Marital Settlement Agreements are agreements coming from and in conjunction with a dissolution of marriage. WARD FAMILY LAW, LLC, has negotiated, drafted, reviewed, revised, and approved these agreements, having the knowledge and experience to know that a Marital Settlement Agreement must be thoroughly and carefully prepared. The best result in any family law matter is through a negotiated settlement of the case, and WARD FAMILY LAW, LLC, is experienced and skilled in achieving negotiated settlements. The negotiation of any family-law related agreement takes finesse in balancing the mental and emotional needs of the parties while also resolving property division and allocation, maintenance, and child-related issues. We tailor each and every Marital Settlement Agreement to meet our client’s needs, objectives, goals, and negotiated settlement terms.
A negotiated settlement, including a Marital Settlement Agreement, is something that can be achieved at any stage in a case, including before or after a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage is filed with the Court. However, each legal counsel must perform due diligence to ensure that their client is fully informed of the assets and liabilities comprising both the marital and non-marital property along with the explanation of Illinois law, which will allow for a client to make informed settlement decisions. A Marital Settlement Agreement is often reached well before a contested trial but after issues between the parties are resolved, through various methods which include four-way conferences with the opposing party and attorney, exchange of written settlement proposals, and pre-trial settlement conferences with the Judge assigned to the case.
Marital Settlement Agreements, even though negotiated and agreed to by the parties, require a review and approval by the Domestic Relations Court as “not unconscionable” to be valid and enforceable. In layman’s terms, that means that the agreement is not grossly unfair to one of the parties. The court must also approve all child-related terms and child support provisions contained in a Marital Settlement Agreement before they are binding and enforceable. If the Marital Settlement Agreement passes court review, it will be incorporated in the Judgment Of Dissolution Of Marriage that dissolves the parties’ marriage. After entry by the Judge, if one of the parties violates a provision in the Marital Settlement Agreement then the other party may file a petition to enforce the Judgment by initiating a post-decree action. To schedule a free consultation, contact WARD FAMILY LAW, LLC, 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…
If you would like an attorney to contact you for a free consultation, please complete this form.