You have done the soul searching and come to the difficult decision that you need a divorce, and no part of the process was easy. If your spouse now refuses to sign the divorce papers that you’ve worked so diligently to obtain, it can feel like an insurmountable blow. The fact of the matter is, however, that you will get past this roadblock, and an experienced Illinois divorce lawyer can help you get there.Â
You’ve been through the difficult process of hammering out the following divorce terms with your divorcing spouse:
Whether you were able to come to terms between yourselves (with your respective divorce attorneys’ guidance) or the court had to intervene on your behalf, you have divorce terms on a divorce decree that cannot be fully executed until your spouse signs on the dotted line. If he or she simply refuses, you have few options other than to request that the court grant a divorce by default.Â
If your spouse will not budge on his or her refusal to sign, you have the right to request a default hearing. The court involved will uphold all the terms contained in the original terms stated in your divorce decree. In essence, the court will interpret your spouse’s absence as his or her agreement with the terms of your divorce. As long as your ex was served appropriately, the court will make the default finding on your behalf.Â
If your spouse refuses to participate in the divorce process overall, it can make the matter that much more difficult. Such a stance amounts to insisting upon a contested divorce in which the court will hand down terms (instead of you and your ex negotiating them between yourselves).Â
Fault-based divorces were abolished in the State of Illinois, which means that your divorce will be no-fault. Once you serve your spouse with divorce papers – and he or she chooses not to timely respond – it sets your divorce on the same track as other contested divorces. At this point, the court will schedule a hearing at which it will hear the reasons why it is required to resolve your divorce terms. If you and your divorcing spouse both appear, the court will listen to testimony and evidence from both sides. If not, yours will likely become a divorce by default.Â
If your spouse is refusing to sign divorce papers, the resourceful divorce lawyers at Andrea Heckman Law in Joliet have reserves of experience helping clients like you move beyond such obstacles – and into their bright post-divorce futures. To learn more about how we can help you, please do not wait to contact us 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.