MY APPROACH TO YOUR CASE

My approach to divorce is different than most attorneys: I do not take cases to hearings or trials, nor do I take cases where the couple wants to fight in Court, I charge a flat rate for my work rather than an hourly rate, and I only represent people who can work with their soon-to-be ex.

Once you have reached agreements on every single thing, and then I can draft your paperwork to reflect your agreements in order for it all go smoothly, with the costs explained up front and without any unnecessary stress or drama.

This process is only for divorcing families who can make agreements to settle all issues. I do not take any cases where you need the Judge to decide how to divide your debts, your things or who gets what time with your children.

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THE STEPS OF HOW I HELP MY CLIENTS

Learn more about my approach.

Although I help my clients reach agreements quickly and simply, reaching an amicable split can be challenging. The approach requires you and your soon-to-be-ex to work with each other so I can put those agreements into your final paperwork. Here are the basic steps:

Step 1

Read through the process of organizing for your divorce.

Where do I start before I call you?

Step 2

To contact my office, you can either call me or fill out my form. When you do, I need to know some information so that I know if there’s any conflict with another client and if I would be a good match to help you.

Contact me

Step 3

I will reach back out to you by phone or email. I usually respnd between 9 and 430 M-TH and between 9 and 2 on Fridays.

Step 4

Once we have talked, I will email you a contract that I need you read carefully and sign.

Step 5

I will send you an invoice for your payment. I take credit & debit cards, e-checks and offer payment financing. If you choose to set up a payment plan, I will email you every time when a payment is due.

Step 6

Step 7

Once you have signed your contract and made your payment, I will email you a form or a link for you to enter information so I can draft your paperwork. Once you have done that, I will create your paperwork.

Step 8

I will schedule a time to review your drafts with you through Zoom. That way, you can see the rough draft and ask all the questions you need.

I use this form of communication with clients who live far away because it’s convenient and cost effective.

Step 9

When we are done with our Zoom, I will clean up the drafts and send you a new draft electronically. You will then review it and tell me what you want to see changed and ask any questions.

Step 10

Once your documents are perfect, I will email you before reaching out to your soon-to-be-ex. This way, I can do it when you are ready for me to send it.

Step 11

Once your soon-to-be-ex has had a chance to review the paperwork and suggest modifications, I will get them ready for you both to sign.

You will need to get the Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage, the Marital Settlement Agreement and Parenting Plan (if you have one) notarized. If you want to use an in-person notary, I will either mail your documents or put them in a secured pick-up box, which can be accessed 24 hours a day. If you want to use an online notary, I will invoice you for the service.

Step 12

After you and your soon-to-be ex sign all the necessary papers and return them to me, I will file them with local Court Clerk. When they are ready for the Judge I will get the Judge’s signatures. The Clerks then will process the papers signed by the Judge and send me copies. After I scan copies for your dropbox, I will mail you a copy as well.

Step 13

I will then complete anything else, like getting official copies for a name change, starting child support or recording a new deed for your house.

Step 14

Now you can start your journey towards your post-divorce life!

WHAT IS AN UNCONTESTED DIVORCE?

What you will need to agree on and the process

An uncontested or agreed divorce is a type of divorce in which both parties have reached an agreement on all the key issues relating to their separation, such as property division, parenting time and decisions, child support, and spousal support. This type of divorce is also referred to as a “no-fault divorce” or a simple divorce because neither party is seeking to place blame on the other for the breakdown of the marriage.

The primary benefit of an uncontested divorce is that it is typically faster and less expensive than a contested divorce. Since both parties have already agreed on all the key issues, there is no need for a lengthy legal battle in court. This can save both parties time, money, and emotional stress.

In order to obtain an uncontested divorce, both parties must be in agreement about all the terms of the divorce. This means that they must have worked out all the details of their separation in advance. The key areas are: division of assets and stuff, such as cars, bank accounts, retirement accounts and the house; division of debts, such as credit cards, medical bills and the mortgage; spousal support, also known as maintenance or alimony; parenting time, also called custody, which includes regular parenting times, holidays and summer; parenting decisions, such as medical decisions for the child or children; and child support and payment of the children’s expenses. If both parties are able to agree on all the terms of the divorce, they can file their agreement with the court and obtain a divorce without going to trial.

It is important to note that while an uncontested divorce can be a quicker and less expensive process than a contested divorce, it is still a legal process that requires a thorough understanding of the law and the divorce process. Your life should not be reduced to cheap papers and trying to figure out legal terms. A divorce attorney to ensures that your rights are protected, that nothing is left out and that the divorce agreement is legally binding and that the paperwork reflects their agreements. Here, it also saves you from having to go to Court in most instances.

An uncontested divorce with my representation usually begins when someone contacts my office. I learn all of the details about the agreements and turn it into the paperwork that will get filed with the Court eventually. After it is all signed by both parties, I will file it and present it to the Judge. The Judge will review the agreement to ensure that it is fair and reasonable and that it complies with Illinois law. After the Judge has reviewed it, they usually sign it. Occasionally they have some questions and a brief court date is scheduled.

Once the Judge approves the agreement, he or she signs the Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage, which is the official document that grants the divorce. The Judgment will refer to the Marital Settlement and Parenting Plan, which include all the terms of the agreement and will be binding on both parties.

It is important to keep in mind that an uncontested divorce is not always the best option for every couple. If the parties are unable to reach an agreement on all the key issues, a contested divorce is necessary. In this case, the parties will need to present their case in court in a trial, where a Judge will make a decision on all the key issues, including property division, parental allocation (formerly known as child custody), and support. This is also known as litigation and gets expensive quickly. It also allows a Judge, who does not know you, to decide your future.

In conclusion, an uncontested divorce is a type of divorce in which both parties have reached an agreement on all the key issues relating to their separation. This type of divorce is typically faster and less expensive than a contested divorce and can save both parties time, money, and emotional stress. However, it is still a legal process that requires a thorough understanding of the law and the divorce process. If you want an attorney who does this work day-in and day-out, who will treat you like a person and not another file, and who can tell you about the fees up front, call me.