Divorce - Process FAQ

A summons is a formal notification to you that a case has been filed.  In the case of a divorce, it informs you that your spouse filed for divorce and may schedule the first court appearance.  The summons and service of the summons is a key event after which you must take certain steps or risk being … [Read more...] about Divorce Summons

Illinois is Now a Pure No Fault Divorce State In 2016, Illinois became a pure no-fault state provided the parties lived separately for six months before the divorce. I heard that Illinois is a "no fault" divorce state. What does this mean? The technical answer is that "irreconcilable differences … [Read more...] about Grounds for Divorce in Illinois

Mediation can mean different things in different contexts.  Whenever a neutral third party attempts to help two parties at odds reach a resolution in an informal, non-binding proceeding, you may be participating in a mediation.  In the counties where we practice such as McHenry County, Kane County … [Read more...] about Mediation in Divorce Cases re Custody (Parental Responsibility) and Parenting Time

The traditional adversarial divorce process in Illinois typically involves several court appearances.  Compare this to collaborative divorce, where essentially the only court appearance (other than the one seeking to stay the proceedings) is the prove-up (whose meaning is discussed below).  For this … [Read more...] about Court Appearances in an Illinois Divorce Case and the Divorce Prove-up

Trial of a Family Law Case:  Divorce, Paternity, Allocation of Parenting Time/Responsibility [Custody], child relocation [removal], etc. While most family law cases settle, if a case does not settle, there will need to be a trial.  At the trial, the judge will hear evidence and make a decision.  … [Read more...] about Going to Trial in a Divorce Case

How does negotiation in collaborative divorce differ in Illinois from traditional divorce negotiation. First, see the Q&A regarding Illinois collaborative divorce.  In collaborative divorce there may be an initial divorce filing due to the time lines established due to the so called maintenance … [Read more...] about Negotiating a Settlement