Divorce is a challenging process with so much at stake. Not only do divorcing couples need to resolve complex issues like child support, child custody, and spousal maintenance, but they generally want to do so as quickly as possible - all while dealing with the pressure and dynamics of a crumbling intimate relationship. Most couples in Illinois can benefit tremendously from the help of an experienced Illinois divorce attorney. Here are four issues for which having a family law attorney may be helpful to you.
Parents are strongly attached to their children and their welfare, and issues related to children are understandably very contentious during a divorce. A great attorney can help parents understand their rights and responsibilities under Illinois law, and help parents negotiate a fair arrangement for their children. An attorney can also help parents understand the law around child support and set reasonable expectations regarding whether they will likely pay or receive child support.
Also known as alimony or spousal support, spousal maintenance is money paid from one spouse to another after a divorce. Many people have a right to ask for spousal maintenance but do not know it; others may simply give up on asking because it seems too complicated. An attorney can help you understand whether spousal support is appropriate for your case, and can also help you negotiate with your spouse so you do not have to do it alone.
Dividing the marital home, savings and retirement accounts, and other valuable assets is one of the hardest parts of getting divorced. An attorney can help you understand Illinois’ equitable distribution laws, as well as whether certain assets, such as an inheritance, are considered marital property. A lawyer can also help with the distribution of marital debt and help you try to avoid responsibility for debt incurred solely by your spouse.
From beginning to end, a divorce attorney can advise you on making a plan, setting priorities, understanding the next steps, and anticipating what life after divorce could look like. Divorce attorneys are also well-connected with other divorce professionals, like financial experts and mediators, who can help your divorce go more smoothly.
Getting a divorce is difficult but you do not have to go through the process alone. At Law Office of Martoccio & Martoccio, we take every client’s needs seriously and will use our skill and understanding of Illinois law to your advantage. Call us today to schedule a free consultation with an experienced DuPage County divorce attorney. You can contact our offices at 630-920-8855 and set up your consultation via phone or in person.
Source:
https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs4.asp?DocName=075000050HPt%2E+IV&ActID=2086&ChapterID=59&SeqStart=3900000&SeqEnd=5400000