Championing Chicagoans’ Rights And Interests Since 1990

Helping Chicagoland Families Move Through The Divorce Process

Ending a marriage is never an easy decision. And if you do make that decision, you may feel worried, anxious and uncertain about what lies ahead. You may wonder how you will share parenting time, divide the equity of your family home, and whether you will have to pay or receive support to continue your standard of living.

At Otubusin & Otubusin, we understand how complex the divorce process can be, and we are here to provide you with the legal guidance and support you need. With over 30 years of experience in family law, our firm is committed to providing you with attentive and personalized counsel. Who you have in your corner can significantly affect your feelings and confidence in the process.

If you want to tell us more about your situation, don’t hesitate to contact us. Our Chicago-based office can be reached at 312-251-1480.

Is It Crucial To Have A Lawyer In An Illinois Divorce?

Having a lawyer during a divorce is crucial because the legal process can be complex and emotionally taxing. A skilled attorney will protect your rights, provide objective advice and help you make informed decisions that align with your long-term goals.

What Are The Grounds For A Divorce In Illinois?

Illinois is a no-fault divorce state, which means the only grounds for divorce are “irreconcilable differences.” This indicates that the marriage is irretrievably broken and reconciliation is impossible. Our firm will help you understand the implications of this and guide you through the process efficiently.

How Divorce Works

In Illinois, divorce is governed by specific state laws that outline the procedures and requirements for dissolving a marriage. Typically, the process begins with filing a petition and serving the other party with the notice. Then, both parties can hire legal counsel and start untangling their lives and assets. Here is a breakdown of the different areas involved in the divorce process:

Property Division

This involves determining how different assets should be divided. Since Illinois is an equitable distribution state, marital assets are subject to division based on what is fair rather than what is equal. Illinois family law courts consider various factors to determine what is fair when dividing marital property. Those factors can include:

  • The length of the marriage
  • Each spouse’s contributions to the marriage
  • The individual financial situation of each spouse
  • The earning potential of each spouse
  • The impact on each spouse’s standard of living

Other challenges during asset division include disputes over asset valuation and what constitutes marital versus nonmarital property. We can help you with the nuances and complexities of your specific circumstances.

Child Custody

Child custody involves determining how parents share legal and physical custody of their children. In Illinois family law courts, judges can decide on child custody agreements based on the child’s best interests. What a judge views as the child’s best interests can depend on various factors, including each parent’s:

  • Mental and financial stability
  • Physical health
  • Ability to help their child with school and extracurriculars
  • Ability to deal with their kids’ specific health needs

We understand that your child custody situation is unique and that any dispute or disagreement involving your children can cause your emotions to run high. We are here to support you with your child custody disputes so you can find a workable resolution that allows you to effectively parent with your spouse after divorce while maintaining a healthy parental relationship with your children.

Spousal Support

Spousal support is a temporary payment one spouse pays to another after divorce so they can maintain their standard of living. Illinois does not automatically award spousal support after a divorce. A spouse’s ability to get spousal support can, much like property division, depend on factors like:

  • The length of the marriage
  • Each spouse’s financial situation
  • Each spouse’s contributions to the marriage

Our attorneys can help you advocate for a fair and reasonable spousal support arrangement, whether seeking or contesting it.

Child Support

Child support involves one spouse making monthly payments to the other to assist with the child’s financial upbringing. Illinois calculates child support using an income shares model. This model accounts for the income of each parent and the number of children they have together. Determining child support payments can be challenging for both the paying and receiving spouse. No matter which side of the dispute you are on, we are here to help.

Can You Modify Your Child Custody Or Child Support Agreement?

You can request modifications for your child custody or child support agreement. You can typically request changes if your circumstances change. However, you usually must go through an Illinois family law court to approve those changes. We can help you with every aspect of the modification request process.

How Long Do Divorces Typically Take In Illinois?

How long divorce takes can depend on your circumstances. An uncontested divorce may be resolved in a few months, while a contested divorce with complex issues can take a year or longer.

Contact Us For A Free Consultation

Divorce is undoubtedly a challenging and emotional journey, but you don’t have to face it alone. Learn more about how we can help you by scheduling a free consultation today. You can do so by calling 312-251-1480 or visiting our contact page.

While our office is based in Chicago, we take cases across the broader Chicagoland metro.