Going through a divorce in Illinois is never easy. It’s an emotional, challenging, and often complex process that requires careful guidance. If you are considering a divorce, legal separation, or need assistance with a family law matter in Lombard, Keller Legal Services is here to help. Located on Diehl Road in Naperville, our office is easily accessible for Lombard residents, providing convenient access to trusted legal support. Our team understands how overwhelming this time can be, and we are committed to providing compassionate legal representation to guide you through every stage of the process.
With over 30 years of experience handling divorce and family law cases, Keller Legal Services is well-equipped to represent clients in Lombard and the surrounding areas. We understand the unique challenges that come with divorce and legal matters, and we’re dedicated to working with you to achieve the best possible outcome.
Illinois allows individuals to file for divorce under the grounds of irreconcilable differences. This no-fault approach means neither party needs to prove that the other spouse did something wrong for the marriage to end. Instead, it recognizes that sometimes marriages fail due to a variety of reasons that don’t involve one person’s fault. This approach makes the process more straightforward and helps both parties move forward with less animosity.
To file for divorce in Illinois, there is a residency requirement: at least one spouse must have lived in the state for a minimum of 90 days before filing. The first step is to file a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage, where you will outline the issues that need to be resolved in the divorce, such as child custody, property division, and spousal support. Other supporting documents may also be required, and ensuring they’re completed properly can make a big difference in the outcome of your case. Our attorneys will help you through this process to ensure everything is filed correctly.
The length of a divorce can vary depending on whether it’s contested or uncontested. An uncontested divorce—where both parties agree on all major issues like division of assets, child custody, and support—can typically be resolved in just a few months. However, a contested divorce, where there’s a dispute over key issues, may take much longer. The process can take anywhere from several months to over a year, depending on court schedules, negotiation times, and the complexity of the case.
Illinois follows the principle of equitable distribution when dividing marital property. This means that assets acquired during the marriage are divided fairly, though not necessarily equally. The court will consider several factors, including the length of the marriage, each spouse’s financial situation, and contributions made by each party to the marriage, whether financial or non-financial. Personal property, such as inheritances or gifts, may not be subject to division if they were acquired before the marriage or designated for one spouse.
In divorce cases involving children, the court’s primary focus is always the best interests of the child. Illinois law divides custody into parental responsibilities, which covers decisions about the child’s education, healthcare, and overall well-being, and parenting time, which refers to the amount of time each parent spends with the child. The court will assess factors such as the child’s needs, each parent’s ability to meet those needs, and the child’s adjustment to their home, school, and community.
When it comes to child support, Illinois calculates the amount based on a percentage of the non-custodial parent’s income, the number of children, and the amount of time each parent spends with the children. This ensures that the child’s financial needs are adequately met.
Changes in life circumstances may require you to request a modification of custody, support, or visitation orders. For instance, a significant change in a parent’s income or a relocation may necessitate adjustments to an existing order. You’ll need to provide substantial evidence to the court to justify the request for a modification.
Spousal support, also known as alimony, may be awarded to one spouse to ensure they can maintain a reasonable standard of living following a divorce. In Illinois, the court evaluates factors such as the length of the marriage, the financial and non-financial contributions made by each spouse, and the ability of each spouse to support themselves. Temporary or permanent spousal support may be ordered depending on the circumstances of the marriage and the needs of the lower-earning spouse.
At Keller Legal Services, we understand that divorce is a deeply personal and difficult experience. Our team is here to help you navigate this process with as much ease and peace of mind as possible. Whether you are facing an uncontested divorce or a more complicated contested matter, our goal is to achieve the best result for you.
In an uncontested divorce, both parties typically agree on the major issues such as property division, child custody, and support. This type of divorce is often quicker and less expensive, but it’s important to ensure the terms of your agreement are fair and in your best interest. Our team can help you reach a settlement that works for both parties and make sure that all necessary paperwork is properly filed.
A contested divorce can be a long and challenging process, especially when there are disputes over major issues such as child custody or property division. Our attorneys are skilled at negotiating on behalf of our clients, and if necessary, we are prepared to take the matter to court to protect your interests. We will work tirelessly to advocate for your position and ensure you get the best possible outcome.
Even after a divorce is finalized, circumstances can change, requiring adjustments to child custody, support, or visitation orders. If you need help with post-divorce enforcement or modifications, our team is here to provide the assistance you need.
If you are facing domestic violence or threats, we can help you seek an order of protection. Our attorneys have experience both in obtaining and defending against such orders to protect you from harm.
Divorce doesn’t have to be a long, drawn-out, or overly stressful process. At Keller Legal Services, we provide clear, practical legal guidance to help you navigate your divorce with confidence. If you’re in Lombard or nearby, you don’t have to go through this alone—our experienced team is ready to assist you in every step of the way.
Call Keller Legal Services today at 630-505-1515 to schedule a free initial consultation and learn how we can assist you. Let us help you move forward toward a brighter future.