Carol Stream, Illinois Divorce Lawyers

Attorneys Helping Clients Address Legal and Financial Issues During the Divorce Process in Carol Stream

The process of ending a marriage and getting a divorce is rarely simple. Even in cases where both spouses agree that divorce is the best path forward, disputes can arise as they address legal, financial, and parenting matters related to their separation. As a couple takes steps to untangle their shared finances, divide their property, put financial support orders in place, and determine how matters related to their children will be handled, it is crucial for a person to have legal representation from an attorney who can help them resolve the outstanding issues while protecting their interests.

At A. Traub & Associates, our lawyers provide our clients with clear explanations and steady support during the divorce process. With decades of experience handling divorce and family law cases in DuPage County, we can advise clients on the issues they will need to address and the procedures that will be followed in local courts while making sure they understand their rights and obligations at all times. Whether a case can be resolved through negotiations or will require litigation, we will always focus on protecting our clients' interests and helping them achieve positive results.

Understanding Uncontested Divorce in Illinois

In an uncontested divorce, spouses will work together to reach agreements on how all of the issues involved in their case will be resolved. This does not necessarily mean that there will be no conflict, but a couple may take steps to resolve their outstanding issues and reach agreements while minimizing the need for court involvement. An uncontested divorce can often be completed more quickly while minimizing legal disputes or other issues that could prolong a case. Our attorneys can help clients determine the best steps to take to complete an uncontested divorce successfully.

Options for Resolving Issues During an Uncontested Divorce

Even if a couple does not agree on every issue, they can take steps to resolve their disagreements and create a divorce settlement. Some approaches that may be taken in these cases include:

• Mediation: A couple may work together with a neutral mediator, who can help them discuss disputed issues and work to reach agreements that they will both find to be satisfactory.
• Collaborative Divorce: This method will involve an agreement between spouses and their lawyers to resolve issues through negotiations rather than litigation. The process will encourage honesty and cooperation as a couple works together to negotiate a settlement.
• Direct Negotiation: In some cases, spouses may be able to communicate directly with each other or through their attorneys as they work to reach agreements on all of the issues involved in a divorce.

These methods will allow couples to maintain more control over the outcome of their divorce, since both spouses will need to be in full agreement on the terms of a divorce settlement. Agreements to cooperate can also help to reduce ongoing conflict, which can be beneficial when parents will need to remain in contact with each other and work together to raise their children in the years after their divorce is finalized.

Contested Divorce Cases

When a couple is unable to reach agreements on one or more issues and create a settlement, their divorce may require litigation. In a contested divorce, a trial will be held, and each spouse will present evidence and arguments to the court. A judge will make the final decisions on how all disputed matters will be handled.

Our lawyers can provide effective representation in contested divorce cases. We will make sure clients are prepared for each stage of a divorce trial. We will gather documentation that can be presented as evidence, consult with financial professionals or parenting experts when necessary, and advocate on behalf of a client before a judge. Even in a contested divorce, a settlement may be possible at any point, and we will look for opportunities to resolve outstanding issues and find solutions that will meet our client's needs.

Dividing Marital Property

In Illinois divorce cases, a couple's marital property will need to be divided fairly and equitably. This may not necessarily mean that each spouse will receive an equal share of property, but the final decisions should be fair to both parties. Our attorneys work with clients to address different types of marital property that may play a role in a case, including a couple's home, other real estate property, family businesses, funds in retirement accounts or other financial accounts, and items kept in a family's home.

Allocation of Parental Responsibilities and Parenting Time

Parents who get divorced will need to address a variety of concerns related to child custody. A parenting plan will be created that will detail how parental responsibilities will be allocated between the parents, including how they will handle decisions related to their children's medical care, educational needs, religious training and activities, and extracurricular activities. The parenting plan will also address parenting time, creating a schedule detailing when children will live with or spend time with each parent.

Parents can negotiate a parenting plan, and if they are in agreement on the terms, they may file the plan in court, and a judge will typically approve it as long as it serves the best interests of the children. If parents cannot agree on the terms of their parenting plan, a judge will make decisions after reviewing the evidence presented by both sides, as well as reports from a guardian ad litem or child representative appointed to review the case. Our lawyers work with clients to develop parenting plans that will meet their families' needs, and we will work to resolve any disputes about how issues related to child custody will be handled.

Contact Our Carol Stream, IL Divorce Attorneys

The divorce process involves decisions that will affect your finances, your relationship with your children, and nearly every other part of your life. You will need to make sure you have an experienced attorney on your side throughout this process. At A. Traub & Associates, we can make sure you follow the right steps during your case, and we will work with you to find solutions that will meet your needs going forward. Contact our Carol Stream contested and uncontested divorce lawyers at 630-426-0196 to schedule your consultation with us.