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 On January 1, 2016, Illinois became a pure no fault state provided the parties lived separately for six months prior to the divorce. I heard that Illinois is a "no fault" divorce state. What does this mean? The technical answer is that "irreconcilable … [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

Discovery is the legal procedure by which you are entitled to find our the facts and figures.  Formal discovery will help you find out about your spouse's income and assets and their answers have to be made under oath.  Although discovery can be time consuming and expensive, discovery is very … [Read more...] about Divorce Discovery

The divorce process in Illinois typically involves several court appearances.  Generally, you and your spouse will appear by your attorneys, i.e. you will not need to be personally present.  However, if temporary issues need to be litigated and the court needs to hear evidence, you may need to show … [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