• Investigating assets: We will investigate any hidden assets to ensure you receive the settlement that you deserve.
• Creating a parenting plan: Our Bolingbrook divorce lawyer will help create a parenting plan that is in the best interest of your children.

There are several steps of filing for a divorce in Bolingbrook, Illinois. They include:

• Filing the petition: To officially begin the process of divorce, you will need to file a Petition for a Dissolution of Marriage and serve it to your spouse.
  
  
• Serving divorce papers: Either a sheriff or process server will need to give the divorce papers to your significant other.
  
  
• Responding to the petition: Once the papers have been served, the other spouse has 30 days to respond to the petition.
  
  
• Negotiating settlement: Once both parties have agreed to divorce, they will need to reach a settlement regarding the division of their shared assets and arrangements for child custody and support.
  
  
• Mediation: Mediation is when a couple uses a neutral third party to help them through the process of coming to an agreement. Mediation is required when children are involved to help determine a custody agreement.
  
  
• Financial disclosures: All financial records will need to be given to the courts so they can make rulings on child support, alimony, and how assets should be divided.
  
  
• Finalizing the divorce: Once all parties have come to an agreement, the court will ensure the judgment of dissolution of marriage has been met.

In Illinois, establishing fault is not required to file for a divorce. However, a separation of six months is required before filing for divorce. When both parties are in agreement on the divorce, the process is relatively short, but a contested divorce can become a lengthy process.

A contested divorce is when one or more parties cannot agree on an issue, such as child support, child custody, alimony, or property division. A Bolingbrook divorce lawyer can guide you through each step of the process to reach a settlement in a contested divorce.

The process of a contested divorce starts when one party files for divorce. The judge grants temporary orders for the couple to follow while the discovery process begins. During the discovery process, each party’s attorney gathers evidence from the other party through interrogations, depositions, subpoenas, requests for disclosure, production of documents, and admissions.

Most divorces will then enter settlement negotiations with the hope of reaching an agreement without going to trial. If both parties are unable to reach an agreement, they will enter a divorce trial. The judge will listen to both parties’ lawyers and make a decision on any withstanding issues the couple cannot agree on.

Depending on the complexity of your divorce, the process can take an average of several months to a year to come to an agreement with your spouse.

The cost of a divorce in Bolingbrook, Illinois is very dependent upon each couple’s particular situation and whether or not the divorce is contested upon. The sooner a couple can reach an agreement, the more cost-effective the process will be.

Q: What Is the Average Cost of a Divorce Lawyer in Illinois?

A: The average cost of a divorce lawyer in Illinois depends on a variety of factors, such as the experience level of the attorney and the complexity of your divorce case. This is influenced by whether children are involved if the case ends up in trial, and how quickly a couple can agree upon a settlement.

Q: What Is the Wife Entitled to in Divorce in Illinois?

A: Wives are entitled to a fair share of the marital property. Illinois is an equitable distribution state, meaning property will be divided fairly among divorcing couples. However, it is important to note that it is not always 50/50. Additionally, the court doesn’t divide non-marital property, such as gifts and inheritance, leaving those assets with the original owner.

Q: What Is the First Step in Getting a Divorce in Illinois?

A: The first step in getting a divorce in Illinois is for one spouse to file a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage with the appropriate circuit court. This legal document outlines the grounds for divorce and the relief sought, such as property division or child custody. After filing, the petition must be served to the other spouse, providing official notice of the proceedings.

Q: Who Should File for Divorce First in Illinois?

A: Since Illinois is a no-fault state, there is no legal advantage for either party to file for divorce first. However, some may consider non-legal advantages to filing for divorce first. Doing so allows you to choose the jurisdiction, begin the process sooner, and allow more time to financially prepare for the divorce costs.

Whether you expect your divorce case to be simple or anticipate your case heading trial our experienced Bolingbrook divorce attorney at Vahey Law & Mediation, LLC is ready to represent you. To discuss your legal options, contact our office today.