Wheaton Divorce Lawyer

Wheaton Divorce Attorney

Divorces, also known by their statutory term “dissolution of marriage,” are typically known for requiring a lot of money and time in court. However, by working with a qualified legal professional, your divorce is more likely to avoid procedural errors or unnecessary delays. Consider consulting an experienced Wheaton divorce lawyer who can help you streamline your divorce proceedings.

What You Should Know About Schaffer Family Law, Ltd

Our lead family lawyer and divorce attorney, David N. Schaffer, has over 38 years of experience helping clients and their families with important and often challenging legal matters. Our team is equipped to handle divorce cases, property division, alimony, and international and cross-state child custody issues, among other family law cases.

Understanding the Divorce Process in Illinois

The rate of divorce in the state of Illinois was 1.3 divorces per 1,000 people in 2021. The rate lowered slightly in 2022, with 1.1 divorces reported per 1,000 people. This is relatively low compared to other states. If you are preparing to go through a divorce, it’s important to hire a divorce lawyer you can trust and who understands Wheaton divorce laws.

Divorces in the Wheaton area are typically handled at the DuPage County Courthouse, which is located at 505 N. County Farm Road, Wheaton, IL 60187.

These are some of the types of divorces and related family law matters our firm handles:

• Alimony: Also known as spousal support or spousal maintenance, alimony is a form of financial aid paid by one spouse to the other. The purpose of spousal maintenance is to help the spouse in need through and after the divorce as they transition to an unmarried life.
• Child support and allocation of parental rights and responsibilities: If you and your spouse have minor children together, determining child support and the child’s living arrangement is a necessary part of divorce.
• Property division: Illinois law states that all marital property must be distributed in a fair and equitable manner. Property may include the marital home, other real estate, retirement accounts, stocks, business assets, vehicles, and more.
• High-asset divorces: Our divorce lawyers are prepared to handle your case which may have complex or high-value properties involved.
• Same-sex divorces: Schaffer Family Law, Ltd., has assisted numerous same-sex couples going through divorce, the dissolution of a civil union, and the termination of a domestic partnership.
• Court order modifications and enforcement: Sometimes, previous court orders need to be modified as your personal circumstances change. In other instances, your former spouse may refuse to follow established court orders, even if they are capable of doing so. In either case, a divorce and family law attorney can assist you.

Do I Need to Hire a Divorce Lawyer in IL?

No one is legally required to hire a divorce lawyer in Illinois in order to proceed with their divorce or other family law matters. However, there are several benefits to working with a qualified and experienced family law attorney.

As your legal counsel, your lawyer is there to understand your personal circumstances, including your needs, goals, and priorities. Your lawyer is there to address your legal concerns, protect your rights, negotiate, and advocate on your behalf.

Choose Schaffer Family Law, Ltd., for Your Divorce

David N. Schaffer is here to give your case the focus and attention it deserves to properly resolve whatever legal disputes or challenges you may be facing. Our team proudly approaches each case based on the client’s individual needs and goals while prioritizing analytical and methodical problem-solving strategies.

FAQs

What Is the Average Cost of a Divorce Lawyer in Illinois?

There is no average cost of a divorce lawyer in Illinois because each case can vary quite a bit. The total cost of your lawyer fees depends on your legal needs. If you only need an attorney to help with a relatively simple divorce, such as one without spousal support and no children involved, costs are likely to be much less than if you needed a lawyer to assist with alimony, child custody, and complex property division.

What Is a Wife Entitled to in a Divorce in IL?

In Illinois, each spouse within a marriage is entitled to an equitable portion of the marital estate. Illinois follows the equitable distribution of assets during the property division phase of a divorce.

While it is the goal of the family courts to divide the spouses’ marital property as fairly as possible, equitable does not necessarily mean “equal”. Typically, property division proceedings require some level of compromise and effective negotiation from your divorce lawyer in order to get a fair settlement.

How Does Spousal Maintenance Work in Illinois?

In Illinois, spousal maintenance is a form of financial support that one party may be ordered to provide to their spouse if the court finds them eligible and in need. Spousal maintenance isn’t mandatory and may only be granted if one party requests it and the court approves. If granted, the amount and length of the support are determined by considering the length of the marriage, each party’s income, the standard of living established during the marriage, and other factors.

How Long Does a Divorce Take to Settle in IL?

It’s difficult to estimate how long your unique divorce case may take to settle. The timeline of your divorce usually depends on various factors, such as whether you and your spouse are in relative agreement on most divorce issues or are willing to compromise to reach a resolution.

Highly contested cases are likely to take longer. Other influencing factors include the size and complexity of the marital estate, whether spousal support is pursued, and whether minor children are involved.

Skilled Divorce Lawyer in Wheaton, IL

At Schaffer Family Law, Ltd., we put our clients first and work tirelessly to protect their rights and fight on their behalf. When you are ready to progress in your divorce or other family law issue, we are here to guide you through it.

Contact our team today to schedule a consultation where a skilled family law attorney can answer any questions you may have.