Hoffman Estates Divorce Lawyers

If you have considered ending your marriage, you will quickly learn there is much work to be done before a judge will finalize your Illinois divorce. All issues must be addressed and resolved before you can move on and start over. Even if your spouse tells you that he or she will not contest the divorce, problems can still occur. That is one reason why you need skilled Hoffman Estates divorce lawyers on your side.

At SAM LAW OFFICE LLC, our divorce lawyers can help expedite your divorce and potentially save you legal fees in the process. We have years of experience representing Illinois clients for a wide variety of family law matters, including divorce.

Do not make a mistake and assume that if you are filing an uncontested divorce, it is unnecessary to hire an attorney. Even if you agree on every aspect of your divorce, it is imperative to have an objective and independent attorney review all the documentation. Otherwise, you could be agreeing to an unfair settlement.

What Issues Need to be Resolved Before Finalizing a Hoffman Estates Divorce?

Before finalizing your Illinois divorce, you need to address and resolve issues like dividing your marital assets, child custody, spousal support, and child support. Under Illinois law, property division is completed according to the theory of equitable distribution. This law states that each spouse is entitled to a fair and equitable share of both the marital assets and the liabilities. It can be a complicated process, especially when couples own multiple pieces of real estate, antiques, stocks, and other unique assets.

Do not assume that your spouse will always be honest in disclosing assets, either. It is not that uncommon for one spouse to conveniently leave out some marital assets. Sometimes, it is an honest mistake, while other times it is outright fraud. Many spouses are angry during a divorce and will do whatever possible to keep you from your fair share of the marital assets. In these scenarios, it is even more critical that you retain experienced Hoffman Estates divorce lawyers to help you.

If one spouse has requested alimony, the court may or may not award it. If possible, it is better to negotiate spousal support ahead of time rather than let a judge decide. Factors that go into a judge’s decision on spousal support include:

• How long were you married?
• What are your earning capacity and education level?
• Did you sacrifice your own career for the good of the marriage?

If you and your spouse have children, custody and parenting time must be decided on as well. Next to property division, child custody and support are two of the most contentious matters to resolve. Under Illinois law, custody and visitation are now called division of parental responsibilities and parenting time. The judge will look at what is best for your children, not necessarily what you or your spouse prefer. If you can reach an agreement on your own, it can be better for everyone involved.

Contact Our Hoffman Estates Divorce Lawyers

If you need assistance with your Illinois divorce, let our experienced Hoffman Estates divorce lawyers assist you. Contact SAM LAW OFFICE LLC today to schedule an initial consultation.