Your Compassionate Guide Through Divorce in Illinois
Divorce is a complex and emotionally challenging process. At Gravel & Wechter P.C., our goal is to empower you with the knowledge and guidance you need to make confident decisions for your future and the well-being of your children. With over 25 years of experience and more than 3,000 family law cases handled in Lake County, we are a trusted partner on whom you can rely. When you need an expert divorce lawyer in Lake County, IL, look no further.
Solutions for Every Step of Your Divorce
We provide comprehensive legal counsel for all aspects of your marriage dissolution. Our team will guide you through the process, using a deep understanding of Illinois state law to protect your interests and find the best possible outcome.
- Contested Divorce: When you and your spouse cannot agree on key issues, we are prepared to represent your interests in court.
- Uncontested & Agreed Divorce: If you and your spouse are in full agreement, we can help facilitate a smoother, more efficient process.
- Child-Related Matters: We provide dedicated legal counsel for matters concerning your children, including:
- Child Custody (Allocation of Parental Responsibilities)
- Parenting Time (Visitation)
- Child Support Payments
- Spousal Maintenance & Property Division: Our Illinois divorce attorneys will work to ensure a fair and equitable division of assets and debts, as well as spousal maintenance (alimony) arrangements.
- Modifications: We can assist with post-judgment issues, including modifications to child custody or support.
The 4-Step Divorce Process in Lake County
Navigating the 19th Judicial Circuit Court requires following specific local procedures. Here is what you can expect:
- Step 1: Filing the Petition: The process begins by filing a “Petition for Dissolution of Marriage” with the Lake County Circuit Clerk. One spouse must have been a resident of Illinois for at least 90 days.
- Step 2: Service of Process: Your spouse must be legally notified. This is typically done through a Sheriff or a special process server.
- Step 3: Discovery and Negotiation: Both parties exchange financial information and legal documents. This is where we negotiate child custody (allocation of parental responsibilities) and asset division.
Step 4: Final Judgment: If an agreement is reached, the judge signs a “Judgment of Dissolution”. If not, the case proceeds to trial in Waukegan court.
Aggressive Advocacy for Contested Divorce in Waukegan Courts
As experienced Lake County divorce lawyers, we recognize that not all cases can be resolved through negotiation. For contested matters, our firm provides aggressive courtroom representation, especially in the Waukegan court system. When negotiation fails, our family law attorneys in Lake County are prepared to take your case to trial, fighting for fair property division, appropriate spousal maintenance, and a parenting time schedule that serves your child’s best interests. We approach every case with the dual goals of minimizing conflict while maximizing results for our clients.
Specialized Legal Services
We understand that every divorce is unique. In addition to our core services, we have deep experience with the following special circumstances:
- Military Divorce: If you are a service member or married to one, our team is highly experienced in addressing the unique challenges of military life, including deployment, relocation, and special legal requirements.
- Men’s Divorce: We provide strong advocacy and tailored legal advice for men seeking to understand their rights and options during a divorce.
- Paternity Cases: Our firm also assists clients with legal matters related to establishing paternity.
Contact Our Lake County Divorce Attorneys Today
When you are ready to take the next step, our team is here to answer your questions and provide clarity. We have offices in Waukegan and Gurnee, and we are ready to serve you.
Contact Gravel & Wechter P.C. online or call us today to schedule your no-charge, no-obligation initial consultation.
Commonly Asked Questions for Lake County Attorneys
Do I Really Need a Family Lawyer?
Yes, you do.
You’re not required to have a lawyer representing you in a divorce or family law case, but it is the best way to avoid the common pitfalls that can derail your case. Your rights, your children and your finances are too important to leave in the hands of anyone who is not a proven family law attorney. Remember, you don’t know what you don’t know and that can be dangerous when everything you hold dear is on the line.
Learn more about the benefits of having a skilled lawyer on your side.
How Long Will My Divorce Take?
There is no way to pinpoint how long it will take to resolve a specific divorce. There are a variety of variables that can influence how long it will take to resolve a divorce. In general, divorces where there is agreement on all the major issues (children, real estate and financial assets) — known as an uncontested divorce — will be resolved more quickly than a divorce where there is disagreement on those issues — known as a contested divorce.
How much does a divorce lawyer cost in Lake County, IL?
The cost of a divorce lawyer in Waukegan varies based on the complexity of the case. In Illinois, attorneys typically charge an hourly rate between $250 and $500 per hour. For a straightforward, uncontested divorce in Lake County, some firms may offer flat-fee packages, while contested cases involving children or high-value assets can increase total costs.
What are the court filing fees for divorce in Waukegan?
As of May 2023, the filing fee for a dissolution of marriage in Lake County, Illinois is approximately $334, though this is subject to change by the Circuit Court Clerk. There may be additional fees for serving the other party via a special process server or sheriff.
Do I have to prove fault to get a divorce in Lake County?
No. Illinois is a “no-fault” jurisdiction. You do not need to prove grounds such as adultery or abandonment; you only need to state that “irreconcilable differences” have led to the permanent breakdown of the marriage.
Will I Have Sole Custody of My Children?
The legal term for what is thought of as sole custody is decision-making. It is rare that one parent will be granted the power to make all decisions about their child. It typically only happens in cases where one parent is absent or deemed to be unfit.
Get more answers to your questions about allocation of parental rights and responsibilities.
How Can I Get Child Support?
When a couple is married, it is presumed that a man is the father of his wife’s child. When parents are unmarried, it can be a bit more complicated. To obtain child support, it will be necessary to prove paternity. Learn more.
What is Allocation of Parental Responsibility in Illinois?
In Illinois, the Allocation of Parental Responsibilities is the legal process determining which parent will have decision-making authority and parenting time with their child.
The court will consider various factors when making this determination, including the child’s age, health, and relationship with each parent. The court may also consider any history of abuse or neglect. Ultimately, the goal is to make a decision that is in the child’s best interests.
How Does a Legal Separation Work in Illinois?
Some residents of Lake County, Illinois, may realize that they need to live separately from their spouses and want the necessary legal protection to be able to do so safely and securely. However, for religious, financial or emotional reasons, or some combination of these reasons, they may not prefer a full-blown divorce.
Illinois law allows a couple to obtain a court order for legal separation. As part of a legal separation order, a court may allocate parental responsibilities and establish both child support and spousal maintenance.
What Is the Difference Between a Divorce and a Legal Separation?
Probably the biggest difference between a legal separation and a divorce is that the couple remains legally married. This has both benefits and drawbacks. On the one hand, the spouses cannot legally re-marry; on the other hand, they may be able to enjoy tax incentives, health care benefits and other advantages because they decided to keep their marital status intact.
In Illinois, another big difference between a legal separation and a divorce is that, in a legal separation, a court cannot enter orders dividing the spouses’ property unless both spouses agree that the court can do so. If there is no agreement, then the spouses must either work any issues out between themselves, or one of them will have to choose to ask for a divorce.
I Need Legal Advice Specific to My Situation. What Should I Do Next?
Call our Gurnee, IL office at 847-321-7474 or submit a contact form to get in touch with an experienced family law attorney.