Hoffman Estates Divorce Lawyer

Hoffman Estates Divorce Lawyer

Divorce’s moral acceptability rate recently hit an all-time high in Illinois. Since more people than ever are turning to marriage dissolution, lawmakers recently revamped the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act. Although many parts of this law are now more streamlined than ever, divorces are still extremely complex matters that encompass a wide variety of emotional and financial issues.

To deal with all these issues, you need the experienced Hoffman Estates divorce lawyers at Andrea Heckman Law. We quickly evaluate every aspect of your case so that we may lay out your legal options. Then, working with you, we develop a plan of action that upholds your legal and financial right. As the case progresses, we stand up for your rights at every opportunity. As a result, we engineer cost-effective and lasting solutions to the most complex legal conundrums.

Marriage Dissolution in Kane County

Before 2016, many couples had to wait two years for uncontested divorces to become final, but now that waiting period is no more. As long as at least one spouse has been an Illinois resident for at least 90 days, Kane County judges will begin processing these cases straight away.

However, most divorces still take several months, or even longer. As outlined below, there are a number of issues to deal with in these cases.

Typically, the Kane County judge holds a temporary hearing about two weeks after the petitioner files for divorce. At this hearing, the judge makes decisions concerning child custody and other issues which often become permanent. Later, in the discovery phase, the couple deals with financial and other issues.

Most divorces settle out of court. If the parties reach an agreement, either on their own or through mediation, the Kane County judge almost always approves it.

Marital Property Division

The debt/asset division is usually the largest component of a property settlement. Despite the new law, Illinois is still an equitable distribution state. Judges must divide property equitably, which is not necessarily the same thing as equally.

Many parties have premarital agreements. These pacts essentially pre-divide marital property. They also classify marital and nonmarital property, govern some inheritance and succession matters, and address other issues, as well. So, a premarital agreement is more than “divorce insurance.” Such a contract often puts your marriage on a stronger and more lasting foundation.

Family Support Obligations in Hoffman Estates

Child support and spousal support are the two most common FSOs in Illinois. In both cases, objective factors largely determine the amount and duration of payments. So, the results are easy to predict and consistent among different judges. That is especially important in FSO matter. Often, if a family relocates, the judge who decides a modification action may not be the same one who granted the divorce.

These modifications involve substantial changes in circumstances. Additionally, the new circumstances must be permanent and unanticipated. Finally, they must largely be involuntary. People cannot quit high-paying jobs to avoid paying spousal or child support.

Count on a Zealous Lawyer

Marriage dissolution is one of the most complex civil court actions. For a free consultation with an experienced family law attorney in Hoffman Estates, contact Andrea Heckman Law. The sooner you reach out to us, the sooner we will start working for you.