Aurora Divorce Lawyer

Attorney for Divorce Proceedings, Parenting Plans, and Asset Division in Aurora, IL

Divorce can be one of the most challenging transitions in life, as it involves emotional strain and significant legal decisions. Each divorce case is unique, whether it involves complex custody disputes, high-value asset division, or ensuring compliance with state laws. If you are planning to file for divorce, it is essential to have a skilled attorney who can guide you through every stage of the process.

Attorney Mevorah and his team are passionate about providing a tailored approach to every case we take. We offer practical solutions for resolving disputes, negotiating settlements, and presenting a strong case in court. We are here to provide clarity during this uncertain time, and we will advocate for your best interests.

Parenting Plans and Child Custody

Illinois courts prioritize the well-being of a child when determining how divorcing parents will share parental responsibilities. Different types of custody will need to be addressed, such as:

• Physical Custody: As parenting time arrangements are being addressed, parents will need to determine where the child will primarily live and when they will spend time with each parent. In some cases, arrangements may involve sole physical custody for one parent, but most of the time, joint custody will be shared by both parents.
• Legal Custody: Parents will need to determine how they will share decision-making authority over critical aspects of the child's life, such as his or her education, healthcare, and religious upbringing.

Parents must also create a thorough parenting plan, which acts as a guide for how they will share responsibilities and parenting time with their children. This plan will include:

• A parenting time schedule that outlines when the child will be with each parent
• Guidelines for handling major decisions and disagreements
• Provisions for adjusting the plan as circumstances change over time

Managing Relocation Requests

Relocation can be a challenging issue in divorce cases, especially if one parent wants to move with the child beyond the allowable distance under Illinois law. If a parent wishes to relocate, they must:

• Provide written notice to the other parent
• Obtain court approval if the move is more than 25 miles from the child's current residence

The court will evaluate factors like the purpose of the move, its impact on the child's relationship with the non-relocating parent, and whether it serves the child's best interests. One of our experienced attorneys can help you navigate these high-stakes decisions.

Resolving Financial and Property Matters

Illinois is an equitable distribution state, meaning marital property is divided fairly, but it does not have to be divided equally. Marital property includes most assets and debts that were acquired during the marriage, such as:

• Real estate
• Retirement accounts
• Businesses or professional practices
• Vehicles and other personal property

Factors that can influence property division include the duration of the marriage, each spouse's contributions to the marriage, and each spouse's financial situation. Non-marital property, including assets obtained before marriage or through inheritance, is usually excluded from division.

If your divorce involves high-value assets like investment portfolios or shared business interests, we can help ensure an accurate valuation and equitable distribution.

Spousal Maintenance in Illinois Divorces

Spousal maintenance, often referred to as alimony, may be awarded when one spouse needs financial support to maintain a certain standard of living after the divorce. State courts will assess various factors when determining whether spousal maintenance should be awarded, such as:

• The income and earning capacity of both spouses
• The length of the marriage
• The contributions each spouse made to the other's career or education
• The needs and financial obligations of each spouse

Child Support Calculations

Under Illinois law, both parents share a financial responsibility for their children. Child support is determined using the Income Shares Model, which factors in:

• The division of parenting time
• The combined income of both parents
• The child's specific needs, including his or her medical or educational expenses

A significant change in circumstances, such as a parent's job loss or a shift in the child's care arrangements, may warrant modifying child support orders. Our legal team can help you petition for adjustments or defend against unjustified modification requests.

Alternative Dispute Resolution Options

While litigation is sometimes unavoidable, many couples prefer to try to negotiate a settlement outside the courthouse to reduce conflict and costs. Options may include:

• Mediation: In this process, a neutral third party facilitates negotiations between spouses to help them reach mutual agreements.
• Collaborative Divorce: In this type of divorce, both spouses work with their attorneys in a cooperative environment to amicably settle disputes without court intervention.

Contact Our Aurora, Illinois Divorce Attorney

Navigating a divorce requires thoughtful planning and effective legal counsel. At Mevorah & Giglio Law Offices, we provide support to help address child custody, property division, spousal maintenance, and other divorce-related issues. To learn more about how our team can help you, call 630-932-9100 to schedule a free consultation.