Family law is a diverse and sometimes complex area of law. It encompasses many different subjects including divorce, paternity, child support and custody issues, post-decree issues (those arising after the divorce judgment has been entered), as well as adoption proceedings.   While it makes no difference what your particular legal dilemma may be, my office has the experience and knowledge to assist and pursue all available remedies.

The legal process of divorce is to end the marriage and decide such issue such as child custody, visitation, child support, maintenance, property division and debt allocation. The process starts with a Petition that notifies the Court of your desire to end your marriage. This Petition is served upon your spouse and is usually followed by a Response thereto.   Depending on the specifics of your case, the process may continue through temporary orders and discovery proceedings. Ultimately, the proceedings thus far are aimed to provide for a negotiated settlement in which both parties come to an agreement regarding custody, support, maintenance, property division and debt allocation.   In the event you and your spouse are unable to agree and settle your case, it will go to trial. After hearing both sides of the story, through the parties’ testimony, exhibits and if necessary expert witnesses, the judge will make a final decision regarding the issues involved. 

Due to the expense and unpleasant nature of a trial, a negotiated settlement is a preferred outcome. However, I will pursue all avenues and remedies available to insure the best outcome for each of my clients.  

Collaborative divorce gives the parties an opportunity to settle their divorce without the oversight of the court. Unlike litigation, collaborative divorce allows the parties to negotiate in a structured, but non-adversarial environment with skilled legal counsel actively assisting them. Similar to litigation, the parties involved in a collaborative divorce each hire their own attorney. However, the attorneys involved in collaborative divorce are specifically trained in collaborative law and have settlement - not trial - as their primary objective. Settlement remains the main objective because the lawyers' continued employment depends upon his or her ability to facilitate an acceptable settlement proposal. Failure to reach settlement results in the end of the collaborative divorce process, and an end to the attorney's employment in your case.

The participants pledge, in writing, to work together respectfully, honestly, and in good faith to resolve issues and reach agreements beneficial to all involved. Participants also agree to up-front, honest disclosure of all pertinent information and documentation

Other collaborative law professionals are commonly added to the team for assistance with emotional, financial, or parenting issues. Our specially-trained financial advisors, coaches, and child specialists make progress towards agreement more efficient and effective. (Learn more about the role of each type of professional: attorneys, financial advisors, coaches, and child specialists.)

• Divorce Lawyer - Essential for the collaborative process, advises you on family law in your state and works with your spouse's lawyer to draft a settlement.
• Financial Professional - Educates you on the short and long-term financial aspects of your divorce.
• Mental Health Professional - Helps you develop strategies to cope with the emotional and mental strain of the divorce process.
• Divorce Coach - Combines practical techniques and emotional support for dealing with your divorce.

A series of private meetings are held to resolve all issues. In divorce cases, this includes parenting decisions and division of marital property. While each attorney is an advocate for his or her client, both attorneys ensure that all voices are heard and all needs are considered.

During meetings, everyone strives to remain civil and respectful to one another, setting aside the tendency to blame and resisting the impulse to rehash old hurts.

Once the participants reach agreement, the attorneys create legally-binding documents and file them with the courts. This holds all parties accountable to the settlement terms.

However, one of the benefits of collaborative law is that the participants have created the agreement themselves—they haven't had it forced on them—and are more likely to abide by it.

 Child Support

Child support by definition is a financial contribution paid by the non-custodial parent to the custodial parent towards the expenses of raising his or her children. That seems pretty cut and dry. However, child support can turn into a major issue as divorces are often wrought with emotions. In Illinois, there are specific guidelines that are followed in the determination of how much child support is to be allocated.   The state takes into consideration the income levels (both earned and unearned) of both the parents as well as the expenses associated with raising the child in their determination. Keep in mind that a judge has the authority to deviate from the guidelines if he or she determines that the situation warrants it.