Divorce (the action or instance of legally dissolving a marriage) in Illinois is referred to as Dissolution of Marriage and is categorized as a contested divorce or an uncontested divorce. WARD FAMILY LAW, LLC, represents clients of various personal and professional backgrounds with each client having their own unique issues and concerns, but all are going through the same divorce process. With Jennifer R. Ward, Esquire leading the way on your case, you have legal counsel with extensive law school classroom teaching, professional lecturing, publishing, negotiation, and courtroom experience, which provides clients with well-rounded representation.
In a contested divorce, the parties disagree on at least one of the main issues. In an uncontested divorce, the parties can agree on all of the issues and need guidance negotiating and drafting the final documentation. WARD FAMILY LAW, LLC, can streamline an uncontested divorce case by guiding the client through the steps that are necessary to ensure that the case is concluded with well-written, mutually agreeable documentation in a timely fashion. We also handle highly contested matters and are fully committed to litigating on behalf of our clients, when necessary, to ensure our clients obtain favorable results under the law.
WARD FAMILY LAW, LLC, will help you navigate the divorce process from start to finish, and we will ensure that you are being personally guided through every step. We understand family dynamics and how emotionally draining the divorce can be; we will take the time to understand your needs, concerns, and objectives and how that will impact you and your family. The complexities of the divorce process and implications are not lost on a law firm that handles these cases every day, which allows our clients to have access to attorneys that are both compassionate and experienced in the family law field.
In order to file for a Dissolution of Marriage in Illinois, one of the spouses must be a resident of Illinois for at least 90 days and must meet jurisdictional requirements. The grounds for divorce in Illinois are now irreconcilable differences, specifically defined as “causing the irretrievable breakdown of the marriage and the court determines that efforts at reconciliation have failed or that future attempts at reconciliation would be impracticable and not in the best interests of the family.”
If the parties lived “separate and apart” for at least six consecutive months immediately preceding the entry of the judgment dissolving the marriage, there is an irrefutable presumption that the requirement of irreconcilable differences has been met. In Illinois, living “separate and apart” does not simply mean the parties have physically lived in separate residences- this legal term refers more to the parties’ mindsets with regard to the breakdown of their marriage. Living separate and apart can include spouses living together but believing that the marriage has irretrievably broken down for a period of at least six months prior to the entry of a judgment for divorce.
In obtaining the final Judgment for Dissolution of Marriage, any such judgment cannot be entered unless the court has jurisdiction and has considered, approved, reserved or made provision for the allocation of parental responsibilities, the support of any child of the marriage entitled to support, the maintenance of either spouse and the disposition of property. The court will enter a Judgment for Dissolution of Marriage that reserves any of these issues either by agreement of the parties or motion of either party that the court finds appropriate circumstances exist. Our expertise allows you to meet, and often surpass, your goals in obtaining a dissolution of marriage. Contact our experienced attorneys at WARD FAMILY LAW, LLC, to schedule a consultation today.
Jennifer is a strategic thinker with a remarkable ability to anticipate and address potential challenges. Her attention to detail and thorough preparation were evident in every aspect of my paternity case. This meticulous approach translated into a successful resolution of establishing the father-child relationship and financial responsibility that comes with that. I felt well-represented both inside and outside the zoom courtroom.
I was referred to the firm for their expertise in handling complex business divisions during divorce proceedings. As someone entangled in a high-stakes divorce involving substantial business assets, I can attest to their unparalleled skill, strategic acumen, and unwavering commitment to securing the best possible outcome for their clients. From the business valuation to the creative distribution, thank you.
If you own a business or an interest in a business or stock options (or anything of real value related to a business) then you need to make sure that your divorce attorney knows what they’re doing. My first attorney had no idea and so I had to start over finding the right team that had extensive family law and divorce experience that I needed in Chicago. Their deep understanding of corporate structures, financial statements, and tax implications showcased a level of competence that instilled confidence throughout the entire process. They collaborated seamlessly with financial experts, forensic accountants, and other…
The firm’s negotiation skills were instrumental in reaching a favorable settlement that protected my financial interests while mitigating the emotional toll often associated with divorce proceedings. Enough said. Ward family law has the best team of experienced lawyers to get you what you want and deserve.
For anyone facing the challenging intersection of divorce and complex business matters, I wholeheartedly recommend Jennifer and Emily as legal eagles who goes above and beyond to safeguard their clients' interests.
Just as their law firm philosophy stated, Jennifer and Emily consistently maintained an open line of communication, promptly responding to my emails and keeping me informed at every step of the legal divorce process. This transparent approach not only fostered trust but also allowed me to actively participate in my case, making informed decisions with confidence.
What truly sets them apart from the other matrimonial lawyers is their keen attention to detail. They approached our unique situation with a meticulous eye, taking the time to understand our needs and concerns in getting married. The resulting prenuptial agreement felt tailor-made, a testament to that clear commitment to delivering personalized legal solutions.
My entire marriage was reactive. The proactive approach proposed by Jennifer alleviated any apprehensions I had, fostering trust in her team’s family law expertise and being able to understand her client’s needs. In the courtroom, the senior legal associate, Emily, demonstrated a command of legal strategy woven in with facts unique to my situation. The case was settled, but not without some court battles to get us there. Thank you for the fight when I needed it and the negotiation of settlement when it was time.
Zoom courtroom presence is odd, to say the least. Somehow, Emily was able to show herself as both assertive and composed in a zoom setting, instilling confidence that my interests were being fiercely defended. Divorce isn’t fun, but I can tell you it’s nice to have the right people on your side during the process. Ward family law did that for me.
I recently had the privilege of working with Jennifer - she has to be one of the most outstanding legal professionals in Chicago. I don’t write reviews often, but I am compelled to share my experience with others seeking top-notch representation during a divorce. I was referred to her - she is renowned for her expertise and dedication to families, which proved her to be an invaluable ally during a challenging period in my life that had me at risk of losing my kids. She demonstrated a profound understanding of the intricacies of divorce law. Her comprehensive knowledge of the…
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