Divorce Lawyer Palatine, IL
Divorce is viewed as a last resort for most couples, and yet may be the only option when all other methods of resolution have been exhausted. With that in mind, seeking a divorce is not a simple process, and must be done within the parameters of the law. To help you understand Illinois’ divorce laws, and resolve matters that arise during divorce, contact The Law Offices of Jenet G. Pequeno, LLC.
Resolving Common Legal Issues in Divorce
In addition to understanding the legal process and grounds for applying for divorce in the first place, including filing a petition for dissolution of marriage and ensuring that this petition is served to your spouse, you will then have to work (with your spouse) to make decisions about the following:
- How property will be divided. Under 750 ILCS 5/503, all Illinois property divisions will be done equitably, which means that it must be done in a manner that is just and equitable in the court’s eyes. In order to make this determination, a court may consider factors such as each party’s contribution to the marriage, the duration of the marriage, the existence of a pre-nuptial agreement or anti-nuptial agreement, the tax consequences of all property arrangements, and any other factors that the court finds to be relevant.
- With whom children will live. If a divorcing couple has children, one of the most contentious issues in a divorce will be with whom the children will live, and who will retain decision-making power over the child’s life.
- Whether a maintenance order will be awarded. A court may order one party in a divorce to pay spousal maintenance – or formerly alimony – to the other. Like a property division determination, maintenance is based on a number of factors.
- Who will pay for court and lawyers’ fees. Getting a divorce is not an inexpensive endeavor. In some cases, a court may order one party in the divorce to pay for court and lawyers’ fees, where in other cases those fees will be split amongst the parties.
What Does an Illinois Divorce Attorney Do?
The role of a divorce attorney is to advise you of your rights during a divorce, to help you and your spouse to come to an agreement about issues in a divorce and recommend different methods of resolution (such as mediation), and to represent your interests during negotiations or during a divorce hearing. A divorce attorney may also work with experts to help build a case that supports your interests; for example, an attorney may request a court appointed psychologist to testify to the court regarding the child’s best interests including residential placement and parental responsibilities.
The Law Offices of Jenet G. Pequeno, LLC Will Work for You
Divorce is a very private and sensitive issue, and you do not want just anybody working on your behalf – you want a professional who has your best interests in mind and whom you can trust. At The Law Offices of Jenet G. Pequeno, LLC, our experienced Illinois family law attorney is exactly who you are looking for. Call today at (847) 616-0980 to schedule a consultation.