West Chicago, IL Divorce Lawyers

Attorneys for Property Division, Spousal Maintenance, and More in West Chicago, Illinois

Whether a divorce is amicable or highly contested, it is likely to bring many changes to your life. From navigating new family dynamics to addressing changed financial circumstances, it may be difficult to figure out your next steps. A skilled divorce attorney can assist you through these challenges and advocate for your best interests.

At Mevorah & Giglio Law Offices, we provide exceptional legal representation for people going through the divorce process. Our legal team understands the emotional and financial challenges that accompany the end of a marriage, and we are here to give unwavering support. With hundreds of positive online reviews, you can feel confident knowing that your case will be handled with great care.

Property and Debt Division in Divorce

When dividing marital assets and debts, Illinois follows an equitable distribution process. This means that property is not automatically split evenly, but it is instead divided based on what the court considers to be fair given the circumstances of the marriage. Courts will consider several factors when determining how to divide marital property, including any prenuptial or postnuptial agreements, each spouse's financial and non-financial contributions while they were married, and the length of the marriage.

Marital property can include real estate, bank accounts, investments, retirement savings, business interests, and valuable personal assets. Along with assets, debts like mortgages, credit card balances, and personal loans must also be fairly allocated between spouses. Our firm will work to protect your financial future by ensuring that property division is handled fairly and in compliance with Illinois law.

Spousal Support and Financial Considerations

Spousal maintenance may be awarded when one spouse has a financial disadvantage during or after the divorce process. This financial support can help a spouse get back on their feet as they navigate life post-divorce. Courts will evaluate multiple factors to decide whether maintenance should be awarded, including:

• The living standard established during the marriage
• The earning potential of each spouse
• The contributions made to the marriage, including homemaking and career sacrifices
• The duration of the marriage
• The time needed for the lower-earning spouse to become financially independent

If you are seeking spousal maintenance or need to respond to a spousal support request, we will help you pursue a fair arrangement. Our firm can also assist with modifying support orders when financial circumstances change.

Allocation of Parental Responsibilities

Illinois law no longer uses the term custody, but instead refers to this aspect of a divorce or family law case as the allocation of parental responsibilities. This includes decision-making authority regarding a child's:

• Education
• Healthcare
• Religious upbringing
• Extracurricular activities

When determining how these responsibilities will be handled, courts will always prioritize the best interests of the child. Judges assess factors like the relationship between each parent and the child, each parent's ability to provide a stable home, and any history of domestic violence or substance abuse.

Our firm can assist you in creating a parenting plan that is fair, enforceable, and tailored to your child's needs. Whenever possible, we encourage cooperative co-parenting solutions, but we are prepared to advocate for your parental rights in court when necessary.

Child Support and Financial Contributions to a Child's Needs

Child support in Illinois is calculated using a method known as "Income Shares. This model reviews the combined income of both parents and the percentage of time the child spends with each parent. In addition to basic support payments, courts may also require both parents to contribute toward:

• Medical and dental care expenses
• Childcare costs
• Educational expenses, including school supplies and tuition
• Extracurricular activities and recreational costs

State law also allows courts to require parents to contribute to a child's college expenses. If a substantial change in financial circumstances occurs, child support orders may be adjusted to reflect the new situation.

Addressing Post-Divorce Modifications

Your personal circumstances can change after a divorce is finalized, making it necessary to modify existing court orders. Whether you need to change financial obligations or revise a parenting plan, Illinois law has a legal process for modifications when significant changes happen.

Some of the most common reasons for post-divorce modifications include:

• A substantial change in income due to job loss or promotion
• Medical emergencies or unexpected financial burdens
• Adjustments in parenting time due to changing family needs
• A parent relocating for work or personal reasons

We can help you petition for modifications to child support, spousal maintenance, and parenting arrangements, all while ensuring that court orders remain fair and enforceable under Illinois law.

Contact Our West Chicago Divorce Attorneys

A divorce requires experienced legal guidance, and Mevorah & Giglio Law Offices is prepared to protect your rights. If you are considering divorce or need assistance with a post-divorce modification, contact us at 630-932-9100 to schedule a free consultation. Saturday and evening appointments are available.