Divorce Overview
Contemplating divorce is difficult. Whether or not you are sure you want to end your marriage, it helps to learn the basics of divorce law. Should you conclude that divorce is necessary, it is important to seek the assistance of an experienced family law attorney. Contact us today to discuss your concerns with an experienced professional on staff or an attorney from Grunyk & Associates, P.C., a Naperville family law firm.
Grounds for Divorce
A divorce is a judicial decree by which a valid marriage is dissolved. From a legal standpoint, the divorce process will divide the couple's assets and debts; determine the future care and custody of their children; and give each person the legal right to marry someone else.
Illinois is a "no-fault" state. Generally, a divorce will be granted if one spouse states that the marriage has irretrievably broken down or the couple has irreconcilable differences. (Other residency and filing requirements must also be met.) However, "fault divorces" are still available. In a fault divorce, one spouse must allege a martial wrong like adultery or abuse in order to receive a divorce. An experienced family law attorney can help you determine whether and how to pursue divorce.
Resolving Issues During Divorce
Before a divorce may be granted, five basic issues typically must be resolved. They are:
- Alimony/spousal support
- Property and debt division
- Child custody
- Visitation/parenting time
- Child support
If the spouses can reach agreement on these issues, then the divorce is uncontested. If, however, the spouses cannot agree, the divorce is contested. The spouses may go to trial to resolve the issues. This usually means that a family court judge will make the final decisions. Alternatives to going to court include mediation and collaborative divorce.
Conclusion
Making the decision to end a marriage is difficult and divorce is one of the most stressful experiences that a person can ever go though. Even so, it is in your best interests to approach the divorce process from a rational, businesslike perspective. Working with an experienced family law attorney will help you get through the process and begin your new life. By communicating clearly with your attorney and by choosing the right method to reach a suitable agreement you can make the divorce process a little bit bearable. People who feel that they had some control over the divorce process often feel more satisfied with the results. If both parties feel good about the process then the likelihood of future conflicts goes down.
Contact an Attorney Today
To speak with one of our experienced attorneys about your divorce and family law issues, email today.
Conveniently located in the historic 5th Avenue Building in downtown Naperville
Evening and weekend appointments available
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5th Avenue Station
200 E. 5th Avenue, Suite 113
Naperville, IL 60563
Phone: 630-364-4834
Fax: (630) 428-3313
Representing clients throughout Illinois including Naperville, Lisle, Aurora, Woodridge, Downers Grove, Darien, Westmont, Bolingbrook, Romeoville, Oswego, Yorkville, Joliet, Plainfield, Warrenville, Wheaton, Geneva, St. Charles, Batavia, Chicago and other cities in DuPage County, Will County, Kendall County, Kane County and Cook County.
