The ending of a marriage through divorce, regardless of the situation, can be emotional and stressful. But, working with an experienced and understanding Darien divorce attorney at Wolfe & Stec will help alleviate your anxiety. We appreciate your situation and are ready to provide the legal guidance required to make the process go smoothly.
Divorce proceedings can be complex, especially when one considers the range of emotions involved. This is an action that marks the conclusion of a major part of your life. Our compassionate divorce lawyers will empathize with you and address each question you have, even if you are just considering divorce.
Call Wolfe & Stec today at (630) 305-0222 for a free, confidential consultation. You can rely on our Darien divorce lawyers to support you and aggressively pursue the best outcome for you.
Do I need an attorney to handle my divorce? This frequently asked question is a good one. While engaging an attorney when getting divorced is not required, in most cases, it is wise to have a legal professional on your side to ensure your interests are represented appropriately and to confirm everything is completed correctly. Divorce is a complex legal issue, and circumstances can change in an instant. Even the most amicable relationships can become acrimonious. A spouse who was previously agreeable may even refuse to sign the divorce papers. Things can go from good too bad in an instant.
Our skilled and compassionate divorce lawyer in Darien protect your interests and answer all of your questions about:
We represent you. As such, we will guide you throughout the proceedings, handle all paperwork and court appearances, and advocate for your interests when disputes come to bear. Hiring at attorney at the onset, before problems arise, is the best plan. Contact Darien divorce lawyer today for a free and confidential consultation at (630) 305-0222.
Each state, including Illinois, has specific rules regarding divorce. Most notably, Illinois has a residency requirement that at least one of the divorcing spouses must be a resident of the state for 90 consecutive days prior to filing paperwork.
Once met, you must then file a petition for dissolution of marriage with the Circuit Court in the county in which you or your spouse live to start the divorce process. Your spouse will be served with the petition and will have 30 days to respond.
These steps require the completion and filing of several legal forms. Our Darien divorce attorneys will handle the process for you, ensuring your documents are submitted in a timely fashion. We will also prepare you for what is to come based on your specific situation. Call Wolfe & Stec at (630) 305-0222 today begin the process and get the support you deserve.
It is common to want the divorce proceedings to go quickly. You are looking forward to an exciting new chapter in your life, filled with opportunity and happiness. You may simply want to “be done”. Quick, however, is not always possible. The timing of the divorce process is dependent upon a range of issues regarding your marriage. Relationships without children and few assets and/or property often can be dissolved much faster than those with more complicated circumstances. Is your divorce contested or uncontested? The answer to this question plays a large role into how long it will take to complete the process.
When agreement exists on all the divorce terms, the process is uncontested and may completed quickly, sometimes in as little as two months. However, for an uncontested divorce, there must be agreement on all the details and issues, including:
Disagreement on even one of the issues results in a contested divorce. Then the process becomes significantly more time consuming.
One of the responsibilities of your attorney in a contested divorce is to attempt to negotiate all disagreements. Unfortunately, it is not always possible to reach an agreement. When this happens, you, your spouse, and both of your attorneys may end up in court. If the conflict between you and your spouse is significant regarding the terms and conditions of the divorce, it can take as long as two years or more to complete the process.
Divorce is complicate and you are likely unfamiliar with the process. As such, you will probably have many questions. A Wolfe & Stec divorce attorney in Darien will listen carefully to your concerns and offer advice and counsel specific to your unique situation. That said, we are providing some general answers to the questions we most frequently hear.
Locally, you can file for divorce on “fault” or “no-fault” grounds. No-fault divorces are granted based on irreconcilable differences, without holding anyone to blame. On the other hand, fault divorces may be granted for reasons including, but not limited to, adultery, excessive alcohol or drug use, mental cruelty, and physical cruelty.
Judges in Illinois, and across the country, consider the best interests of children when determining custody. They review factors including:
In Illinois, judges divide marriage assets and property based on “equitable distribution.” After reviewing the relevant factors in your case, the judge will the judge will determine a fair distribution. Be aware, fair does not always mean equal. Quite often the division is not a 50/50 split. The length of the marriage, age of spouses, existence of prenuptial agreements, and individual earnings potential are among the issues considered.
The decision to divorce does not come easy. In fact, ending a marriage is a major life decision, one which you likely spent significant time considering. Like many others in a similar position, you may be concerned with making the right choices for yourself, your family and your financial well-being.
When consulting with a knowledgeable and empathetic lawyer from Wolfe & Stec, you will never be pressured into making decisions too quickly. We are recognized for our approach to client service. On each case, we listen carefully, gain a complete understanding of the current situation and the client’s goals for the future. Only you can make the decision to move forward. Once you do, our Darien divorce attorneys will be ready to support you, negotiate on your behalf and advocate for your interests in court if necessary.
Call us today for a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your divorce issues at (630) 305-0222.