Homer Glen Divorce Lawyer

Divorce proceedings are never easy. Even when both parties are working together, the entire process can be a complex, emotionally charged event. If you are going through a divorce, a Homer Glen divorce lawyer can help you through this challenging time and find solutions that work for everyone involved.

Vahey Law & Mediation, LLC, has spent years assisting the people in both Cook and Will counties with their divorce cases. Our founder and managing partner, Sarah M. Vahey, serves as the President of the Board of Directors of CASA of Will County. She also has a Certificate of Divorce Mediation from Northwestern School of Continuing Studies. Our family lawyers team has the necessary experience with and knowledge of Illinois divorce laws to support you with your divorce.

Illinois is a no-fault divorce state. The main restriction is that at least one spouse must’ve lived in the state for 90 days before either party files for divorce. Illinois has one of the lowest divorce rates in the country, with 1.1 per 1000 people getting separated in 2022. That same year, the nationwide average was 2.4 per 1000. A lower rate in our state of 12.8 million people still results in thousands of divorce cases every year that likely require legal counsel.

Divorce cases in Homer Glen all have their unique issues and concerns, which vary on a case-by-case basis. At Vahey Law & Mediation, LLC, we can address any problems you may be facing in your divorce. The following are a few case types and services we handle:

• Uncontested divorce: This is a case where both parties agree on the majority of key elements, such as spousal support, child custody, and division of assets. Most divorce cases throughout the country are uncontested. Uncontested divorce cases can still carry complications and small differences in opinion, which we can help smooth over to avoid any litigation. 
• Contested: Contested divorce is when former spouses cannot agree, and the case must proceed to divorce litigation. These can last longer, with more costs and paperwork required. We can represent your interests and fight to get a desired outcome.
• Child custody: Divorces involving children can extend the process. Who gets primary custody, child support, and visitation can all be points of conflict in a divorce. We can help you devise a custody deal that’s in the best interest of the child and affects them as little as possible.
• Property division: Property division is the legal term for how shared assets are divided in a divorce. Illinois follows equitable distribution law, meaning that joint property is not split evenly but rather by what the courts deem equitable. Our team can advocate for you to secure what you deserve.
• Spousal support: Spousal support, or alimony, can be a complex aspect of divorce. Spousal support is most often applied in long-term marriages where there is an income imbalance. Whether you need support or expect to pay alimony, we can negotiate a deal that addresses your financial concerns. 
• Mediation: Due to the close emotional nature of divorce, some divorce cases may require a neutral third party to help manage negotiations. Mediation can provide a calm atmosphere for negotiations out of court, saving you a trip to the courthouse in Joliet for Will County or a suburban district court for Cook County.

Going through a divorce without legal representation can make an already challenging situation much more strenuous. Hire a divorce lawyer in Homer Glen, IL who can help you with every step of the process. From preventing mistakes to representing your interests in heated negotiations, your Homer Glen divorce attorney can advocate for you at every point in your divorce case.

How Much Does a Divorce Lawyer Cost in Illinois?

How much a divorce lawyer costs depends on a variety of details. Elements such as whether the divorce is uncontested or contested, the value of the shared assets, if there are children, and other complications can all contribute to the cost. Another factor is the payment structure. These vary from firm to firm, with most divorce cases being charged on a retainer or hourly basis. Speak with your divorce lawyer to get an estimate for your total fees.

What Divorce Cases Are Acceptable for Joint Simplified Divorce in Illinois?

Some divorce cases in Homer Glen may be applicable for a Joint Simplified Dissolution of Marriage. This is a faster, cheaper form of divorce that relies on strict guidelines. A few key qualifying factors are:

• The marriage was shorter than eight years.
• You have no children.
• Shared assets are worth less than $50,000.
• The total gross annual income between both spouses is less than $60,000.
• Each party waives the right to spousal support.

How Long Does a Divorce Take in Illinois?

The length of your divorce case in Homer Glen relies on several components and the specifics of your case. Two former spouses working together with a smaller estate will generally take less time than a case involving bitter parties with high net worth. Divorce cases can last anywhere from a few months to several years. Your divorce attorney can take into account the parts of your case and provide a more accurate timeline.

Is Spousal Support Guaranteed in Illinois Divorce Cases?

Going into a divorce, you may be wondering if spousal support will be automatically established. Alimony is never guaranteed in a divorce case. Instead, the courts will consider each case and use factors such as the age, health, earning capacity, and income discrepancy of the spouses, among other details, to decide whether spousal support is necessary.

Our team at Vahey Law & Mediation, LLC, knows that divorce can be frustrating, but you don’t have to go through it alone. 

Contact us today for an initial consultation so we can learn your story and begin assisting you through your divorce.