Divorce Lawyers Near Me

Divorce Lawyers Near Me

A quick internet search will connect you with some of the thousands of lawyers in Chicagoland. But family law is unlike any other area of law. Almost all marriage dissolutions, whether the spouses were married a few months or a few decades, have complex emotional and financial issues to resolve. Entering a search like “divorce lawyer near me” will generate a list of names. Distinguishing among these names, and adding more to the list if necessary, is up to you.

The divorce lawyers near you at Andrea Heckman Law are not only familiar with all the rules of procedure and evidence in all the courts in Chicagoland. We are also familiar with the unique issues that divorcing spouses must deal with, whether they are filing or non-filing spouses. So, we are well-suited to give you solid legal advice throughout the process and deliver long-lasting solutions which are also cost-effective.

Issues in a Divorce

A divorce lawyer near you is obviously not a psychologist or psychiatrist. However, an effective lawyer prepares clients for the emotional fallout of divorce. Grief is natural. Even if a person does not grieve the end of the marriage, the person usually grieves the loss of what might have been.

The parenting time division is an even bigger emotional issue. Most parents want what is best for their children. However, they often disagree about what is “best” in certain situations. Therefore, Illinois law includes a number of factors to determine best interests in particular cases, such as:

• Child’s age,
• Child’s preferences,
• Parent’s preferences,
• Parental skills,
• Child’s current living environment, and
• Child’s special needs.

Family Support Obligations (FSOs) and property division dominate the financial issues in a divorce.

Under Illinois law, mathematical formulas determine the amount and duration of child support and spousal support payments, at least in most cases. However, judges have broad discretion to deviate from the child support guidelines if they are inappropriate for whatever reason. And, obligees (people receiving spousal support) must prove that they have economic needs and that obligors (people paying support) are able to pay.

Illinois law requires marital property, including both assets and debts, to be distributed equitably. That’s not necessarily the same thing as equally. Some factors to consider include the length of the marriage, relative earning abilities of the spouses, standard of living during the marriage, and custody provisions for minor children.

Finding the Right Attorney

It takes a special kind of lawyer to deal with the unique emotional and financial issues of a divorce. These lawyers have a combination of the right experience, accessibility, and dedication.

Experience is more than just a number. In addition to years of experience, the best attorneys also have trial experience. Although most divorce cases settle out of court, your attorney should be able to go all the way if needed. You do not want an advocate who always looks for the quick and easy path.

Accessibility is important as well. Your attorney should have the time to meet with you as needed, because most people have lots of questions about their divorce matters. At the same time, you do not want an attorney who has too much free time. There is probably a reason the lawyer isn’t very busy.

Finally, your attorney should be dedicated to family law. Divorce, modifications, and other matters should be much more than a sideshow. Your case deserves more attention than that.

Contact a Thorough Cook County Attorney

Choosing the right attorney usually guarantees a successful result. For a free consultation with an experienced divorce lawyer near you, contact Andrea Heckman Law, Ltd. Convenient payment plans are available.