Divorce Lawyer Near Me

Divorce Lawyer Near Me

If divorce is on your mind – whether you believe divorce is imminent or you are considering the possibility – it’s a good time to consult with an experienced divorce lawyer. The fact is that the terms of your divorce will significantly affect not only your financial future but also your home life and schedule with your children. If you have thought that you want to contact a divorce lawyer near you, there is no reason to delay reaching out.

Consulting with a Divorce Lawyer

Consulting with a divorce lawyer is not a commitment to divorce. In actuality, once faced with the reality of divorce and its effects, many couples redouble their efforts and commit to making their marriages work. If you do determine that you need a divorce, however, having already consulted with a knowledgeable divorce lawyer leaves you better prepared to move forward with purpose.

The Terms of Your Divorce

Your divorce will follow its own unique course, but the terms that must be addressed and resolved in the process remain the same, including:

• Allocation of Parental Responsibilities – In Illinois, child custody is referred to as parental responsibilities. This involves both the decision-making authority of each parent, as well as the time each parent will spend with their child. Your arrangement should be set out in a carefully drafted parenting plan. 
• The Equitable Division of Marital Property – The property that you and your spouse acquire during your married years is considered marital property, which will need to be divided in a fair and equitable manner based on your marital circumstances.
• Child Support – Child support is calculated in accordance with state guidelines, but there are some circumstances, such as having a child with special needs, that move the court to award child support outside of these parameters.  The court will often also award contribution to child-related expenses such as health care, education, schooling, extracurricular activities, and childcare just to name a few. 
• Maintenance is also known as Spousal Support and Alimony – Maintenance (also called spousal support or alimony) can play a role if one divorcing spouse will experience a financial need and the other has the financial ability to help relieve that need. The court will consider wide-ranging factors in making its alimony determination.  There is a statutory guideline now in place that will allow you to know what your realistic support would be once both parties have exchanged mutual financials to their legal counsels at the onset of the case.  

Any one of these terms can play a significant role in you and your children’s future, which makes working closely with an accomplished divorce lawyer the best path forward. 

A lawyer can help you explore whether you and your spouse can reach an out-of-court agreement on the above issues, which can prevent the need for court intervention and save you resources. If one or more issues remain contested, we can protect your rights in court. 

Look No Further for the Right Divorce Lawyer Near You

The divorce lawyers at WARD FAMILY LAW, LLC in Chicago understand how vulnerable the prospect of divorce can make you feel, and we’re committed to helping you better understand the process, how your divorce would most likely proceed, and your best first steps if you do decide that a divorce is right for you. Our legal team will remain by your side every step of the way, so please don’t hesitate to contact us for more information today.