Divorce Lawyers in Rolling Meadows

Divorce Lawyers in Rolling Meadows

In the early 1950s, Rolling Meadows was a housing development. Like much of Chicagoland, the area grew rapidly during subsequent years. Today, it is one of the most affordable and diverse suburbs in Cook County. Rolling Meadows has changed a lot since the 1950s. But the people are much the same. Similarly, Illinois’ divorce laws have changed a lot as well. However, the underlying principles in these marriage dissolution laws have not changed much. 

The experienced divorce lawyers in Rolling Meadows at Andrea Heckman Law have not handled marriage dissolutions since the 1950s. However, we do have decades of experience in this area. Over the years, we have developed proven methods. These methods allow us to deliver cost-effective and long-lasting solutions that make a big difference for you and your family. While we work to resolve these matters quickly, we always stand up for your legal and financial rights.

Filing Divorce

Before 2016, filing divorce in Illinois was rather complex. No-fault divorce was available. However, the waiting period was up to two years. Many people who had delayed filing for quite some time did not want to wait another 24 months. So, many filers opted for an evidence-based divorce.

Cruel treatment, a rather vague phrase which could include almost any behavior, was usually the fault ground of choice. If contested, these divorces could get nasty (e.g. Maybe I didn’t love you quite as often as I should have, but you left toothpaste in the sink). Furthermore, since some defenses are available to faulty-based divorce, the outcome was not guaranteed.

Recent legal changes essentially give Illinois divorce filers the best of both worlds. Lawmakers eliminated most kinds of evidence-based divorce and also ended the two-year waiting period. Therefore, many divorces, especially if the parties completely agree on all issues, can be resolved rather quickly and quietly.

Common Divorce Issues

Unfortunately, complete agreement on all issues is almost impossible. Typically, the spouses agree on broad, general principles. However, they disagree on the specifics. Some of these specific issues include:

• Marital Property Division: The marital estate, which includes assets and debts, must be divided in a way that does not impose an unfair financial burden on either party. Some factors to consider include the length of the marriage, future earning ability of each spouse, non-economic contributions to the marriage, and agreements between the parties.
• Family Support Obligations: Unlike property division, alimony and child support matters are clear-cut, at least in most cases. A formula which uses the length of the marriage and the income disparity between the parties usually determines the amount and duration of spousal support payments. A slightly more complex formula usually determines child support payments.
• Parenting Time Division: Illinois law presumes that children benefit when they spend meaningful and consistent time with each parent. Some factors to consider include the parent’s preferences, the child’s preferences, the current informal timesharing division, and any parental disabilities.

Usually, property division orders are set in stone. It’s difficult to re-open such matters once the judge finalizes them. The other two areas are different. If financial, emotional, or other circumstances materially and substantially change, the judge can modify the existing orders to fit the new reality.

Rely On a Dedicated Cook County Attorney

Divorce usually involves financial and emotional issues. For a free consultation with an experienced divorce lawyer in Rolling Meadows, contact Andrea Heckman Law, Ltd. Convenient payment plans are available.