Chicago Divorce Attorneys Devoted to Protecting Women and Mothers

What Challenges Will You Have to Overcome?

Divorce presents challenges for women that men often don’t experience to the same extent. Here are some you may face:  

1. Financial Challenges  

For many women, financial concerns are a major hurdle during and after divorce. Women who earn less than their partners, or have stepped away from the workforce to raise children, often worry about maintaining their standard of living. The lack of a steady income or career disruptions can leave women feeling financially vulnerable as they try to rebuild their lives.  

2. Custody Battles and Emotional Weight  

Custody battles add another layer of stress. Women often carry the emotional burden of protecting their children’s well-being throughout the process. This includes fears about losing time with their kids or not securing enough child support to meet their needs. While both parents typically want what’s best for their children, societal expectations often place greater responsibility and emotional pressure on mothers.  

3. Social Stigma and Judgment  

Women who initiate divorce frequently face more societal judgment than men. There’s still pressure for women to “hold the family together,” which can make the decision to leave a marriage even more difficult. This stigma often leads to feelings of guilt or isolation, making an already challenging process even harder to get through.  

These challenges underscore the need for Chicago divorce attorneys who genuinely understand the unique guidance, advocacy, and compassion women can benefit from.

What Issues Will You Need to Address?

Divorce requires women to make countless critical decisions that will have long-term impacts on them and their children. Here’s what you’ll need to address:

• Property Division  

Determine what qualifies as marital property versus separate property. This can be particularly complex when dividing assets like real estate, investments, and retirement accounts.  

• Child Custody and Support  

Create custody and support arrangements that prioritize your children’s best interests while protecting your parental rights.  

• Spousal Support  

Evaluate financial needs and contributions to the marriage to determine fair spousal support.  

• Healthcare and Insurance  

Plan for ongoing coverage for both you and your children post-divorce.  

• Debt Allocation  

Make sure debts are divided fairly so you’re not left with obligations that aren’t yours to bear.  

Each of these decisions will shape your life after divorce. Having experienced legal guidance is essential to protect your interests.

What Illinois Divorce Requirements Will You Need to Meet?

Illinois operates under a no-fault divorce system, meaning you don’t need to prove wrongdoing by your spouse. You can only cite “irreconcilable differences” as grounds for divorce—differences that have caused the irretrievable breakdown of your marriage when reconciliation efforts have failed or would be impractical.

To get a divorce in Illinois, either you or your spouse must have been an Illinois resident for 90 consecutive days before filing, or stationed in Illinois as a military member for 90 days. The law requires couples to live separately for at least six months before divorce proceedings can be concluded, although this timeframe was reduced from the previous two-year requirement.

This no-fault approach streamlines the process, but it doesn’t eliminate the complexity of dividing assets, determining custody, or calculating support. Having knowledgeable advocates helps you understand your rights and options within this framework.

Let Us Help You Take Charge of Your Divorce

Every woman and mother deserves the right to end a marriage that no longer serves her well-being or her family’s future. At the Women’s Divorce & Family Law Group, we stand with you, fighting for your rights, your security, and your peace of mind. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first empowered step toward the future you deserve.

FAQs About Divorce in Illinois