Divorce can be a trying time for any family, and the end of a marriage can affect many more individuals than just you. Children, relatives, and close friends may all have opinions on how the end of your relationship should look, and it can be challenging to make the decisions that are right for you.
Every divorce is unique and requires careful planning and negotiation. If you need help with a divorce in DuPage County, we are available to help you. A knowledgeable lawyer from Reidy Law Office LLC can advise you throughout the process to help you make the decisions that are right for you.
If you are like most parents, there is no greater priority in your life than your children. As a result, child custody and visitation are often the most contentious issues in a divorce case. Courts in Illinois expect you and your spouse to work together to determine your children’s permanent residence as well as how you will split parental responsibilities and parenting time.
You must file either a joint or separate parenting plan outlining their responsibilities within 120 days after service of the petition for divorce or petition for allocation of parental responsibilities. This plan must meet the criteria laid out in the Illinois Code at 750 ILCS 5/602. If a parenting plan does not meet the statutory requirements, a judge may reject it even if both parties have agreed to the terms.
If you are divorcing in DuPage County, you are required to split your marital assets equitably. Part of the job of a divorce lawyer is to conduct a thorough review of the marital estate during the fact-finding portion of the case and accurately assess the value of the parties’ assets and debts.
The marital estate includes any property that the couple gained during a marriage, even if only one person purchased or used the asset. This can include anything from homes and vehicles to pension plans, bank accounts, retirement savings, and business interests.
During a marriage both partners may work and support the family or one partner may stay home and provide childcare. However, maintaining a household after a divorce often results in the same bills and only half of the income.
Recovering financially from a divorce often requires monetary support. When a marriage was long or when one spouse was financially dependent on the other, the court may order one person to pay spousal maintenance to the other person to help them get back on their feet. Depending on the situation, these support payments may be limited in duration or could continue indefinitely.
Both parties to a divorce case will also be required to provide an adequate amount of financial support for their children. In many cases, this means that one parent will be required to pay child support to the other. While parents can negotiate the terms of their parenting plan and child support to some extent, both parents must at least meet the state’s minimum guidelines for financial support to have their agreement approved by a judge.
Divorce cases require extensive negotiations to create an agreement that follows the law and can be approved by the court. Without the help of an experienced divorce lawyer, it can be difficult to create these agreements on your own. If you need help filing for divorce in DuPage County or want to prepare yourself for the possibility, speak with our TRIBE at Reidy Law Office LLC about your legal options.
Contemplating divorce is a profound step that involves emotional, financial, and legal considerations. Our "Am I Ready for Divorce?" checklist is a sensitively designed tool that helps individuals thoughtfully assess their readiness for this life-altering decision. This resource aims to guide you through introspection and practical evaluation, ensuring that your decision to pursue a divorce is made with both clarity and foresight.
In any legal or financial undertaking, having a comprehensive and organized set of financial records is critical. Our "Financial Records Checklist" is crafted to give you the clarity and control needed to manage your finances effectively. Whether you're preparing for tax season, undergoing legal proceedings, or simply aiming to get your financial house in order, this checklist is an indispensable tool for ensuring nothing is overlooked.
Divorce not only signifies a major shift in the lives of the parents but also heralds a period of adjustment and emotional transition for the children involved. Our meticulously crafted checklist, "Do Your Kids Need Therapy After Divorce?" is a vital resource for parents concerned about the psychological welfare of their children during and after a divorce. This checklist serves as a compassionate guide for recognizing signs of distress and taking proactive steps to support your child's mental health.
Divorce can be a complex and emotionally taxing journey, but when both parties agree on the key terms, an uncontested divorce can offer a more amicable and efficient path forward. Our Uncontested Divorce Checklist is a comprehensive guide designed to provide individuals with a clear roadmap through the legal process when there are no children involved. This free resource ensures that you are well-prepared, informed, and ready to proceed with confidence.