New Lenox Divorce Lawyers
When you know your marriage is over and there is no chance of reconciling with your spouse, take the time to educate yourself about the divorce process. Getting divorced is a big step, but sometimes, it is the right step for you and every other member of your family. Learning about what the divorce process entails can make it seem less intimidating and give you insight to aspects of the process that you had not considered.
Below are a few basic guidelines about getting divorced in Illinois. These are not a substitute for a thorough consultation with an experienced divorce lawyer. When you speak with a lawyer, you can go more in depth about different parts of the divorce process and discuss them within the context of your situation.
Parts of a Divorce Settlement
The document that outlines the terms of a couple’s divorce is known as their divorce settlement. This legal order contains the couple’s property distribution order. In any divorce, regardless of the number of assets the couple owns or the assets’ value, the couple’s marital assets and debts must be divided. They are divided according to the doctrine of equitable distribution, which means the court considers a set of factors like the length of the couple’s marriage, each partner’s income, and each partner’s noneconomic contributions to the marriage to determine a fair breakdown.
If the couple has minor children, their divorce settlement can also contain a child support order and a parenting plan. Child support orders are developed using a formula that incorporates each parent’s income and the amount of time they spend with the child according to their parenting plan. The parenting plan provides a timesharing schedule and a breakdown of each parent’s parental responsibilities.
When one partner sacrificed their career progress in some way to benefit the couple’s home and children, that partner may seek spousal maintenance. Spousal maintenance is money one partner pays to the other after their divorce to lessen his or her financial hardship. Often, it is paid for a specific period of time to provide a financial cushion while the lesser earning spouse prepares to reenter the workforce. With longer marriages and individuals who cannot realistically become self-sufficient, it may be paid permanently.
Requirements for Getting Divorced in Illinois
Illinois imposes a few requirements on individuals seeking divorce. These include:
- A 90-day residency requirement to file for divorce;
- The spouses must have lived apart for at least six months in order to finalize a divorce;
- All divorces are no-fault divorces, which means a couple cannot cite a reason for their divorce; and
- If the couple meets certain requirements, they can complete a Simplified Dissolution of Marriage, a more streamlined divorce process.
Work with an Experienced New Lenox Divorce Lawyer
Your marriage might not last forever. If your marriage is over, speak with an experienced divorce lawyers about the divorce process and what you can expect from it. Contact our team at Law Office of Demetrios N Dalmares and Associates Ltd. today to schedule your free legal consultation in our office.
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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.