Lombard, IL Divorce Attorney for First Responders

Dedicated Lawyers Assisting With Divorce Cases Involving Police Officers, Firefighters, and EMTs in Lombard, Illinois

Being a first responder can be incredibly rewarding, but it can also affect a person's life in a variety of unexpected ways. Firefighters, police officers, and paramedics often have unique lifestyles and work schedules that can impact their relationships. When these or other concerns lead to the breakdown of a marriage, first responders and their spouses may need to address some unique issues during the divorce process.

At A. Traub & Associates, several of our attorneys and staff members have spouses or other family members who are firefighters, EMTs, or police officers, and we understand the issues that can affect first responders and their families. We know the difficulties that these families often face as they address divorce-related issues, and we are dedicated to helping them resolve the concerns that they may encounter and find solutions that will work for them. We will provide compassionate support as we assist with your case, and we will work with you to resolve your legal concerns effectively and with minimal disruption to your life and career.

Practical Issues During Divorce

First responders and their spouses will need to address many of the same issues as other couples when getting divorced, including the division of marital property, spousal maintenance, child custody (allocation of parental responsibilities), and child support. However, they may need to address certain types of unique concerns, including determining how to handle regular parenting time and holidays when a person has a work schedule that changes regularly.

When creating a parenting plan, spouses in these cases will likely need to be flexible. There are some realities that often come with the job, such as residency requirements, shift picking hierarchies, and shift forcebacks that should be addressed in a first responder's parenting plan. They should allow for changes to the time children will spend with a parent based on when they will be required to work, while including provisions for what will happen if a parent must work at unexpected times.

At A. Traub & Associates, we have a unique familiarity with these concerns, and we can help find creative solutions. We can also advocate on your behalf in court if necessary, working to ensure that you will have the flexibility you need.

Financial Concerns That May Affect First Responders and Their Spouses

Another issue that may affect first responders during a divorce involves the division of pensions and other retirement benefits. While a police officer or firefighter may not begin receiving these benefits until many years after their divorce, their ex-spouse will likely be entitled to receive a certain portion of the payments, depending on how long they were married while working in a pension-eligible position.

In Illinois, police and fire pensions are operated through various state and local pension systems, and when dividing these pension benefits between divorcing spouses, a Qualified Illinois Domestic Relations Order (QILDRO) must be created. We understand the nuances of these orders, and we can make sure they are created correctly so that benefits are allocated between a first responder and their ex-spouse.

Other Concerns That May Arise When a First Responder Gets Divorced

In some cases, first responders may struggle with emotional concerns. The stress of the job can lead to issues such as depression or anxiety, and some may turn to alcohol or drugs. When a divorce involves psychological concerns or addiction issues, steps may need to be taken to protect the safety of family members.

Our attorneys can help ensure that these issues are addressed correctly by requesting psychological evaluations when appropriate and ensuring that a person receives the proper treatment. We can help create agreements that will protect the safety and best interests of a couple's children while ensuring that families can maintain strong bonds. Our goal is to find solutions that will benefit all parties and help avoid safety concerns or other problems in the future.

Contact Our Lombard, Illinois First Responder Divorce Lawyers

If you or your spouse are a firefighter, paramedic or EMT, or police officer, our compassionate, dedicated attorneys can provide you with the guidance and representation you need during your divorce. We will help you understand your rights, and we will work with you to reach a resolution that will protect your relationship with your children and your financial interests. Contact us today at 630-426-0196. From our offices in Lombard and Arlington Heights, we serve clients in DuPage, Kane, Will, and Cook Counties.