If you are considering divorce, you probably have questions about how long it will take. After all, if you are divorcing, you’d no doubt like to have it finalized sooner rather than later. While every divorce is unique to the situation at hand, the fact is that divorce is also unpredictable. Generally, however, if you and your divorcing spouse are in agreement – or close to agreement – on the main issues that need to be resolved in your divorce, it’s likely to take far less time than if you and your spouse are farther apart on those issues. If you are facing divorce, you need an experienced Illinois divorce attorney on your side.
Before you can file for divorce in Illinois, the following requirements must be met:
If you are proceeding with a divorce, these requirements may already have been met, which means they won’t delay the process.
The first step in the divorce filing process is submitting your petition for the dissolution of marriage to the circuit court. Within two weeks, the court will provide you with your case number and the judge’s name and will issue your summons. It can take the sheriff’s office an additional two or three weeks to serve the summons on your spouse. From here, your spouse has 30 days to respond and to indicate whether he or she is contesting the divorce. If you and your spouse can find middle ground on all of the primary divorce issues within these 30 days, your divorce can be finalized on the court date set. The primary divorce issues include:
If you and your spouse have reached an agreement on every component of your divorce, you have the opportunity to reduce the 30-day wait period from the summons to the assignment of a court date. By signing an Entry of Appearance, Waiver, and Consent form, your spouse waives the serving requirement and allows a court date to be set without waiting for 30 days.
Your divorce will take as long as it takes to get it right – ensuring that it protects you and your children’s rights. The experienced Arlington Heights divorce lawyers at Andrea Heckman Law are committed to skillfully advocating on behalf of your rights while moving your divorce forward as effectively and efficiently as possible. Your case matters, so please don’t hesitate to contact us for more information today.
Walked in just for consultation, and in less than 45 days, my case was closed! Thanks to attorney Andrea Heckman, with all her passion and professional manner! Couldn’t be happier! Thank you so much for everything! Great attorney for all family needs! Thank you.
From the moment I walked in as a client to the end when everything was complete, I was very pleased with attorney Andrea Heckman, her knowledge, and professionalism! Her whole staff was always helpful. I would use them again if needed and refer them to everyone I know! Thank you.
Andrea Heckman has been my attorney helping/guiding/advocating for my children and I regarding my custody situation. We are in the process of working towards a more equal parenting schedule, and I have faith in her efforts and expertise to accomplish this.
I have used this office since 2018 and have nothing but excellent things to say. Andrea Heckman handled my divorce with no faults. Andrea is currently handling my child custody case and has been on top of everything! Andrea Heckman is an unstoppable force, and I would recommend her to anyone!
I could not ask for a better attorney to represent me during my case which is Andrea Heckman. Anytime I had any questions, I got a response in a timely manner. Andrea walked me through a very difficult time which was a divorce/child custody case. Andrea is very knowledgeable and motivating. The staff has been nothing but welcoming and professional. If I have to go to court for anything, I will definitely be giving this firm a call again.
Heckman Law is handling my divorce/custody. Andrea is very professional, knowledgeable, and responsive. She will take the time to answer and explain any questions you may have. She usually responds within a few hours. Honest about possible outcomes, whether it’s good or bad news. My ex doesn’t want to negotiate or cooperate with anything. Andrea is willing to fight in the courtroom for you. The case is ongoing.
I was represented by Andrea Heckman, and if it wasn’t for her, I would have been so lost. She guided me through my difficult situation. Some lawyers are about money. I knew that Andrea cared about me and my situation.
Ms. Heckman is a great lawyer. She helped me get time with my daughter when my ex was being nasty and refusing to let me see my baby. I thank her for all her hard work.
Ms. Heckman managed our parents’ will and advanced care planning documents expeditiously, skillfully, and with compassion during a stressful situation. We referred her to a family member for divorce with child custody issues, and she was pleased enough to refer her to 2 others for divorce services. A true professional.
Please contact our law office in Rolling Meadows for legal assistance with divorce, child custody, or visitation issues. We serve clients in the Chicago metropolitan area who need the help of an experienced and dedicated family law attorney.