Buffalo Grove Divorce Lawyer

Divorce is one of those major life events that we hope never happens to us. If you have reached the point at which you are thinking about filing for divorce, or if your spouse has already served you with papers, then it is in your best interests to seek out qualified legal advice. An experienced Buffalo Grove divorce lawyer can explain to you exactly what is involved in seeking a dissolution of marriage under Illinois law, and what you can expect during the process.

At the SAM LAW OFFICE LLC, we assist clients with both contested and uncontested divorces. Contrary to what you might think, hiring a divorce lawyer does not mean you are preparing for a years-long court battle over alimony or child custody. What it does mean is that you are taking divorce seriously by working with an attorney who understands the legal system and will make every effort to get you and your family through the process with minimal disruption to your day-to-day lives.

What Happens When You File for Divorce in Illinois?

Illinois now permits “no-fault” divorce. This means that you do not need to prove that your spouse did something wrong to cause the breakdown of your marriage. Instead, you can seek a divorce on the grounds of “irreconcilable differences,” provided you and your spouse have lived “separate and apart.” In an uncontested no-fault divorce, the minimum separation period is just six months; otherwise, you need to be living separate and apart for at least two years.

It is also possible to seek a fault-based divorce in Illinois regardless of the separation period. The most common causes cited for such divorces are adultery, abandonment, extreme cruelty, and one spouse’s felony conviction. Keep in mind, however, that proving fault does not necessarily mean a judge will award you a greater share of the marital estate.

Regardless of the type of divorce, there are still a number of issues that will need to be resolved before an Illinois judge grants you a dissolution of marriage. These issues include the aforementioned division of marital property, whether or not either spouse is entitled to alimony, provisions for child custody and child support, and the enforceability of any pre- or post-nuptial agreements that you and your spouse may have signed. Sorting through these issues requires quite a bit of time and legal expertise, which is where the SAM LAW OFFICE LLC can help.

Contact Our Buffalo Grove Divorce Lawyers Today to Schedule a Free Consultation

Divorce is never easy for any of the people involved. But working with a knowledgeable, compassionate Buffalo Grove divorce lawyer can go a long way toward making the process go as smoothly as possible. So, if you are contemplating divorce and need advice on what steps to take, contact SAM LAW OFFICE LLC today to schedule a free consultation. We serve clients throughout Cook and Lake Counties.