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!
I'm so thankful that I found Jennifer and her awesome team to help me with my divorce! It was incredibly stressful and scary to go through this process, especially with two little ones, but she has given me the support and confidence that I need. She is extremely intelligent, level-headed, supportive, and reasonable! I was anxious in the beginning thinking that I would have to go to court, but she gave me the peace of mind that I needed to get thru it and not be anxious. I would highly recommend her to anyone going through this difficult process. I…
She is a nice lawyer. She helped me to fix my passport issue among other things, including family problems.
Initially, I'd thought to navigate through troubled waters on my own in the divorce process due to the cost. I hadn't before needed representation in any court case, and, not being familiar with the costs involved in having a lawyer, I was worried about moving forward with one. My fear was the expense. I felt comfortable with Jennifer Ward from the moment I first spoke with her - contacting her to set up a consultation costs you nothing. In the end, the retainer and fees spent to end my case on a high note were worth every penny. They sent…
As with most family law issues emotions were running very high and I needed legal help with my divorce and to reach my goals for parenting time with my children. I found WARD FAMILY LAW after a lot of research and everyone there worked out great for me. They always took the time to listen to the situation and really assess what the best plan of action would be. They really helped with the situation and helped me get to a place of peace with my divorce and time with my children. I highly recommend them!
Jennifer Ward and the lawyers at WARD FAMILY LAW were the perfect attorneys for me in a very complex and challenging child custody case. This was an intensely painful, frustrating and contentious relationship with the father throughout the months it took to resolve parenting time. Jennifer was patient, affirming, honest, realistic, and available at every turn. She explained the various court actions and helped me balance the risks and benefits of each move. Her advice was right on. After countless court dates, I got more than I could have ever imagined or dreamed of. Words can't express the gratitude I…
Jennifer Ward of WARD FAMILY LAW made me feel safe and comfortable, but most importantly heard. Her whole legal team was professional and communicated well. Fast responding when I had questions... I feel like they really understood my concerns and backed me up and that felt good! I would recommend her to anyone looking for support through the divorce process.
I typically do not do reviews but after my experience interviewing lawyer after lawyer, I felt compelled to share my experience. So many offer a “free consultation” but don’t be fooled. Often this is just to get you in their office and start charging. I was referred to Jennifer by a friend and didn’t go right away. When I felt like I had exhausted all my options I called Jennifer for her free initial consultation - which was actually free - she took the time to listen to all the facts of my case, my concerns, what outcome I was…
Highly recommended. I know Jennifer Ward personally and professionally - she has an apt ability to provide meaningful insight and clarity into complex issues. I have and will continue to recommend her services to anyone seeking legal assistance.
Jennifer was very helpful, professional and gave me very sound advice. The process was quick because she filed everything in a timely manner. I'm very happy with how she represented me.
Working with Jennifer was a smooth and seamless process. I was most impressed with her negotiation skills, attention to detail, and knowledge of the law. I highly recommend WARD FAMILY LAW to anyone looking for a skilled attorney.
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