Inverness Divorce Law Firm

Divorce is a stressful time. Your future is one big question mark, and you are likely under pressure at home. With so many decisions to make in your immediate future, the process can be overwhelming for anyone. The seasoned divorce professionals at SAM LAW OFFICE LLC have helped thousands of Inverness, Illinois natives dissolve their marriage and begin writing the next chapter of their lives.

Types of Divorce in Illinois

One of the first decisions you will need to make is the type of divorce you will want to file. There are two main umbrella categories: Contested and uncontested divorce. Uncontested divorces involve both spouses presenting their divorce agreement to the court together. The court will typically sign off on these agreements unless they leave one party destitute or place the children in a dangerous situation.

• Mediation – Most divorces begin in mediation and end up in litigation if the two parties cannot reach an agreement that both believe is fair. An attorney generally acts as neutral, third-party mediator and helps the couple find middle ground. Because the agreement was reached in mediation, the details of the settlement are not public record—making mediation highly-desirable to high-asset couples regardless of their feelings toward one another.

• Collaborative divorce – For couples who want to reach an agreement without the court intervening but are too far apart on key issues, there is an option other than litigation. In a collaborative divorce, both parties sign a contract and agree to commit to the collaborative divorce process. Threatening litigation or making other threats would derail the collaborative process, and the divorce would head into litigation.

• Litigation – In a litigated divorce, both parties are far apart on key issues and are likely blaming one another for the breakdown of the marriage. Couples who go into litigation have not found common ground on issues such as custody, child support, alimony, or property division.

Issues That Could Complicate Your Divorce

Most folks want their divorce to be over as soon as possible. However, there are a number of issues that could complicate the proceedings. These include:

• High-asset divorces – The more property that belongs to your marital estate, the more effort is required to appraise and then distribute the property. Couples who own real estate, businesses, or investments will require more time to settle their estate.
• Contested custody issues – If each parent is saying that the other parent is unfit to raise the children, the court will take both seriously. Ultimately, the court has the last say when it comes to custody and parenting time. The court will decide the matter in the best interests of the children. 

Talk to an Inverness, Illinois Divorce Attorney

If you are considering untying the knot, call the Inverness, Illinois divorce attorneys at SAM LAW OFFICE LLC today to schedule an appointment and discuss your concerns in more detail.