Divorce Attorney
Divorce isn’t just the separation of two individuals; it can also mean the separation of families and friends, financial assets, belongings, properties, lifestyles, aspirations for the future, and much more.
At Diamond Legal, we understand the difficulties you may face – and we’re dedicated to supporting you as you move forward with your life.
How Does Divorce Work
in Illinois?
In Illinois, divorce proceedings begin with one spouse filing a petition for dissolution of marriage in the circuit court of the county where they or their spouse reside.
The petition must identify both parties, state the ground for divorce, and provide other relevant information such as the couple’s property, debts, and children.
What’s Next?
After the petition is filed, the other spouse is served with a copy and has the opportunity to respond. If both parties can reach an agreement on all issues related to the divorce, such as property division, child custody, and support, they can submit a written agreement to the court for approval. If there are disputes that cannot be resolved, the case will go to trial, and the judge will make a final decision.
What are Contentious Divorce Cases like in Crystal Lake, Illinois?
A contentious divorce case is one in which the parties are unable to reach an agreement on one or more important issues related to the divorce, such as property division, spousal support, child custody, or child support. In such cases, emotions run high, and there is often a great deal of conflict between the parties, making the divorce process much more challenging and time-consuming.
How Long Does the Process Take?
After the petition is filed, the other spouse is served with a copy and has the opportunity to respond. If both parties can reach an agreement on all issues related to the divorce, such as property division, child custody, and support, they can submit a written agreement to the court for approval. If there are disputes that cannot be resolved, the case will go to trial, and the judge will make a final decision.
What Happens If the Parties
Can’t Agree?
If the parties are unable to reach an agreement, the case will proceed to trial, and a judge will make the final decisions on the contested issues. At trial, each party will present evidence and testimony, and the judge will consider various factors, such as the best interests of the children, the parties’ financial resources, and any other relevant factors to make a decision.
These Factors Could Include…
- Real estate
- Personal property
- Financial assets
- Business interests
- Intellectual property
Dividing Marital Property
The court will divide the marital property between the parties. Marital property generally includes any assets acquired by either spouse during the marriage, regardless of whose name is on the title or account.
In Illinois, the court will divide marital property equitably, which means that it will be divided fairly but not necessarily equally. The court will consider various factors such as the length of the marriage, each party’s contribution to the acquisition of the property, the value of the property, the financial resources of each party, and any other relevant factors to determine how the property will be divided.
It is essential to work with an experienced attorney who can help you protect your interests and ensure that your property is divided fairly in a contentious divorce case.
Why Choose Diamond Legal?
Sorting through the complex and critical issues of a transition in your life can be painful and intimate.
Your attorney is your ally, friend, and legal advocate.
Selecting the right lawyer will make a world of difference in the outcome of your divorce.
At Diamond Legal, a full-service law firm, we provide you with the guidance and support needed to resolve divorce issues using our decades of family law experience. As a leading McHenry Illinois divorce attorney, we understand the complexities of family law cases, including child custody, child support, and spousal support. Our team includes divorce lawyers who have practiced law extensively in McHenry County, Lake County, Kane County, and across Northern Illinois.
Communication is an art, and we take the time to really listen to what you have to say. We will ask you about your personal and financial goals and help you create a plan to achieve them while protecting your rights and interests along the way. Our legal team includes family lawyers skilled in both litigation and negotiation, Illinois divorce law, and trial law.
Attorney Samuel J. Diamond, a licensed attorney and graduate of the John Marshall Law School, leads our experienced team. From simple uncontested matters to complex cases headed to the courtroom, our attorneys are ready to represent spouses in McHenry County divorce proceedings, as well as in Kane County, Lake County, and beyond. We also offer a free consultation to help you navigate issues affecting families during this difficult time. Whether you are going through a divorce, facing post-decree modifications, or dealing with probate or estate planning, we are committed to providing effective representation and personal service.