At Keller Legal Services, we understand that no one enters a marriage expecting it to end in divorce. However, various life circumstances can lead couples in St. Charles, Illinois, to face the difficult decision of ending their marriage. Divorce can be an emotionally challenging process for everyone involved, leaving you feeling uncertain, anxious, and unsure of what the future holds for you and your family.
The divorce process impacts every aspect of your life—from your finances and living situation to your relationships with your children. With so much at stake, it’s crucial to have a knowledgeable, experienced St. Charles divorce attorney to guide you through the legal process, protect your rights, and help you reach a favorable resolution.
With more than 30 years of experience, Keller Legal Services has helped countless families navigate the complexities of divorce. Our Kane County divorce attorneys are dedicated to providing you with compassionate, skilled legal representation throughout the divorce process. Whether you are facing a simple divorce or a more complex situation involving child custody, property division, or spousal support, we are here to protect your interests.
In recent years, Illinois divorce laws have undergone significant changes. Previously, spouses seeking a divorce had to prove specific grounds, such as adultery or mental cruelty. However, the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act was amended to remove fault-based grounds for divorce.
As of January 1, 2016, Illinois is now a no-fault divorce state, meaning that couples only need to demonstrate irreconcilable differences. No longer do you need to prove fault, such as infidelity or abuse. Additionally, the waiting period for divorce has been shortened from two years to just six months.
Deciding whether to divorce is never easy. Many couples in St. Charles attempt to salvage their marriage, especially when children are involved. If you are considering divorce, it can be helpful to speak with an experienced divorce attorney to understand your rights and explore all available options.
If you’re unsure about moving forward with divorce, a consultation with one of our attorneys can help you determine if divorce is the right choice or if you might benefit from a legal separation. During a legal separation, you remain married, but the court will issue orders on critical issues like child custody, child support, and the division of assets—just as it would in a divorce.
At Keller Legal Services, we prioritize a client-focused approach. We believe in the power of negotiation and collaboration to reach fair, effective solutions. However, when settlement is not possible, we are prepared to take your case to trial and fight for your rights. Our St. Charles divorce lawyers are skilled negotiators and experienced trial attorneys, able to handle every aspect of your divorce, whether simple or complex.
Our areas of practice include but are not limited to:
The divorce process can be overwhelming, especially with the amount of misleading information online. To help you navigate the legal landscape, here are a few tips from our experienced divorce lawyers:
In Illinois, divorce begins when one spouse files a petition for dissolution of marriage. The petition must be served to the other spouse, and a court date will be set. Once both parties have responded, the divorce process can proceed. During this time, important issues such as custody, support, and property division will need to be addressed.
For some couples, mediation can help resolve disputes. This process involves a neutral third party helping the spouses find common ground. Mediation is voluntary but can be a useful tool in resolving disagreements.
However, if the couple cannot agree, the case may proceed to trial, where a judge will make the final decisions on all contested issues.
The Kane County Courthouse handles all divorce proceedings in St. Charles, Illinois. Divorce petitions and related paperwork must be filed there.
Divorce can take a financial toll, as you will need to support yourself independently. Here are some steps to help you prepare:
If you’re considering divorce or have been served with divorce papers, Keller Legal Services is here to help. Our experienced divorce lawyers provide the guidance and support you need throughout the process.
Call us today at 630-505-1515 to schedule a no-obligation consultation. We are committed to protecting your rights and advocating for you every step of the way. For your convenience, we offer virtual consultations and have an Aurora office easily accessible to St. Charles residents.
