Rolling Meadows Divorce Attorney

Compassionate and Dedicated Divorce Attorney in Cook County

Divorce can be a complex process, and it will legally dissolve a couple's marriage. Because of the many legal issues involved in a divorce, as well as the potential for conflict, it is crucial for a person to secure representation from an experienced family law attorney. At Ann O’Connell Law, Ltd., we provide compassionate, effective representation for divorcing spouses. We understand the difficulties that come with a divorce and the ways a person, their children, and other family members may be affected. We are dedicated to helping our clients resolve disputes effectively while protecting their rights and interests at all times.

Contested vs. Uncontested Divorce in Illinois

Divorces generally fall into one of two categories:

• Uncontested divorce: Spouses may be able to work together to determine how to resolve all of the legal issues in their divorce. In an amicable divorce, a couple can negotiate a settlement outside of court and then have it approved by the judge in their case. These types of divorces can usually be completed more quickly and efficiently, although they will require cooperation as spouses determine how to resolve their differences and reach agreements on the terms of their divorce settlement.
• Contested divorce: If spouses cannot agree on one or more key issues, they may need to go to court and have a judge rule on how these matters will be decided. A divorce trial will typically require more time to resolve, and it can be very expensive for both parties. However, these proceedings may be necessary in high-conflict cases or situations where spouses are unable to cooperate and reach agreements on the terms of their divorce settlement.

Key Issues Addressed in Illinois Divorce Cases

During the divorce process, spouses will need to separate their lives from each other, and they will need to determine how to resolve issues such as:

• Property division: Illinois is an "equitable distribution" state, meaning that marital property must be divided between spouses fairly, but not necessarily in equal proportions. Factors that may be considered when dividing marital assets include each spouse's contributions to the marriage, their economic circumstances, and the tax consequences that may apply to each party.
• Spousal support: Also known as alimony or maintenance, this form of financial support may be appropriate if there is a significant income disparity between spouses. Determining whether a spouse will be eligible for spousal support will depend on numerous factors, including the length of the marriage, the couple's standard of living, and each spouse's financial needs and earning capacity.
• Child custody and child support: Parents who share children will need to determine how parental responsibilities will be allocated between them, and they will need to establish parenting time schedules detailing when children will live or spend time with each parent. These decisions may also play a role in determining the child support obligations that will apply to each parent. Factors addressed in these cases include the child's needs, the parents' living situations, and each parent's relationship with the child.

The Role of an Attorney in an Illinois Divorce

A skilled and experienced divorce lawyer can play an invaluable role in resolving divorce-related issues. At Ann O’Connell Law, Ltd., we can help address concerns related to:

• Complex asset division: We can help perform business valuations to ensure that family businesses will be handled correctly during a divorce, and we can also assist with the division of retirement benefits.
• Prenuptial and postnuptial agreements: If a couple has a prenup or postnup in place, we can determine how it will affect the decisions made during a divorce, and we can address concerns regarding the enforceability of an agreement.
• Mediation representation: While mediation can be a beneficial way to negotiate a divorce settlement, it is important to work with an attorney during this process. We can provide legal advice, help negotiate agreements, and review the final settlement to ensure that our client's rights are protected.

Contact Our Rolling Meadows, Illinois Divorce Attorney

When addressing the many legal issues that may arise as you work to dissolve your marriage, the guidance of a seasoned divorce attorney is indispensable. At Ann O’Connell Law, Ltd., we can help you navigate the complexities of Illinois divorce law and help you resolve your case successfully. We are committed to providing you with compassionate representation, ensuring that your rights are protected and your voice is heard throughout the divorce process. Contact us today by calling 847-859-6222 and scheduling your free consultation.