Navigating The Divorce Process
A Compassionate Attorney That Will Fight for You
Going through a divorce can easily be one of the most difficult experiences you will have in life. Understanding what is involved in the divorce process is helpful to getting through it with your sanity, and your dignity, intact.
For questions about the divorce process, contact our Illinois divorce attorneys at S.A.M. LAW OFFICE, LLC, in Arlington Heights, Illinois, for this level of legal service and care. We offer free initial consultations.
Arlington Heights, Illinois, Legal Separation Agreement Lawyer
Our compassionate divorce attorney and staff are here for you throughout the divorce process, from start to finish. We will listen carefully as you explain your unique family circumstances. Then, we will use this information to prepare the proper documents and file for divorce.
After divorce is filed, we will answer any questions you may have as we wait for the response from your spouse. Once a response is filed, both parties will seek to establish the value of the marital estate and collect any other evidence relevant to the divorce. Once this phase of "discovery" is complete, we will represent you in negotiations with your spouse.
We will also represent you in "status hearings" (monthly updates on the status of the divorce) before the court throughout the divorce process, as required by Illinois law. In addition, we can respond to motions regarding issues related to your divorce that may be filed by your spouse, or file such motions on your behalf.
If a settlement agreement is reached, you will only need to give brief testimony to a judge, who will then make sure your marital agreement is fair and enter a final divorce order. When there is a settlement, the parties make the decisions about their assets and their children, instead of the judge.
If a settlement agreement cannot be reached, we will aggressively and compassionately fight to protect your rights at trial. During the trial, you will be asked questions by your attorney, your spouse's attorney, and possibly the judge. There may also be testimony from expert witnesses, specialists or finance professionals, if relevant to your case.
If you have children, you will most likely be required to participate in mediation to resolve disputes regarding child custody and support Link to Child Custody and Support. Sometimes, you may be required to take parenting classes.
At trial, the judge in charge of your case doesn't necessarily consider how his or her decision will affect your life. If child custody is involved he must consider the best interests of the child. At trial he or she will listen to the evidence and divide the marital estate and award custody of the children based solely upon the evidence at trial.
For compassionate and effective legal advice regarding the best way to navigate the divorce process, contact our Arlington Heights, Illinois, legal separation agreement attorney at S.A.M. LAW OFFICE, LLC, today to schedule a free initial consultation.