Divorce Lawyers Near Me
Officially ending a marriage requires that couples contend with a host of related legal issues. For instance, divorcing couples must fairly divide marital assets and debts, determine who will retain ownership of the family home, decide whether one party is entitled to alimony, and come up with a parenting plan if the couple shares children. Resolving these issues can be a complex process, especially for those without legal representation, so if you and your spouse have decided to end your marriage, it is critical to speak with experienced Illinois divorce lawyers near me who can walk you through the filing process.
Contested vs. Uncontested Divorce
A divorce can either be contested or uncontested, with the former referring to a divorce in which the parties do not agree on one or more related legal issues, including:
- Who will retain the couple’s home;
- Who will be responsible for paying marital debt;
- How the couple’s marital assets will be distributed upon divorce;
- Whether one of the parties is entitled to spousal maintenance payments and if so, how long those payments should, and what form they will take; and
- How parenting time and decision-making responsibility for any children will be allocated.
Many couples are able to reach an agreement on these issues in an out-of-court setting and thus avoid litigating the matters in court. These are known as uncontested divorces and they tend to be resolved much more quickly than litigated divorces, which can take months or even years to finalize.
When a couple cannot come up with a reasonable arrangement, however, a judge will need to step in and make the decision on the parties’ behalf. This is known as a contested divorce and requires that the parties attend a number of hearings and present arguments to a judge. Contested divorces are notorious for being more contentious, time-consuming, and expensive than uncontested divorces.
Filing for Divorce
Regardless of whether a divorce is contested or uncontested, the parties involved will only be eligible if one of the parties has resided in the state for at least 90 days. Those who fail to satisfy this requirement could end up delaying their divorce by weeks or even months.
Once a couple has satisfied these filing requirements, they will need to provide evidence that their marriage has become irretrievably broken due to irreconcilable differences and that reconciliation is not possible or would not be in the family’s best interests. Proof that a couple has been living separate and apart for the last six months is usually enough to satisfy this burden.
Call Today for Help With Your Case
If you have questions or concerns about filing for divorce in Illinois, please contact the experienced divorce lawyers near me at Law Office of Demetrios N Dalmares and Associates Ltd.. We can be reached by phone or by sending an email to info@www.dalmareslaw.com. We offer initial consultations free of charge, so call or contact us online at your earliest convenience.
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Client Reviews
Thank you
Demetrios, I cannot thank you enough for you diligence, patience, knowledge, concern and determination to represent my best interest. From the bottom of my heart, you are amazing and thank you for all you have done for me. Robin
Best experience ever
With Demetrios, you don't have to worry about anything. He knows what he's doing. I have two lawyers before him. It was a long case and messed up for 2 years. Since Demetrios took my case, he finished it in a couple of months. He is very organized and smart, and he will take you through that very smooth process. Thank you so much Demetrios, I owe you a lot.
Demetrios Dalmares is a very good attorney. He did a great job in assisting me through my divorce. This is the attorney who will get the job done!
Divorce
Demetrios has helped me through a very difficult time in my life. He is not intimidated by increased levels of challenges. He has been able to adapt to my unique circumstances and get over every hurdle with confidence. He's intelligent, kind and a good listener. I wholeheartedly recommend Demetrios and his excellent staff to all my family and friends. I assure you that his commitment to helping others is reassuring, and I hope it sets your mind at ease.
Child support termination
Mr. Dalmares was great to work with. He walked me through the process and kept me updated on any updates that had occurred. Highly recommended!
Thank you, Demetrios, for your tenacity, attentiveness and patience in working with me in finalizing my divorce. God Bless
5-star team, very helpful, very friendly, punctual. Hired for a paternity case and was very pleased with the outcome. Demetrios is great; I highly recommend!
Recommend
I recommend Demetrios Dalmares with the highest praise as a divorce attorney. My divorce was settled quickly and without any unnecessary drama. I was updated regularly regarding the progress of my case. He was extremely knowledgeable, diligent and persistent. Demetrios Dalmares was clearly working in my best interest and the best interest of my three children. He is definitely the attorney you want on your side when going through a divorce. I cannot thank or recommend him enough!
Success Stories
Wife Seeks Unreasonable Share of Business Assets During Divorce
In a case where Law Office of Demetrios N Dalmares and Associates Ltd. represented Husband: Couple shared ownership in a business, resulting in complex property division issues. After investigation of the couple’s financial history, our client received a much more equitable divorce agreement than what was originally offered.
Mother Requests Limited Parental Rights for Father with Violent Past
In a case where Law Office of Demetrios N Dalmares and Associates Ltd. represented Mother: Father became aggressive and violent toward Mother during their separation, prompting her to seek full custody of their children. At trial, the court granted Father supervised parenting time only and Mother was awarded child support.
Bitter Divorce Drawn Out by Poor Representation Until Law Office of Demetrios N Dalmares and Associates Ltd. Gets Involved
In a case where Law Office of Demetrios N Dalmares and Associates Ltd. represented Husband: Couple had been locked in a contentious divorce for nearly three years and changed lawyers several times. Law Office of Demetrios N Dalmares and Associates Ltd. provided the experience and organization needed to resolve the case within months, avoiding a trial for our client.
Husband Tries to Avoid Spousal Support Based on Outdated Earning Potential
In a case where Law Office of Demetrios N Dalmares and Associates Ltd. represented Wife: Wife left a successful career to raise children. When Husband denied spousal support based on Wife’s previous earnings, Law Office of Demetrios N Dalmares and Associates Ltd. countered with evidence that retraining was needed, and our client was awarded spousal support.
Husband Insists on Taking Divorce to Trial
In a case where Law Office of Demetrios N Dalmares and Associates Ltd. represented Wife: Husband tried to intimidate Wife into a divorce settlement that heavily favored his interests by drawing out the case. Law Office of Demetrios N Dalmares and Associates Ltd. represented Wife through trial, where she received an equitable share of marital assets.
Father Granted Child Support Adjustment Due to Mother’s Cohabitation
In a case where Law Office of Demetrios N Dalmares and Associates Ltd. represented Father: Mother began cohabitating with a new partner who made significantly more than our client. Law Office of Demetrios N Dalmares and Associates Ltd. successfully demonstrated that the new relationship justified a modification and obtained a favorable outcome through negotiation.