Archives for Divorce and Separation

How to Prepare for Your First Meeting With a Divorce Attorney

By Jordan Levey What should you bring to the first meeting with your divorce attorney? Copies of any Motions or Petitions that have already been filed. If you’ve already been served with divorce papers or any other Motions or Petitions, then make sure to bring copies of those documents for your attorney to review. It’s helpful to see what’s already been filed in your case, so we can determine the status of your case and develop a strategy for how to move forward. Copies of any Orders that have already been entered. It’s important for your attorney to see what
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Categories: Divorce and Separation.

Grounds for Divorce

In Illinois, a spouse filing for divorce has to provide the legal reasons (called "grounds") for the divorce. Previously, a spouse filing for divorce could choose either no-fault grounds for divorce (called "irreconcilable differences") or fault-based grounds (such as physical/mental cruelty or adultery). However, effective January 1, 2016 Illinois no longer uses fault-based grounds for divorce. Now, the only grounds for divorce available in Illinois are the no-fault grounds of "irreconcilable differences."
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Categories: Divorce and Separation.

How Long Will My Divorce Case Last?

The most frequent question I hear during client meetings is “How long will my case take?” The answer differs depending on the situation of the case. If all issues have been agreed to in advance, the answer is much easier to give. It’s the cases where the issues need to be negotiated or resolved that makes the answer more difficult to provide. Here's a brief analysis of each type of case along with an estimated timeline and things within your control as a party to the case that can control how long it will last.
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Categories: Divorce and Separation.