Crystal Lake, Illinois
Divorce Attorney
Divorce Proceedings in Crystal Lake, 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 grounds for divorce, and provide other relevant information, such as the couple’s property, debts, and children.
Illinois is a no-fault divorce state, which means that the petitioner does not need to prove that their spouse did something wrong to cause the divorce. Instead, they only need to state that the marriage has broken down irretrievably.
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.
The length of time for a divorce in Illinois depends on various factors, such as the complexity of the case, the cooperation of the parties, and the court’s schedule. In general, a divorce can take anywhere from a few months to over a year to finalize.
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.
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.
Marital property may include:
- Real estate
- Personal property
- Financial assets
- Business interests
- Intellectual 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 Divorce Law?
Divorce can be emotionally taxing and deeply personal. Choosing the right lawyer is vital, as they will act as your ally, confidant, and legal representative, and can make a significant impact on the outcome of your case.
At Diamond Divorce Law, we leverage our decades of experience in family law to provide you with the guidance and support you need to resolve divorce-related issues. We take the time to actively listen to you, understand your objectives, and create a plan that protects your rights and interests.
Our team of Crystal Lake family lawyers are well-versed in Illinois divorce law, litigation, and trial law. Whether you’re dealing with a straightforward uncontested case or a complex matter that requires a trial, our attorneys are equipped to serve you and help you achieve the closure you seek.
Contact Diamond Divorce Law today
We want to help you through this tough time and move towards a solution. If you are ready to take the next step in Crystal Lake or anywhere throughout Illinois, we’ll be here to help you with our 40+ years of experience in family law to work for you. Contact Diamond Divorce Law today for a free consultation.
Contact Us
