Morris Divorce Lawyer

Divorce can be one of the most overwhelming decisions a person can make, especially when trying to manage it alone. Fortunately, you do not have to. Hiring a Morris divorce lawyer can help you pursue a healthier future for your family, as well as a life that better accommodates your unique needs and goals.

Choosing the right Morris divorce attorney is important and can have a tremendous bearing on the outcome of your case. With more than 12 years of experience handling cases just like yours, attorney Sarah Vahey understands the inner workings of the Illinois family court system and is prepared to do everything to help you navigate the complex process of divorce.  

Sarah treats her clients with a balance of compassion and progress-motivated direction. Call us today to discover how, like many clients before you, the legal team at Vahey Law & Mediation can assist you and start a future better suited to your family’s needs.

In 2025, the Illinois divorce rate was 1.1–1.3 divorces per 1,000 residents. Even when it was higher in 2022, at 1.1 per 1,000 residents, it was still well below the estimated national average of 2.4.

There are many different reasons a person may seek a divorce in the Prairie State. Depending on these and other factors, you may find yourself in a number of scenarios, including:

• Collaborative divorce: In Illinois, collaborative divorce is a process that allows both parties to hire their respective attorneys, as well as additional outside help, in order to negotiate an agreement outside of court. If the collaborative process breaks down, the attorneys must remove themselves from the process, and the parties must hire new counsel to proceed in litigation.
• Contested divorce: If you and your spouse cannot agree on any of the important divorce proceeding issues, such as child custody or property division, it may be classified as a contested divorce. This usually requires both spouses to proceed to court for litigation, mediation, and, should the need arise, a trial.
• Default divorce: If one spouse is served with a summons and then fails to respond to the divorce petition within the required window of time, they may be subjected to a default divorce, where they may receive no say in the initial finalizing process.
• Joint simplified dissolution: A joint simplified dissolution is a fast-tracked process specifically designed for couples with no children, low income, limited assets, and a short-term marriage, leading to a faster divorce process without the need for a standard trial.
• Uncontested divorce: When both spouses agree on all of the key divorce issues, such as child-related decisions, property division plans, and who is responsible for which debts, you may be allowed to pursue an uncontested divorce, which means that you can file a marriage settlement agreement and avoid a trial.

When you choose to hire a divorce lawyer in Morris, IL, you can gain access to a whole host of resources, including a financial advisor, a custody evaluator, and a mediation professional. While some couples spend most of their time outside of court, others may require the added support of the Illinois family court system. If this is the case for your divorce proceedings, your Morris family lawyer can help you handle scheduling and preparations for your time at the Grundy County Courthouse, as well as serve as your advocate while there. 

Regardless of how complicated your divorce may seem, you can benefit from the help of a Morris divorce lawyer. At Vahey Law & Mediation, we aim to bring clarity to every step of the divorce process, as well as the resources you need to proceed to the next one. 

You do not need to navigate this monumental life change alone. We are prepared to help you today.

How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Divorce Lawyer in Illinois?

In the state of Illinois, the cost of hiring a Morris divorce lawyer tends to vary case by case due to the impact of certain variables. Some examples of these variables include the level of complexity that your divorce presents, the amount of time it needs to be finalized, and who you hire to represent you in your divorce proceedings. 

What Are the Worst Things to Do When Getting Divorced in Morris, Illinois?

When getting divorced, there are several things that you should aim to avoid. First, you should never speak disrespectfully about your spouse, in court or on any public social media site. Second, making false claims about your former spouse should be avoided. Lying about cheating or abuse does not help you build your case. An experienced lawyer can help you avoid making mistakes that can set your case back.

Is Illinois a 50/50 State When It Comes to Community Property Division?

No, Illinois does not abide by the 50/50 principle when it comes to the division of marital property. Instead, the law takes an equitable approach, dividing any shared property in accordance with the results of certain assessments, such as each spouse’s ability to earn income, and the results of any child custody agreements. This allows for the property to be divided as the court deems fair instead of mathematically equal. 

How Long Will My Divorce Process Take to Finalize in Illinois?

Similar to the cost of hiring a lawyer, the precise amount of time needed to complete divorce proceedings typically varies. This is mainly due to the influence that certain variables can have on your overall timeline, including the availability of both parties, whether or not the divorce is contested, the schedule of your local courthouse, whether there are children involved, how much you both can agree on prior to the proceedings, and if there are complex properties.

Contact Vahey Law & Mediation to schedule a consultation and discover how we can help you build a future that meets your family’s unique needs and your unique goals. Let’s get started today.