Arlington Heights Family Law Attorney

Arlington Heights Family Law Attorney

Although the divorce rate has dropped significantly since 2005, it is still about twice as high as it was a generation ago. So, many relationships do not endure “till death do us part.” Additionally, post-divorce families sometimes go through more legal, emotional, and financial turmoil than pre-divorce families. In times like these, you need a dedicated Arlington Heights family law attorney.

At Andrea Heckman Law, we are dedicated to families of all shapes, sizes, and colors in Cook County. While every case is different, we approach them in much the same way. Through hard work, zealous representation, and attention to detail, we offer lasting and cost-effective solutions to the complex problems that life often presents.

Pre-Divorce and Divorce Services

In the lead-up to their weddings, an increasing number of Cook County couples enter into premarital agreements. Such pacts are more than just “divorce insurance.” They often impress upon couples the serious nature of marriage proceedings and encourage them to think about their future together. Furthermore, these agreements resolve thorny questions before they have a chance to become sources of conflict in a relationship.

Premarital agreements may contain both financial and non-financial matters. Furthermore, they can be modified at any time. While they are not ironclad, they are difficult to undo and rather permanent.

Several years ago, Illinois lawmakers substantially reworked the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Statutes. The Prairie State is now a purely no-fault divorce jurisdiction. Irreconcilable differences are now the only recognized ground for divorce in Illinois. Other parts of the process, such as parenting time provisions, were changed, as well. Many of the old presumptions in the law have given way to new ways of thinking more appropriate for today’s Arlington Heights families.

The bottom line is that divorce, while still costly both financially and emotionally, at least does not make a difficult situation even more difficult.

Arlington Heights Family Law Attorneys and Post-Divorce Issues

These financial and emotional concerns do not end when the judge’s gavel falls. In fact, divorce decrees were never meant to be permanent. Instead, they should be legally modified at least once every three or four years. Some common modifications include:

• Parenting Time Divisions: The division which made sense at the time of divorce may be unworkable later. For example, a mother may overcome a substance addiction or a father may develop a serious illness. In situations like these, a Cook County judge may need to reconsider the existing parenting time division.
• Family Support Obligations: Alimony and child support needs change over time as well. Spouses paying alimony often retire or otherwise see their incomes drop, and children’s financial needs change over time as well. A modification is in order if circumstances have materially changed.
• Relocations: People move a lot. Under the new law, judges may approve agreed, short-distance moves without even holding a hearing. In other cases, relocations are much more complex.

Most of these divorce and post-divorce disputes settle out of court. Mediation reduces costs and gives the litigants more control over the outcome.

Contact a Dedicated Lawyer

Permanent and cost-effective solutions are usually available in even the most intricate family law disputes. For a free consultation with an experienced family law attorney in Arlington Heights, contact Andrea Heckman Law. We routinely handle matters in Cook County and nearby jurisdictions.