Explaining the Divorce Process

 Posted on December 17, 2014 in Family Law

If you are considering divorce, you may have a lot of questions about the legal process. Obviously, divorce will impact nearly every aspect of your life. For something so life altering, it is understandable that the process can become quite complex. Your first step should be consulting with an experienced attorney, one who understands Illinois’ complicated divorce laws. After consulting with your attorney, you will file for divorce in court. Filing for divorce initiates the formal legal process. Once that step is complete, you and your attorney can continue with a strategy focused on your best interests, which will help you achieve the outcome that you desire.

Where Can I Get Divorced?

One misconception about the divorce process is that you must get a divorce where you got married. This is not true; you do not have to file for divorce in the same state you were married. Regardless of where you married, you can get divorced in Illinois if you meet the state’s residency requirements (or if one spouse has been an Illinois resident for at least three months prior to filing).

Issues Involving Children

Child custody and support issues are common in divorce cases. It is natural to be concerned about what will happen to your children during and after the divorce process. Logistically and emotionally, children issues during divorce can be quite tumultuous. Child custody and support matters can be dealt with in your divorce case. In other words, you do not have to file separately for divorce and child custody/support. Illinois state law requires that all custody decisions must be made in the best interests of the child. With the help of an experienced family law attorney, you can decide how to approach the specific custody and support questions in your case.

Mediation As An Option

Parties to a divorce are allowed to resolve their legal problems through out-of-court settlements. These settlements are often produced through mediation, a process in which a neutral third party guides both spouses through the issues in the case. Mediation is often encouraged in divorce cases, as it is often quicker and cost-effective than traditional litigation. In some cases, the family law judge may even require the parties to attempt resolution through mediation before continuing to litigate.

Contact an Experienced DuPage Divorce Firm