Divorce Attorneys

Divorce Lawyers

When a marriage ends, different people experience different emotions. Some feel relief and joy that borders on euphoria. Others may deal with a profound sense of loss and regret that borders on depression. Many people are on both ends of this spectrum at one time or another. On top of the emotional confusion, there are usually significant financial questions in both the short and long term. In sum, many people simply do not know what to expect next.

At Jenz Law Office, we understand that your life is in turmoil as you prepare for or proceed with the divorce process. In addition to finding solutions for legal problems, we focus on building relationships with our clients. Attorney Judith Jenz is a strong advocate for your legal and financial interests in court, and she is a trusted advisor who can help you deal with some of the emotional fallout you are experiencing.

Types of Divorce

Illinois is a "no-fault" divorce state. According to the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act, a judge may grant a divorce if "irreconcilable differences have caused the irretrievable breakdown of the marriage and the court determines that efforts at reconciliation have failed or that future attempts at reconciliation would be impracticable and not in the best interests of the family."

Spouses generally will not need to prove that they have experienced irreconcilable differences, and if they agree to end their marriage, they may complete the divorce process once all legal issues have been addressed and resolved. However, if one spouse does not agree to the divorce, irreconcilable differences will be presumed if the spouses have "lived separate and apart" for at least six months. The law does not require physical separation; many couples, especially those with children, may live together as roommates for an extended period of time.

The divorce process may also require discussion of other issues, such as:

• Alimony/Maintenance;
• Child Support;
• Child Custody (Allocation of Parental Responsibilities);
• Child Visitation/Parenting Time and Joint Parenting Agreements;
• Divorce Planning and Strategy; and
• Divisions of Assets, Property, and Debt.

Issues in a Divorce

Typically, there is an initial case management hearing shortly after a divorce petition is filed in order to address other issues that may come up while the divorce is pending. The judge may enter temporary orders that apply until a final judgment is entered or until they are modified. If there are family violence allegations, a judge may also enter a protective order at this stage.

A final divorce judgment can also be modified in certain situations. In fact, especially if there are minor children, changed circumstances often make a decree unworkable, and a judge may alter provisions regarding the allocation of parental responsibilities, parenting time, child support, or spousal support. A person will generally be required to show that there has been a significant change in circumstances for themselves, their ex-spouse, or their children. Based on these changes, the terms of a parenting plan may be adjusted, or child support or spousal support payments may be modified.

Contact Our DuPage County Divorce Attorney

Jenz Law Office will walk with you through each step of this process to to ensure a fair and equitable result. Contact Judith Jenz today at 630-202-8842 for a free consultation. Convenient payment plans are available.