The family court system is the branch of the civil court system that manages legal matters among family and household members. Family law cases tend to be emotionally charged in many ways. This is one of the most important reasons why it is crucial to have reliable legal representation from an experienced Joliet family law attorney when facing any case of this nature.
Vahey Law & Mediation, LLC provides compassionate and comprehensive legal counsel to Joliet, IL area clients facing all types of family law cases. Whether you are fighting for custody of your children or simply need legal counsel as you navigate a divorce, we can help.
It is essential to find a reliable Joliet, IL family lawyer no matter what kind of family law matter you currently face. The team at Vahey Law & Mediation, LLC, believes in providing detail-oriented and client-focused legal counsel in every case we represent. We will do everything we can to handle the procedural steps of your case and provide detailed regular updates. That way, you can focus on your life with peace of mind that your case is in capable hands.
You can rely on Vahey Law & Mediation, LLC to provide the legal counsel you need for a wide range of family law matters in the Illinois family court system, including:
No matter what family law services you require, Vahey Law & Mediation, LLC can provide the reliable counsel you need and help you secure the most positive possible results.
Working with an experienced attorney can help with understanding what to expect at every stage of a divorce, property division, or parental responsibilities case. Every family case is unique, but many Illinois family law cases follow a similar progression from the initial petition through settlement or trial.
A divorce is initiated when a spouse files a petition for dissolution of marriage. State law requires at least one spouse to have been a resident of Illinois, or stationed in Illinois as a member of the armed services, for at least 90 days before the action is commenced or the required finding is made.
Cases involving children may involve petitions addressing parentage, parenting time, decision-making responsibilities, or child support. After a case starts, the other party generally has to receive proper notice and an opportunity to respond.
A family law case can take some time to resolve, but families sometimes have financial and parenting issues that cannot wait until the final judgment.
Temporary, or pendente lite, orders can establish rules while litigation is pending. Depending on the specific case, a court may address temporary:
Often, these orders provide structure while the parties work toward a permanent resolution.
Accurate financial information can be vital when a case involves child support, maintenance, property division, or attorney’s fees. The parties may need to exchange financial affidavits and supporting documents such as tax returns, pay stubs, bank statements, and information concerning assets and debts.
When further information is necessary, attorneys can use formal discovery procedures, such as interrogatories and requests to produce documents under Illinois Supreme Court Rules 213 and 214.
Discovery may be fairly straightforward in some cases, while others may require a deeper investigation, especially when a family owns businesses, investment properties, substantial retirement assets, or complex compensation.
Not every contested family law matter needs a trial. The parties and their attorneys may negotiate disputed issues and participate in court conferences designed to identify what remains unresolved. When there is a parenting dispute, the court shall order mandatory mediation under 750 ILCS 5/602.10.
When spouses reach an agreement in a divorce, their financial terms may be incorporated into a Marital Settlement Agreement (MSA). Parenting arrangements can also be addressed through an agreed parenting plan or allocation judgment addressing parenting time and significant decision-making responsibilities.
If the parties cannot resolve their disputes, remaining issues may proceed to a bench trial. The judge listens to testimony, admissible evidence, applies Illinois family law, and enters orders resolving the contested matters.
If the case proceeds to court, cases are usually held in the Will County Courthouse, located at 100 W. Jefferson Street, Joliet, Illinois, 60432.
Illinois uses an Income Shares model for calculating guideline child support. Instead of basing support only on the income of the parent making payments, the model considers the combined net incomes of both parents and determines each parent’s proportional share of the basic support obligation. Illinois began using this system in 2017.
Parenting time can also make an impact on the figures. If each parent has the child for at least 146 overnights per year, Illinois applies its shared-physical-care calculator. The child support obligation base is multiplied by 1.5. Each parent’s obligation is calculated using income and parenting time, and the amounts are offset to determine who pays the difference. In 2027, the overnight threshold will change to 110 overnights per year, due to the passing of Senate Bill 3524.
Although these overnight thresholds can have a substantial effect on child support, it does not immediately eliminate a support obligation.
Illinois law refers to allocation of parental responsibilities instead of solely relying on the traditional concept of “legal custody.” Courts can allocate significant decision-making authority to one parent or both parents based on the child’s best interest.
Four major decision-making areas are specifically identified under Illinois law:
A court does not have to allocate all four areas in the same way. Depending on the circumstances of a case, parents may share responsibility for some decisions while one parent receives authority over others.
Thousands of Joliet families prepare for the future of their children. In 2024, Joliet had over 51,000 households with an average of 2.89 people per household. A parent’s financial obligations can possibly reach beyond a child’s 18th birthday. Under 750 ILCS 5/513, an Illinois court may order parents to contribute toward qualifying educational expenses for a non-minor child.
Covered expenses can include college tuition and fees, housing, meal plans, books, supplies, medical expenses, and reasonable living expenses. Courts may also require contributions toward as many as five college applications, two standardized entrance exams, and one preparatory course. Statutory limits apply to certain tuition and housing expenses.
Unless the parents otherwise agree, covered educational expenses usually have to be incurred by the student’s 23rd birthday, although good cause can extend that deadline, but not beyond age 25.
Illinois has specific rules governing certain moves involving children. For a child’s primary residence in Will County, an in-state move of more than 25 miles qualifies as a statutory relocation. An out-of-state move also qualifies when the new residence is more than 25 miles from the child’s current primary residence. Distance is measured using surface roads through an internet mapping service.
A parent with the majority of parenting time, or either parent when parenting time is equal, who wants to relocate must provide at least 60 days’ written notice to the other parent and file a copy with the circuit court. If the other parent does not agree, court approval may become necessary. The judge evaluates the proposed relocation according to the child’s best interests.
Even if your current family law matter seems perfectly clear and straightforward, countless things could complicate it. While you might assume that handling your case yourself would save you money on legal fees, the average person with no legal training or experience would likely face significant challenges as they attempt to navigate the complex family court system.
Choosing an experienced Joliet family law attorney to represent your case is an investment in the success of your case. Your attorney can help you with fact-finding and detailed research to support your position, locate witnesses and relevant experts who can provide valuable insights, and help you prepare for mandatory hearings and court appearances.
Any family law case in Joliet, IL has the potential to become a complex legal issue. When you choose Vahey Law & Mediation, LLC to represent you, you can rely on us to provide detail-oriented representation through every phase of your case. When you hire a family law lawyer from our firm, we begin with an initial consultation during which our team will get to know you and your situation to help us determine the right legal path forward.
Your Joliet, IL family law attorney can also connect you with expert witnesses, including medical experts, social workers, and forensic accountants who can potentially assist you in building and supporting your case.
Any family law case has the potential to take months or even years to resolve, and the quality of your legal representation will have a profound impact on your overall experience with the court system. At Vahey Law & Mediation, LLC, our goal is to guide you through your family law matters as quickly as possible and to verify the outcome aligns with state laws and your best
In Joliet, the cost of a family law case varies based on case complexity and attorney rates. Uncontested matters (e.g., prenuptial agreements, uncontested divorces) may resolve in a few weeks with flat-fee billing. Contested cases that proceed to litigation can last 12–18 months and incur hourly fees plus court costs.
In Joliet, an uncontested divorce—where both parties agree on all terms—can be finalized in a few months, depending on court availability. Contested divorces typically require a waiting period of six months after filing and may extend longer if disputes over assets, custody, or support arise.
Although Joliet lets you file for divorce without a lawyer, having one can make the process much smoother. A skilled family law attorney will handle negotiations so you obtain a balanced division of your property, an accurate child support determination, and they will protect your rights when deciding custody arrangements.
They also know the Joliet court’s specific rules and deadlines, helping you avoid mistakes. Typically, having a family lawyer leads to faster, more positive results than going it alone.
Yes. If you face domestic violence, stalking, or harassment by a current or former family member, you can ask the Will County court for an Order of Protection in Joliet. The court can prohibit the abuser from contacting you, require temporary child custody arrangements, and order them to stay away from your home or workplace. Emergency orders can often be granted the same day you file.
In Joliet, mediation is a voluntary process where you and the other party meet with a neutral mediator to try to resolve issues like property division, support, and parenting plans. It is usually faster and less expensive than court. If you reach an agreement, it is presented to the judge for approval and becomes legally binding.
Illinois law treats same-sex couples the same as opposite-sex couples in divorce, custody, and support matters. All statutes and procedures apply equally, ensuring your rights and obligations are no different based solely on gender or sexual orientation.
A family law case may involve children, support, and parenting arrangements, and divorce can also determine what happens to a couple’s property, debts, retirement benefits, real estate, and other financial interests.
Vahey Law & Mediation, LLC provides experienced and compassionate legal counsel for a full range of family law matters. If you are ready to discuss your legal options, our team is available to assist you. Contact us today and schedule a consultation with a reliable Joliet, IL family lawyer.
