Warrenville, IL Divorce Attorneys

Lawyers for Contested or Uncontested Divorce in Warrenville, Illinois

When your marriage has broken down, getting a divorce may be the best path forward. However, a divorce can be a difficult transition, and it may involve a variety of emotional, legal, and financial complexities. Understanding the divorce process is the first step toward protecting your future and building a stable post-divorce life. How you approach matters such as dividing assets or determining parenting arrangements can affect you and your family in the future. With the help of an experienced lawyer, you can complete the divorce process successfully.

At Goostree Law Group, our attorneys can provide the legal help you need to approach your divorce with confidence. Whether your case is straightforward or involves complex legal issues or contentious disputes, we will work with you to address your unique needs. We will advise you of your rights and options, help you avoid missteps, and work to achieve your goals. With our strategic, compassionate representation, you can make sure you will be prepared to transition into the next phase of your life.

Understanding Contested vs. Uncontested Divorce in Illinois

In an uncontested divorce, the spouses reach agreements on all key issues, creating a settlement that will address all aspects of their case. Because there will be no need to address disputes through litigation, uncontested divorces can often proceed more quickly and with lower legal costs. However, even in an uncontested case, disagreements may arise, and the assistance of an attorney may be needed to negotiate agreements. Our lawyers will make sure legal documents are properly drafted and filed during an uncontested divorce.

In a contested divorce, spouses may be unable to reach agreements on one or more significant issues. In these cases, court intervention may be required to resolve disagreements. In some cases, a judge may order a couple to use mediation to attempt to resolve the outstanding issues, or the case may proceed to a trial. Contested divorces generally require more time to resolve, and the costs involved can be much higher due to the need to prepare for trial.

Financial Issues in Divorce: From Asset Division to High Net Worth Concerns

The financial aspects of your divorce may involve contentious disagreements or complex concerns related to your property and income. During the division of marital property, you may need to address assets such as your family home, vehicles, retirement accounts, investment portfolios, business interests, and more. Our attorneys can work with you to negotiate a property settlement that will protect your interests.

Other key financial concerns that may arise during your divorce include:

• Asset Identification and Valuation: Properly identifying all marital property you own together with your spouse and any non-marital property owned by either party is essential. Our lawyers can help you assess the value of different assets to ensure that marital property can be divided fairly and equitably.
• Division of Debts: Along with assets, marital debts must also be allocated between you and your spouses. Our attorneys can help you determine how to handle debts such as mortgages, credit card balances, and other loans.
• Spousal Maintenance: Ongoing support may be awarded to either you or your spouse if there is a significant disparity in your incomes or if there are other reasons why either of you may need assistance in order to maintain the standard of living you enjoyed during your marriage.

In a high net worth divorce, additional considerations may come into play. If you own substantial assets, or if you and/or your spouse earn a high income, you may need to address issues such as:

• Business Ownership: If you or your spouse own a business, a business valuation will need to be performed, and you may need to determine how to divide ownership stakes without disrupting operations or diminishing the business's value.
• Tax Implications: Strategic planning may be required to minimize tax liabilities related to asset transfers or support payments.
• Privacy Concerns: In a high-profile divorce, you may need to take steps to limit public exposure and maintain confidentiality.

Call 630-584-4800 and let us help your family.

Child-Related Issues in Divorce: Parenting Time and Decision-Making Responsibilities

If you are a parent, you will need to determine how you and your spouse will share custody of your children going forward. Some of the key issues involving your children that you may need to address include:

• Parental Responsibilities: You and your spouse may share decision-making authority in important areas such as education and healthcare as you raise your children. You will need to create a parenting plan that states that certain responsibilities will be shared or that one parent will have primary decision-making responsibility over specific issues.
• Parenting Time: Your parenting plan will also detail when your children will stay with you or your spouse. A well-structured parenting time schedule can provide stability and consistency for your children.
• Child Support: The financial obligations that you and your spouse will have toward your children will be calculated using the incomes of both parents. You and your spouse may also need to address expenses related to medical care, extracurricular activities, or other needs.
• ModificationandEnforcement: Post-decree changes to child custody or child support may be needed as your children grow or your family's circumstances change. Enforcement actions may be necessary if a parent fails to comply with the terms of your parenting plan or child support order.