Top Chicago Divorce Lawyer

Illinois Top Divorce Attorney Representing Clients in Chicago

Divorces in Chicago are often among the most difficult experiences a person will have. Leaving a marriage and ending a relationship with a spouse can be complicated financially and emotionally, and it is important to have a top Chicago divorce lawyer on your side throughout the process. At Women’s Divorce & Family Law Group, we are here to help you with all aspects of your divorce.

Common Divorce Issues Handled by Our Top Chicago Divorce Attorneys

Our Chicago divorce lawyers handle a wide range of legal matters under the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act (IMDMA), including but not limited to the following:

• File for divorce;
• Alimony or spousal support;
• Property division;
• Child custody, or the allocation of parental responsibilities;
• Child support;
• Domestic violence;
• Relocation; and
• Modifications to an existing divorce order.

Chicago Uncontested and Contested Divorce

Divorces in Chicago can be uncontested or contested. An uncontested divorce is one in which the spouses are in full agreement, and there is no need for the court to decide any issue or aspect of the divorce case. Whenever even one issue remains in dispute, the parties will have a contested divorce, and the court will need to hear the case to reach a determination.

Property Division in a Chicago Divorce

Illinois is an equitable distribution state, which means all marital property will be divided in a way that the court decides is fair to both spouses involved in the divorce. All assets and debts will need to be classified as separate or marital property first, and only marital property will be divided. Marital property usually includes most assets and liabilities acquired or accrued after the date of the marriage with a few exceptions. Separate property is usually any asset or debt acquired prior to the date of marriage.

Child Custody and Parental Responsibilities in Chicago Divorce Cases

Many spouses who are getting divorced share minor children from their marriage. When the parties share minor children, the court will need to decide child custody as part of the divorce case. You should know that the IMDMA no longer uses the terminology of “child custody” or “visitation,” and instead refers to the “allocation of parental responsibilities.”

Under the IMDMA, parental responsibilities include significant decision-making responsibilities that are similar to legal custody, and parenting time, which is similar to physical custody and visitation. Courts still use the best interests of the child standard to make determinations about the allocation of parental responsibilities in an allocation judgment. When parents reach a decision about the allocation of parental responsibilities in a parenting plan, they must still focus on the best interests of the child.

Contact an Experienced Top Chicago Divorce Attorney

When you are getting divorced in the Chicago area, it is essential to have one of our top Chicago divorce attorneys advocating for you every step of the way. Whether you are anticipating a relatively straightforward and uncontested divorce without children from the marriage or a complex divorce involving child custody, a lawyer at our firm can assist you. Contact Women’s Divorce & Family Law Group today to learn more about our services.