Are you considering becoming a divorce attorney in Will County, Illinois? If so, you should be aware of the serious long-term effects, both emotionally and legally, that come with this decision. Divorce is a complex process that requires knowledge of the law and an understanding of the emotional toll it can take on all parties involved. It is important to understand the distinctions between divorce and separation, as well as the legal requirements for filing for divorce in Will County. Additionally, there are other options available to those looking to end their marriage, such as legal separation and annulment.
When it comes to dividing marital property after a divorce, it is important to know whether or not you live in a community property state. Community property states consider almost all property obtained after marriage to be equally owned by both spouses. In the absence of statutes on marital property, it is usually up to the court to divide marital property between the two parties. In any case, the courts will normally accept a division of property agreement if the spouses can create their own.
No attorneys are needed for every divorce, but in many cases, legal aid can be beneficial, if not crucial. With the complex nature of some divorce proceedings and emotions on the rise, it is often a good idea to have an informed resource for information and a trained advocate for negotiations and potential court proceedings. If both spouses talk and are relatively fair and pleasant to each other, a single divorce lawyer can help them navigate their divorce proceedings. This may be the case for several no-fault divorces.
However, in cases where a fault is established, or combative divorce proceedings are expected to take place, it is strongly recommended that both spouses hire an expert divorce lawyer to represent their best interests. An annulment has the same legal effect as a divorce but does so by declaring that your marriage was never valid in the first place. Reasons for an annulment could be that one of the spouses was already married, was cheated into marriage, or was too young at that time to legally marry. An annulment is very similar to a divorce in that it may involve a division of property, negotiations of custody and visitation, etc., but an annulment means that the marriage was established under false pretenses. Alimony and spousal support are interchangeable terms that refer to monthly payments from one former spouse to another after a divorce. These payments can be ordered by the court or arranged by the parties involved and are intended to account for the adverse economic effect that a divorce may have on one of the parties. It is legal for people to file a divorce petition themselves; however, it is strongly recommended that you find an experienced divorce attorney for a consultation even if you are planning to have a mutually acceptable no-fault divorce.
Divorce paperwork can be complex and the surrounding legal territory even more so. If you are facing a more difficult or complicated divorce, you should seek legal representation immediately. Whether your biggest concerns involve finances or family matters, your attorney can help you understand your rights and obligations under Illinois law and guide you through the process of filing for divorce in Will County.
