How Your Social Media Usage Can Affect Your Divorce Case
Social media has become a regular and integral part of our lives. We post images on social media of our
December 21, 2022
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The Steps You Take Before Filing For Divorce, Can Determine Everything
What you do right now—before emotions take over, before your spouse gets ahead—shapes your custody, your finances, and your future.
Here’s What 34 Years of Divorce Cases Taught Us: The people who prepare win. are fighting an uphill battle.
Right now, you have options. Leverage. Positioning. The ability to document what matters before anything changes.
Wait too long, and those options start disappearing—one by one.
15 minutes. No obligation. Know exactly where you stand.
Orland Park Divorce Attorney
Principal Attorney
Meet Attorney Demetrios N. Dalmares
The Law Office of Demetrios N. Dalmares & Associates, Ltd. was founded in 1992 to provide skilled, compassionate legal counsel to individuals and families throughout Cook County and the surrounding suburbs — including Will, DuPage, and Kankakee Counties.
Our firm’s disciplined, exclusive focus on family law and paternity matters means every strategy, every argument, and every decision is built around one goal: the best possible outcome for you and your family. From a straightforward uncontested divorce to the most complex business valuation and custody disputes — we are prepared for all of it.
We hold a strong moral and ethical belief that everyone deserves equal representation, regardless of case size or complexity. During your initial consultation, Attorney Dalmares personally develops a legal strategy tailored to your situation — and guides your case through to completion with professionalism, efficiency, and fairness.
Demetrios N. Dalmares
The 72-Hour Window
Why the First 72 Hours Matter More Than Anything Else
In the first 72 hours after deciding to divorce, most people make at least one of these costly mistakes — all of which are fixable, but only if you haven’t made them yet.
Moving out
Often weakens your custody position and can affect your interest in the property while still obligating you to contribute to those expenses.
Confronting spouse
The biggest mistake people make is often texting while they're emotional. Period. We teach you to tone that rhetoric down.
Social media
Never discuss your personal matters on social media.
Signing something
Always consult an attorney first." (remove extra language)
Waiting
Waiting sometimes allows the other party a window of opportunity to meet with their attorneys and begin strategizing against you.
Trusting spouse
Remember you got married for a reason and now you're getting divorced. Never trust anyone. Everybody defines fair in a way that benefits themselves.
The People Who Come To Us Before Acting Walk Into Court With Leverage.
The people who come to us after making mistakes spend months digging out of holes they didn’t need to create — causing unnecessary heartache and added expense. Which situation would you rather be in?
The Dalmares Method™
Our 4-Phase System for Maximizing Divorce Success
After 34 years and thousands of family law cases in Cook and Will County, we’ve learned exactly what wins — and what loses. We’ve systematized it into four phases.
PROTECT
Goal: Secure your position before the other side gains advantage
- Map your complete financial picture (accounts, assets, debts, income)
- Secure copies of critical documents before they 'disappear'
- Document your involvement with your children (custody positioning)
- Advise you on what NOT to do — the mistakes that sink cases
- File protective orders immediately if domestic violence is involved
Outcome: You're positioned for strength from day one — not playing catch-up for months.
Discovery
Goal: Get the complete picture — especially what they don't want you to see
- Subpoena bank records, tax returns, and business financials
- Interrogatories and requests for production of documents
- Depositions of your spouse and relevant witnesses
- Forensic analysis of accounts (if applicable)
- Expert witnesses for valuations, custody, and financial analysis
Outcome: Complete clarity on what's at stake — and what you're entitled to.
NEGOTIATE
Goal: Reach the best possible outcome without the cost of trial
- Over 90% of our cases settle. They settle well into the client's satisfaction.
- Our settlement offers are strategic, never desperate, and well calculated
- We prepare every case as if it's going to trial
- Opposing counsel knows we're ready and willing to fight
- Our settlement offers are strategic, never desperate
Outcome: A settlement that protects your interests — without draining your savings in a courtroom battle.
Final Settlement/Trial
Goal: Decisive courtroom victory when the other side won't be reasonable
- Comprehensive trial strategy built on judge's tendencies and facts
- Expert witnesses prepared, organized, and fully ready
- Evidence structured for maximum courtroom impact
- Aggressive cross-examination that exposes the truth
- The other side knows what's coming — most cases never reach this point.
Outcome: When we go to trial,we prepare to win. That's why most cases never get there.
Case Results
What 34 Years Looks Like
Real cases. Real outcomes. Real families who came to us in difficult situations and left with their futures intact.
3-Year Stalled Case → Resolved in 4 Months
A client came to us after nearly three years of unresolved litigation. Previous attorneys had missed deadlines and lost documents. We reorganized the entire case, filed motions to compel, and pushed for resolution.
Result
Case settled in four months. No trial needed. Client finally moved on with life.
Mother Escapes Violence → Full Custody Awarded
Father became violent during separation. Mother needed protection and custody urgently. We obtained emergency orders, documented the full history of abuse, and built a comprehensive custody case.
Result
Father received supervised visitation only. Child support ordered.
Father Wins Primary Custody
Mother claimed father was ‘uninvolved.’ We documented three years of school pickups, doctor visits, and extracurricular involvement. Teachers, coaches, and the pediatrician testified to the truth.
Result
Court awarded primary custody to father. Children stayed in family home.
Business Owner Protects Company in Divorce
Spouse demanded half of business equity. We traced premarital investments, documented separate property contributions, and worked with valuation experts to establish fair market value of the business.
Result
Client retained the business. Settlement structured from other marital assets.
Years of Family Law Experience
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Over 2,500 satisfied families represented
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LAW SPECIALIZATION
Our Practice Area
Comprehensive Family Law Representation in the Chicagoland Metropolitan Area (including Cook, Dupage, Kendall, Will and Kankakee County)
Family law cases can reshape your life in permanent, meaningful ways. The Illinois family law attorneys at the Law Office of Demetrios N. Dalmares & Associates, Ltd. have the experience, focus, and dedication to guide you through every stage — from your first consultation to your final court order.
Divorce
Divorce
Illinois is a no-fault divorce state. Whether your case is contested or uncontested, our Orland Park divorce attorneys protect your financial future, parental rights, and long-term security through every stage of dissolution.
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Child Custody
Child Custody
Illinois calls it allocation of parental responsibilities. We call it protecting your relationship with your children. We fight for parenting time and decision-making arrangements that truly serve your child's best interests.
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Domestic Abuse
Domestic Abuse
When safety is the priority, fast legal action is critical. We help victims obtain emergency orders of protection, navigate divorce safely, and establish custody arrangements that put your children's security first.
Learn More
Family Law
Family Law
Beyond divorce, Illinois family law covers paternity, prenuptial agreements, modifications, domestic abuse, and more. Our exclusive family law focus since 1992 means we bring unmatched depth to every matter affecting your family's legal rights.
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Spousal Support
Spousal Support
Also called spousal maintenance or alimony, Illinois calculates support using a statutory formula based on both spouses' incomes and the length of the marriage. We advocate for fair outcomes — whether you are seeking or contesting maintenance.
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Complex Property Division
Complex Property Division
Illinois divides marital property equitably — not always equally. From real estate and retirement accounts to business interests and investments, our attorneys have deep experience protecting clients in high-stakes property disputes.
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Modifications
Modifications
Life changes — and your court orders can too. When there is a substantial change in circumstances, we petition to modify custody, parenting time, child support, or spousal maintenance orders efficiently and effectively.
Learn More
Paternity/Maternity
Paternity/Maternity
Establishing legal paternity/maternity in Illinois determines a father's custody and parenting rights, a mother's right to child support, and a child's access to financial support and benefits. We represent both mothers and fathers.
Learn More
Dissolution of a Long-Term Marriage
Dissolution of a Long-Term Marriage
Dissolution of a long-term marriage comes with particular financial concerns. An Illinois divorce lawyer can discuss your case with you.
Learn More
Divorce for Business Owners
Divorce for Business Owners
Business owners have special concerns in divorces when it comes to valuing assets and dividing marital property.
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General Services for Divorce Clients
General Services for Divorce Clients
In addition to representation in family law matters, our firm provides a wide array of additional legal services to better serve our client’s needs.
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Calculators
who we are
Illinois Divorce Attorneys With Over 30 Years of Proven Experience
The Law Office of Demetrios N. Dalmares & Associates, Ltd. was founded in 1992 with one clear goal — to provide skilled, ethical, and deeply personal legal counsel to individuals and families facing the most difficult transitions of their lives.
Based in Orland Park, Illinois, our firm has spent over three decades exclusively focused on family law — serving clients throughout Orland Park, Homer Glen, Frankfort, Naperville, and all of Cook, Will, DuPage, and Kankakee Counties.
Our exclusive focus on family law means every strategy, every argument, and every dollar of our resources is dedicated to one practice area. We don’t divide our attention. Whether your case involves a straightforward uncontested divorce, a high-conflict child custody dispute, a complex business valuation, or a domestic abuse emergency — we are prepared for all of it.
Attorney Dalmares personally develops a legal strategy during your initial consultation and remains directly involved through every stage of your case — guiding you with professionalism, efficiency, and a genuine commitment to your outcome.
30 years of experience
Client Success Story
Business Owner Protected From Inequitable Asset Division
Practice Area: Complex Property Division · County: Cook
When a couple jointly owned a business, the opposing spouse sought an unreasonable share of the company’s assets based on inflated valuations. Our team conducted a thorough investigation of the couple’s full financial history, documented the true fair market value of the business, and demonstrated the equitable distribution framework under Illinois law. Our client received a significantly more favorable settlement — protecting the business he had spent years building.Mother Awarded Full Custody — Father Restricted to Supervised Parenting Time
Practice Area: Child Custody · Domestic Abuse · County: Cook
After a father became aggressive and violent toward the mother during their separation, she came to us seeking full custody of their children. Our attorneys documented the pattern of abuse, secured an emergency order of protection, and built a compelling case at trial. The court granted the father supervised parenting time only — and our client was awarded full decision-making authority and child support.
law process
The Typical Divorce & Custody Processes
01 Strategy Session
Two weeks prior to filing and service of court
documents.
Strategy Session
Two weeks prior to filing and service of court
documents.
02 Commencing a Case for Divorce or Custody
The filing of court
documents marks the
beginning of litigation.
Commencing a Case for Divorce or Custody
The filing of court
documents marks the
beginning of litigation.
03 Initial Case Management Conference
Occurs two to six weeks after the pleadings are filed and served.
Initial Case Management Conference
Occurs two to six weeks after the pleadings are filed and served.
04 Discovering Information & Researching Facts
Following the ICMC, the process of discovery
officially begins.
Discovering Information & Researching Facts
Following the ICMC, the process of discovery
officially begins.
05 Temporary Relief Hearing
Can take place anytime at the onset of filing or during litigation if assets are moved, shifted, or disappear
Temporary Relief Hearing
Can take place anytime at the onset of filing or during litigation if assets are moved, shifted, or disappear
06 Mediation or Early Neutral Evaluation
Usually happens after the initial discovery.
Mediation or Early Neutral Evaluation
Usually happens after the initial discovery.
07 Pretrial Hearing
Takes place upon completion of all initial discovery
Initial Case Management Conference
Takes place upon completion of all initial discovery
08 Final Trial
Cook County can be 2-4 years
Final Trial
Usually nine months to a year after the start of
litigation.
Frequently asked questions
The Answers You Need— Before It’s Too Late
Divorce, custody, and financial matters can be complex — but knowing the right answers before you act can change your outcome entirely. Here are the most common questions our Orland Park family law clients ask Attorney Dalmares.
How long does a divorce take in Illinois?
An uncontested Illinois divorce typically takes 2–3 months. Contested divorces vary widely depending on complexity — custody disputes, business valuations, and uncooperative spouses can each add months or years to the timeline. Cook County contested cases routinely take 1–3 years from filing to resolution. Every case is different, and the sooner you get organized and prepared, the more control you have over your timeline.
How much does a divorce lawyer cost?
The cost of a divorce attorney depends almost entirely on the complexity of your case. An uncontested divorce with no disputes is significantly less expensive than a contested case involving custody battles, business valuation, or hidden assets. At Demetrios N. Dalmares & Associates, your initial consultation is free — and we provide a realistic cost estimate based on your specific situation before you commit to anything.
Do mothers always get custody in Illinois?
No — Illinois law does not favor mothers over fathers. Courts determine the allocation of parental responsibilities based solely on the best interests of the child. Key factors include each parent’s relationship with the child, ability to provide stability, willingness to support the child’s relationship with the other parent, and any history of domestic violence. We have successfully represented both mothers and fathers in custody matters.
How is property divided in an Illinois divorce?
Illinois is an equitable distribution state — meaning property is divided fairly, not necessarily 50/50. Courts consider the length of the marriage, each spouse’s contributions including homemaking, current economic circumstances, and any prenuptial agreements. Property acquired during the marriage is generally marital property subject to division. Assets owned before the marriage may remain separate property, provided they haven’t been commingled.
Should I move out of the house before filing for divorce?
Generally, no. Moving out before filing often weakens your custody position and can affect your interest in the property while still obligating you to contribute to those expenses. If domestic violence is involved, your safety comes first — seek an order of protection immediately, then address the property issues. Before making any decision about leaving the family home, consult with Demetrios.
How is child support calculated in Illinois?
Illinois uses an Income Shares model based on both parents’ net incomes, the number of children, and the amount of time each parent spends with them. The formula combines both incomes, determines a basic support obligation from state guidelines, then allocates it based on each parent’s percentage of combined income. Additional factors include healthcare and childcare costs. Use our free child support calculator for an estimate.
What's the first step in filing for divorce in Illinois?
Consult with Demetrios before taking any action — this is the single most important first step. Many people unintentionally damage their cases by moving out, signing agreements, or confronting their spouse before understanding their rights. In your free consultation, we’ll assess your situation, explain your options, and build an initial strategy before anything is filed.
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Attorney Advertising. This information is designed for general information only. The information presented should not be construed to be formal legal advice nor the formation of a lawyer/client relationship. Past results and testimonials are not a guarantee, warranty, or prediction of the outcome of your case, and should not be construed as such. Past results cannot guarantee future performance. Any result in a single case is not meant to create an expectation of similar results in future matters because each case involves many different factors, therefore, results will differ on a case-by-case basis. By providing certain contact information herein, you are expressly authorizing the recipient of this message to contact you via the methods of communication provided.