Orland Park Divorce Attorneys
Although every couple vows “til death do us part” on their wedding day, many will end their relationships far sooner. Sometimes, the stresses the couple faces later like raising children or career opportunities drive a couple apart and in other cases, issues like infidelity and substance abuse crop up and destroy the marriage. Not all marriages end for such dramatic reasons; sometimes, couples merely grow apart as the years pass.
When a couple’s relationship is over, they can end their marriage through divorce. Couples do not have to cite reasons for their divorces other than that the marriage suffered an irretrievable breakdown. This is known as a “no fault” divorce.
Illinois Divorce Requirements
Illinois imposes numerous requirements on divorcing couples. These include:
- To file for divorce, at least one of the spouses must have resided in Illinois for at least 90 days prior to filing;
- An individual may file for divorce in the circuit court of the county where he or she lives or the county where his or her spouse lives; and
- All divorces in Illinois are no fault divorces. For a divorce to be finalized, the couple must have lived separate and apart for at least six months.
Components of a Divorce Settlement
The document outlining the terms of the couple’s divorce is known as their divorce settlement. Reaching a settlement can sometimes take months or even a year if the couple cannot agree to its terms. When a couple has a prenuptial agreement or they choose an uncontested divorce, this process can be completed much quicker.
Every divorce involves the distribution of the couple’s marital assets and debts. The assets and debts are divided according to the doctrine of equitable distribution, which means relevant facts about the couple’s marriage and their individual needs after the divorce are considered, in order to determine a fair way to distribute their assets. These facts include the length of the marriage and each partner’s income and future employability.
If the couple has children, the court may also develop a parenting plan and create a child support order. A parenting plan grants each partner a share of their child’s time on a regular schedule and assigns parental responsibilities like deciding where the child will attend school and the religion in which he or she will be raised. Child support is the money one parent pays to the other to help cover the costs of raising a child.
Sometimes, spousal maintenance is part of a divorce settlement as well. This is money paid by one spouse to the other, sometimes permanently and sometimes for a specific period, to protect that spouse from financial hardship after the divorce.
Work with an Experienced Orland Park, Illinois Divorce Lawyer
Getting divorced is a big step in your life. It can be scary and it can be overwhelming, but it is also the end of one chapter and the beginning of the next phase of your life. Make sure your rights and interests are protected through this transition by working with an experienced Orland Park divorce lawyers. Contact our team at Law Office of Demetrios N Dalmares and Associates Ltd. today to set up your free consultation with us.
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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.