When facing the end of a marriage, finding the right legal representation is essential. Divorce can be an emotionally and financially challenging process, and navigating it with a dedicated and compassionate attorney can significantly impact the outcome. At Keller Legal Services, we are committed to helping clients from Glen Ellyn and the surrounding areas through the complexities of divorce, legal separation, and family law matters.
With over 30 years of experience, our team provides personalized, reliable legal services designed to guide you through this difficult time. We understand the emotional turmoil and stress that often accompany divorce, and we focus on protecting your rights and achieving favorable outcomes for you and your family.
In Illinois, you can file for divorce based on irreconcilable differences, meaning that you don’t have to provide evidence of fault or wrongdoing. This “no-fault” approach makes the process smoother for many individuals, allowing them to move forward without the added burden of proving guilt or blame. Irreconcilable differences mean that the marriage has broken down, and attempts at reconciliation have failed or would be futile.
Filing for divorce in Illinois requires meeting certain residency requirements. At least one spouse must have lived in Illinois for at least 90 days before filing. The process starts by filing a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage in the local courthouse, where you will detail your marriage, children (if applicable), and the issues to be resolved, such as property division, custody, and support. Properly filing these documents is crucial, so it’s best to consult with an attorney to ensure the paperwork is correct.
The length of the divorce process varies based on the complexity of the case. An uncontested divorce, where both parties agree on the major issues like property division and child custody, can often be finalized in just a few months. However, if the divorce is contested and the parties cannot reach an agreement, it can take significantly longer. Court schedules, negotiations, and the need for mediation can all contribute to delays, sometimes extending the process for several months or even longer.
In Illinois, the courts follow the principle of equitable distribution, which means marital property is divided fairly but not necessarily equally. The court will consider several factors, including the length of the marriage, the contributions of each spouse, and the financial needs of both parties moving forward. Assets like the family home, retirement accounts, and vehicles are typically divided, and debts such as mortgages and loans will also be considered.
When children are involved in a divorce, child custody decisions are based on the best interests of the child. The court will evaluate several factors, including the child’s relationship with each parent, the ability of each parent to provide for the child’s needs, and the child’s adjustment to their home, school, and community. Custody can be shared (joint custody) or granted solely to one parent, depending on what the court determines is best for the child’s welfare.
Child support is determined using a formula that considers both parents’ incomes, the number of children, and the amount of time the child spends with each parent. The goal is to ensure the child’s needs are met and that both parents contribute fairly to the child’s upbringing.
Changes in life circumstances may necessitate modifications to child custody or support orders. For example, if there is a significant change in either parent’s financial situation or the needs of the child, the court can review and adjust orders to reflect the new circumstances.
Spousal support, also known as alimony, may be awarded to one spouse in certain divorce cases. The court considers several factors when deciding whether to grant spousal support, such as the length of the marriage, the income and earning capacity of both spouses, and the standard of living established during the marriage. Temporary or permanent support may be awarded to ensure the lower-earning spouse can maintain a reasonable quality of life after the divorce.
At Keller Legal Services, we understand how overwhelming divorce can be. Our team offers comprehensive legal services, from the initial consultation through the final resolution of your case. We work diligently to guide you through every step of the process, whether you’re navigating an uncontested divorce, a contested divorce, or seeking modifications to a previous order.
In an uncontested divorce, both spouses agree on major issues like property division, child custody, and support. While this process can be quicker and less costly than a contested divorce, it’s important to ensure that any agreements are fair and legally binding. Our attorneys will help you reach a comprehensive settlement and file all necessary paperwork to finalize the divorce.
In contested divorces, where the parties disagree on key issues, the process can be more complex and take longer to resolve. Our attorneys are skilled in handling contested divorce cases, using negotiation and litigation to advocate for your best interests. If your case requires trial, we will provide strong representation to ensure your voice is heard and your rights are protected.
After a divorce is finalized, circumstances may change, requiring modifications to custody, support, or visitation orders. Our team helps clients with post-divorce enforcement and modifications to ensure that existing court orders are followed or adjusted to meet new needs.
If you are facing threats or domestic violence, we can help you seek an order of protection. Our team has successfully represented clients in obtaining and defending against these orders, ensuring your safety and well-being throughout the legal process.
Divorce is a life-changing event that can bring emotional and financial challenges. Having the right legal team by your side can make all the difference in achieving a fair and favorable outcome. At Keller Legal Services, we are committed to providing compassionate, results-driven legal counsel tailored to your unique needs.
Our office, located off Diehl Road in Naperville, is easily accessible for Glen Ellyn residents. Whether you are navigating a divorce, seeking modifications to an existing court order, or need assistance with child custody or support matters, we are here to help.
Call Keller Legal Services at 630-505-1515 today to schedule your free consultation and discuss your case.
