Schaumburg Divorce Attorney

Compassionate Divorce Attorney for Clients Near Schaumburg, Illinois

When a marriage breaks down, spouses may decide that divorce is the best solution. While getting a divorce is a difficult decision, it can often be the best solution for those who are in relationships that are no longer working. However, the process of legally dissolving a marriage may involve many different legal, financial, and emotional changes. Determining the best way to approach these situations and the steps that may be taken to resolve disputes is not always easy. A divorcing spouse can benefit by working with an attorney to address their legal concerns and complete their case successfully. In Schaumburg, Illinois, Ann O’Connell Law, Ltd. provides effective legal guidance to people who are going through divorce, ensuring that their rights and interests are protected.

Contested vs. Uncontested Divorce

Divorce proceedings can be broadly classified into two categories: contested divorce and uncontested divorce. Understanding the differences between these two types of divorce is essential for determining the most appropriate path forward.

In an uncontested divorce, the parties will reach agreements on all major issues. They will negotiate a divorce settlement outside of the courtroom, and once they have reached agreements on all outstanding issues, they can file their settlement in court and complete the divorce process. This type of divorce is typically faster, less expensive, and less stressful, as it can help a couple avoid lengthy court battles. Ann O’Connell Law, Ltd. can help facilitate an uncontested divorce, working to negotiate agreements and ensuring that a divorce settlement is fair and legally sound.

If spouses cannot agree on one or more key issues, their divorce will be contested. In these cases, a divorce trial may need to be held, and a family court judge will make the final decisions about the resolution of the outstanding issues. This type of divorce requires a more intensive legal approach, and preparation for litigation may involve gathering evidence, working with expert witnesses, and attending hearings, pre-trial conferences, and other courtroom proceedings. Ann O’Connell Law, Ltd. provides strong representation in contested divorces, advocating for our client's interests in court and striving to achieve a favorable outcome.

Key Legal Issues to Address During a Divorce

There are numerous critical issues that must be addressed during the divorce process. The decisions made may affect a person's financial resources, their relationships with their children or other family members, and other aspects of their life. At Ann O’Connell Law, Ltd., we work to help our clients determine the best ways to address matters related to:

• Child custody: In divorces involving children, parents will need to make decisions about how they will share parental responsibilities, and they will also need to create schedules for parenting time that will be followed in the years to come. Our attorney can help parents negotiate parenting plans while ensuring that they put the best interests of their children first at all times.
• Child support: Parents will be required to share the costs of raising their children. Support obligations will be determined using formulas that take the income earned by both parents into account. Certain types of expenses may also need to be divided between parents, including medical care, educational costs, child care, and fees and equipment for extracurricular activities.
• Property division: Assets and debts acquired during a couple's marriage will need to be divided between the spouses. Under Illinois law, the division should be fair, but it does not necessarily need to be equal. Our lawyer has the knowledge and experience needed to handle complex asset division matters involving issues such as business valuation and the use of qualified domestic relations orders (QDROs) to divide retirement assets. We can help negotiate settlements that will provide for the equitable distribution of property that reflects each spouse's contributions to the marriage.
• Spousal support: This form of financial support is also known as alimony, and it can be a contentious issue to address during a divorce. Our attorney can help evaluate eligibility for spousal support in situations where there is a significant disparity in the financial resources available to spouses. We will advocate for fair and just arrangements that consider both parties' financial circumstances and ensure that they can maintain their standard of living.

Contact Our Schaumburg Divorce Attorney

Embarking on the path of divorce can be challenging, but with Ann O’Connell Law, Ltd. at your side, you can approach this transition with a sense of empowerment and optimism. We are ready to advocate for your interests and help you resolve any disputes or legal issues you may encounter along the way. Contact our office at 847-859-6222 to schedule a free consultation and get the legal help you need to achieve the best possible outcome to your divorce.