Wheaton Divorce Attorneys Protecting the Rights of Women & Mothers

Divorce Lawyers Serving the Unique Needs of Women and Mothers in Wheaton

You may be familiar with divorce issues from personal experience or family and friends, but this type of input is no substitute for the advice of a skilled divorce attorney. The Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act includes complex provisions and legal nuances that only an experienced lawyer can appreciate. In addition, the law was recently overhauled to include major implications for couples and families. Therefore, you should discuss your situation with a lawyer that has an extensive background representing women and mothers with children.

While you would always consult with a lawyer at the Women’s Divorce & Family Law Group, it’s helpful to understand how divorce works in Illinois. The proceedings cover a number of issues depending on your circumstances.

• Property Valuation and Division: Assets obtained during your marriage are subject to a fair and equitable distribution to each spouse under state law. Courts turn to such factors as income, needs, and earning capacity when dividing marital property.
• Alimony: Illinois provides a formula for determining spousal support, which is the legal term for what many people call alimony. Each spouse’s income and the length of the marriage are important considerations, but judges ultimately make a finding based upon the specific facts in your case.
• Custody and Visitation: The new statute replaces these traditional terms with “parental responsibilities,” “decision making,” and “parenting time to reflect a shared parenting approach. A Parenting Plan to address the needs of minor children will be part of your final divorce decree.
• Child Support: One parent may pay support to cover the basic needs of minor children, according to guidelines under Illinois law. However, the statute allows a court to order additional payments for health insurance, daycare, education, and extracurricular activities.