Palos Hills Divorce Attorneys
Choosing to get divorced is a big step. It is a life-changing decision and in many cases, it changes both members of a divorcing couple’s life for the better. A divorce is the end of an unhappy, and sometimes unhealthy, marriage. When you know it is time to file for divorce, it is important that you work with an experienced divorce lawyer who can represent your interests and protect your rights.
Use the information below to prepare for your initial meeting with a divorce lawyer. This information can help you develop questions to ask and realistic expectations for your divorce settlement.
Requirements for an Illinois Divorce
Illinois law imposes a few requirements on couples who want to end their marriages. These include:
- The couple may only cite irreconcilable differences as their reason for ending the marriage. Illinois, like a few other states, abolished grounds for divorce;
- To file for divorce in Illinois, an individual or his or her spouse must have lived in the state for at least 90 days;
- When an individual files for divorce, the petition must be filed with the circuit court of the county where he or she lives or the county where his or her spouse lives;
- For a divorce to be finalized, the couple must live separately for at least six months; and
- If the couple meets certain criteria, they can complete a Joint Simplified Dissolution of Marriage, a more streamlined divorce process.
Orders in a Divorce Settlement
A divorce settlement is comprised of a few orders. These orders are legal requirements by which the couple must abide after the divorce is finalized. Certain court orders may be modified later if the couple’s new circumstances make them unrealistic or impossible to follow.
A divorce settlement can include one, some, or all of the following orders:
- Property division. This is the distribution of the couple’s marital assets and debts between them. Every divorce settlement includes a property division order;
- Child support. If the couple has minor children, this is the money one parent pays to the other to cover child-related expenses;
- A parenting plan. This plan includes a parenting time     schedule and a breakdown of parental responsibilities. The court develops a parenting plan according to what it determines to be in the child’s best interest. The child’s best interest is determined by examining the child’s personal needs and the parents’ lifestyles and economic circumstances; and
- Spousal maintenance. When one partner chooses to work less or leave the workforce entirely for the benefit of the couple’s family, he or she may receive spousal maintenance to prevent financial hardship after the divorce.
Work with an Experienced Palos Hills Divorce Lawyer
When you are working through a divorce, it is in your best interest to work with an experienced divorce lawyers. Contact our team at Law Office of Demetrios N Dalmares and Associates Ltd. today to set up your free legal consultation in our office. We can answer all of your questions and guide you toward the right divorce strategy for your case.
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Client Reviews
Chester G.
This place is 1000% recommendable! So far the process has been super smooth and easy to deal with. They placed all my worries out the window and I've slept better knowing they are on my team. Currently in tears knowing I'll be able to resolve this but sad that it's never going to be the family I thought I could have had. It's ok though, it's time to move forward. Thanks DnD.
Jean C.
Demetrios saw my case to the end. Great outcome! Justice prevailed!
Kay L
I would absolutely recommend Demetrios to anyone! He is all for his clients and most importantly honest. He helped me deal with a very difficult situation and got me what I deserved. I already have referred a few people to him and each one so far is very satisfied and happy with their results.
Kim K-I
Demetrios is honestly the best attorney to help through any divorce situation or custody battle. He will go above and beyond to make sure to guide you through it all. I have referred many people to him, and every person has been more than impressed. I even referred someone that needed immediate attention after hours, and he contacted her right away! I can promise you one thing he knows his stuff, and you won’t be disappointed!
Jenna
Demetri is extremely knowledgeable and confident In what he does. He is everything I searched for in a lawyer, I thank him for his determination and courage. I don’t see many lawyers leveling up with him in court, wouldn’t have wanted anyone else by my side during such a tough time.
Edmond
Demetrios is at the top of his profession. The combination of his knowledge and experience along with his experienced and dedicated staff guided me through my legal needs in a timely and compassionate manner. Certainly a monumental task during a pandemic. Thank you, Demetrios.
Murad
Super professional legal services law office. Highly strong communication skills and clients representation. Point-oriented legal path and service. More specifically, I had a very good experience upon hiring and dealing with Attorney Demetrios Dalmares as he understood all I wanted and walked me through all details required to achieve the desired goals with minimal losses. Good job Demetrios! Highly recommended. Good luck and will definitely refer if asked. Thank you
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
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.