Let’s Get Through This Together: Navigating Divorce in Illinois
Divorce is rarely a walk in the park, and Illinois’ legal landscape used to make it even more challenging. Illinois eliminated all grounds, and fully adopted no-fault divorce in 2016. But even with a streamlined process, emotions can run high, and navigating the legal aspects can feel overwhelming.
That’s where I come in! My passion lies in helping clients translate their agreements into a court-approved decree at an affordable price. But before we jump in, let’s talk honestly. If you and your soon-to-be-ex haven’t already reached some understanding on key issues like property division, parenting times/child custody (if applicable), and support, I may not be the right attorney for you. My strength lies in taking your decisions and turning them into legal reality, not creating them from scratch or putting the facts to the Judge to make the decisions.
Here’s why this matters:
Reduced conflict: When you’ve already agreed on the important stuff, the legal process becomes smoother and less contentious.
Saved time and money: By focusing on translating your agreements, I can avoid lengthy (and expensive) court battles.
Preserving relationships: Working together fosters a more respectful environment, especially if children are involved.
Reduced Stress: You know what you have agreed to and are not placing the decisions such as who sees your child on Christmas Morning, in the hands of a virtual stranger.
Much faster resolution: If you reach your agreements before the paperwork is filed, then your case will move much faster. Judges have hundreds of cases assigned to them, and they often schedule hearing dates months in advance.
However, if you haven’t reached agreements yet, there are resources available to help! Consider:
Mediation: A neutral third party can facilitate productive discussions and guide you towards mutually beneficial solutions. I am also a mediator, but if I mediate for you, I cannot turn your mediating into your divorce.
Collaborative divorce: This approach involves lawyers for each person working together to support both clients in reaching an amicable agreement. It can involve adding more professionals to help reach accord, such as financial advisors, therapists, and the like.
Remember, even with no-fault divorce, navigating this transition requires careful consideration and, often, emotional support.
Ultimately, my goal is to empower you to navigate this challenging time with clarity, respect, and the best possible outcome for you. If you’re unsure whether I’m the right attorney, call or contact me and let’s schedule a quick consultation to discuss your situation and explore your options. Remember, you’re not alone in this, and together, we can find a path forward.