Family law cases can be a stressful experience for all family members, depending on the nature of the case. These cases can range from divorce and custody cases to establishing prenuptial contracts. It is imperative to have an experienced Morris family lawyer, such as Vahey Law and Mediation, LLC, on your side to help with your family law case.
Vahey Law and Mediation provides comprehensive legal counsel to Morris, Illinois, residents. Our firm is woman-owned, and our partner attorney, Sarah Vahey, has over 12 years of experience handling family law cases.
Our firm prides itself on having responsive communication and is innovative and strategic. We have the necessary skills to appropriately handle your case, and we aim to provide regular updates so that you are always informed of the next steps.
There are multiple types of family law cases, all of which can vary in severity based on the specific circumstances involved in the family unit. The most common family law cases are listed below:
The first step to working with our law firm includes the initial consultation with our family law attorney to fully understand the specifics of your case. The next step may include gathering any evidence or witnesses that would support your case. Any further steps in the process can be explained by our team and may depend on the type of case and the individual factors involved.
Sometimes mediation is involved, which can help with coming to an agreement with the other party to avoid litigation in court. Mediation can include various topics such as child support, parenting plans, and property division.
Mediation is particularly common in divorce cases and can be helpful when making certain decisions. Illinois has one of the lowest divorce rates in the United States, at 1.2 per 1,000, but some divorce cases in the state still require making difficult choices that mediation can help with.
For example, joint custody agreements are more likely to be established in mediation because couples can focus on cooperation and communication. If both parties agree on the decision, it can become part of the parenting plan.
If you are considering a divorce or are dealing with another family matter, contact a Morris family attorney about your options.
Several important factors are taken into account by the courts when making decisions regarding child custody. State laws assist in guiding how judges serve the children’s best interests. Family law in Illinois is regulated by Illinois Compiled Statutes Chapter 750. Deciding factors for custody include the following:
Seeking an experienced family law attorney is vital, especially when your family’s well-being is involved. You should hire a family lawyer who can advocate for you and your family's interests. Having an attorney on your side can make your case far less stressful as they manage the legal aspects and filing deadlines.
Our attorneys can help you navigate the court system and are familiar with the local courts here in Morris, Illinois, including the Grundy County Courthouse, located at 115 E Washington Street.
In Illinois, the cost for a family lawyer can greatly vary depending on various situations and circumstances for the specific case. Factors that can impact the cost include whether mediation takes place, which can reduce the overall cost of the case. Other factors involved include the type of family law case, if children are involved, and what shared assets are involved.
In Illinois, if your house is in your name, that does not automatically determine whether your spouse is entitled to half of the house. There are several factors to consider, such as whether the house was purchased before or after the marriage, whether joint funds were used to purchase the house, the length of marriage, and whether there was a prenuptial agreement. According to Illinois Compiled Statutes 5/503, all marital property is divisible between the couple.
In Illinois, fathers can get 50/50 custody, but it is primarily determined by the best interests of the child and in accordance with the law. There is nothing in the law that favors one gender over the other. However, if parents can cooperate, courts may be more likely to consider joint custody. It is the preference of the court for parents to agree on a parenting plan together.
The level of difficulty for a father in Illinois to receive full custody depends on case factors and what a judge perceives to be in the best interests of the child. There are instances in which fathers can obtain full custody if a judge believes that it is most beneficial to the child’s well-being. Our family law team can help build a strong case to pursue the custody outcome you desire.
