Glendale Heights Divorce Lawyers

Skilled Attorneys Helping Clients in Glendale Heights, IL Complete the Divorce Process

Divorce is a significant life transition that can impact nearly every aspect of your future. Whether you are looking to protect your financial security or determine how you and your spouse will handle parental responsibilities in the years to come, the divorce process will require careful planning and a thorough understanding of Illinois law. Without proper legal guidance, navigating these issues can become overwhelming.

At Mevorah & Giglio Law Offices, we understand that every divorce is unique. Whether your situation involves cooperative negotiations or contested disputes, our team will provide you with exceptional legal representation. We will work tirelessly to protect your rights, and we will advocate for fair resolutions that support your best interests.

Protecting Your Financial Future Through Equitable Distribution

The equitable distribution process means that marital property is split fairly, rather than evenly in Illinois divorces. Decisions about property division may depend on factors like each spouse's finances, contributions to the marriage, and future income potential. Marital property that can be up for division includes:

• Family homes and other real estate
• Retirement accounts, pensions, and 401k accounts
• Business interests and professional assets
• Vehicles, valuable personal property, and collectibles
• Joint bank accounts and other financial holdings

Along with assets, debt accumulated during the marriage must also be divided equitably. Mortgages, credit card balances, student loans, and other liabilities are considered when determining a fair division of marital property. Our team will work to protect your financial interests and make sure that asset and debt division is handled correctly under the law.

Addressing Spousal Maintenance and Financial Stability

Spousal support may be awarded when one spouse needs financial assistance following the divorce. This is especially applicable in situations when there is a significant difference in earnings between spouses. Courts will consider several factors when determining spousal maintenance, including:

• Each spouse's income and earning potential
• Contributions to the marriage, including childcare and homemaking
• The length of the marriage
• The standard of living established during the marriage
• The time needed for the receiving spouse to achieve financial independence

Spousal maintenance is not guaranteed in every divorce, and both parties may present arguments regarding the necessity and duration of support. We can help you whether you are seeking financial assistance or may be required to pay maintenance.

Allocation of Parental Responsibilities

Child-related matters can be some of the most sensitive aspects of a divorce. Illinois law prioritizes the best interests of the child when making decisions about custody. Legal custody is better known as parental responsibilities in Illinois, and it refers to the decision-making authority over important aspects of a child's life, such as:

• Religious upbringing
• Healthcare and medical treatment choices
• Education and schooling decisions
• Extracurricular and recreational activities

The courts will assess multiple factors when determining these responsibilities, including the existing parent-child relationship, whether each parent will be able to protect children's safety and well-being, and any history of substance abuse or domestic violence. We can help you create a parenting plan that properly reflects your child's needs while also protecting your parental rights.

Parenting Time and Visitation Schedules

Previously called visitation or physical custody, parenting time determines how much time each parent will spend with their child on an ongoing basis. Illinois encourages cooperative co-parenting whenever possible. However, work schedules, school commitments, and the child's well-being all factor into the final arrangements.

Our team can assist you in negotiating fair and enforceable parenting time schedules. We also help parents modify parenting plans when circumstances change.

Child Support and Financial Contributions

Illinois uses the Income Shares Model to calculate child support. This model considers both parents' incomes and the percentage of time the child spends with each parent. Additional elements that may influence child support include:

• Healthcare costs, including medical insurance and out-of-pocket expenses
• Childcare expenses during the time when a parent is at work
• Educational costs, such as tuition, school supplies, and tutoring
• Extracurricular activities and enrichment programs

In some instances, courts may also require parents to make financial contributions toward children's college expenses. If circumstances change, whether it is a job loss or a decrease in income, modifications to child support orders may be necessary.

Post-Divorce Modifications and Enforcement

Life is likely to change after a divorce is finalized. If financial or personal situations shift significantly, modifications to court orders may be necessary. Common reasons for post-divorce modifications include:

• A major change in income due to job loss or promotion
• Relocation of one parent for work or family reasons
• Adjustments in parenting time due to a child's evolving needs
• Medical emergencies or unexpected financial expenses

Additionally, enforcement actions may be required if one party does not comply with court orders. We can assist you in petitioning for modifications or enforcing existing orders in order to ensure that legal obligations are upheld.

Contact Our Glendale Heights, Illinois Divorce Attorneys

Divorce can be a complex process, and it can feel emotionally draining, but with the right legal support, you can make sure you approach your case the right way. Whether you need assistance with asset division, parental responsibilities, or post-divorce modifications, Mevorah & Giglio Law Offices is here to advocate for your best interests. To schedule a free consultation and discuss your case, contact us today at 630-932-9100. Evening and weekend appointments are available.