Posted on January 28, 2025 in Divorce

When you are facing the end of your marriage, it is natural to wonder how the process will unfold. One of the most common questions people ask is, "Will my divorce go to court?" The good news is that most divorces settle out of court, meaning the majority of couples reach an agreement on the terms of their divorce without the need for a full trial. However, some cases do require litigation, particularly when disputes cannot be resolved through negotiation or mediation.

If you are going through a divorce, it is important to understand the process and know your options. Working with an experienced Illinois divorce attorney can help you navigate the legal steps involved and ensure your rights are protected, whether your case settles or goes to court.

The Divorce Process From Filing to Settlement

Most divorces follow a similar process meant to help couples resolve their differences and finalize the terms of their divorce. Here is an overview of the typical steps:

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 Posted on January 21, 2025 in Divorce

One of the most common questions people ask when considering divorce is, "Should I file first?" As with most matters in divorce, the answer depends on your specific situation. While there can be strategic advantages to filing first in some cases, in others, it may not make a difference. 

What matters most is having an Illinois divorce attorney who will focus on a strategy that serves your best interests — not the attorney’s own. At Andrew Cores Family Law Group, head attorney Andrew Cores is a Fellow for the Collaborative Law Institute of Illinois and tailors his approach to meet the unique needs of every client. Whether collaboration, negotiation, or litigation is the right strategy for you, we will help you make informed decisions at every step. 

When Filing First Might Be a Smart Move

Filing first can be beneficial under certain circumstances. Here are a few examples:

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 Posted on January 15, 2025 in Child Custody

In Illinois, child custody — now referred to as "allocation of parental responsibilities" — is decided based on the best interests of the child. Many parents going through a divorce or custody dispute wonder whether their older children will have a say in which parent they live with. Many older kids wonder about this, too. 

While Illinois law does consider a child’s wishes as part of the decision-making process, their preferences are just one factor among many. The final decision rests with the court, which tries to create a parenting plan that best supports the child’s well-being.

If you are facing a custody dispute and want to better understand how your child’s preferences may impact the outcome, an Illinois family law attorney with many years of experience can provide advice tailored to your situation.

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 Posted on January 09, 2025 in Divorce

Although many people go through divorce, and although many of them share similar feelings and experiences, divorce is a complicated process and can go many different ways. It may be tempting to assume that just because a friend of yours had a bitter, angry divorce that dragged on for years, you may be facing a similar process. Likewise, the fact that a favorite celebrity was able to negotiate a mindful separation from their spouse and that approach makes sense to you does not mean your spouse will necessarily agree. 

The truth is that it is almost impossible to know what your divorce will look like before having careful conversations with your spouse and with your attorney. Some spouses make these conversations easier, while others make them impossible. Rest assured that whatever your situation may be, there is a path towards ending your marriage. At Andrew Cores Family Law Group, our Illinois divorce lawyers will help you understand the factors that could affect your divorce. 

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 Posted on January 06, 2025 in Divorce

When married couples fight or bicker constantly and their loving relationship is gone, getting a divorce might be a no-brainer, especially if abuse is involved. Many other couples, however, find themselves sliding slowly into something far more easy-going but sometimes just as lonely. 

If you are not fighting with your spouse, however, do you have the justification you need to get divorced? Many couples grapple with this decision, especially when children are involved. While divorce can offer a path to a healthier, more fulfilling future for some, staying together may provide benefits for families, particularly for young children. An experienced Illinois family law attorney can help you understand your options and the potential outcomes of either choice.

Considering the Impact of Divorce on Young Children

One of the most significant factors for many parents is how their decision will affect their children. Research suggests that young children benefit from the stability of a two-parent household. Here are some reasons why staying together in an amicable marriage might be better for young children:

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 Posted on December 31, 2024 in Child Support

Parents in Illinois often wonder about the state’s requirement to support their children after they turn 18. While child support typically ends when a child reaches adulthood or graduates from high school, Illinois law allows courts to order non-minor support in certain situations, including college expenses. 

Understanding these requirements and how courts decide whether and how much parents have to pay for a child’s education is an important part of setting expectations for the overall divorce process. An experienced Wheaton, IL child support attorney can provide guidance tailored to your situation.

When Does Child Support End in Illinois?

Under Illinois law, child support payments usually end when a child turns 18 or graduates from high school, whichever occurs later. If the child is still in high school when she turns 18, support continues until she graduates or turns 19. Beyond this, parents may still be required to contribute to their child’s education and living expenses under specific circumstances.

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 Posted on December 27, 2024 in Child Custody

In Illinois, fathers have equal rights to seek full custody — known as the allocation of parental responsibilities — of their children. The state's family laws are designed to be gender-neutral, ensuring that neither parent has an automatic advantage in custody decisions. The primary consideration for the court is the best interests of the child, which involves evaluating various factors to determine the most suitable living and decision-making arrangements.

If you are a father seeking full custody of your child, including full parenting time and decision-making authority, contact an Illinois family law attorney who will advocate for your parental rights and your child’s needs. 

How Do Judges Make Custody Decisions in Illinois?

Whenever possible, judges prefer parents of young children to come up with a parenting plan on their own. Divorcing parents will typically be required to attend mediation to try to create a parenting plan that makes sense for their situation and that both parents can agree to. 

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 Posted on December 23, 2024 in Mediation

Divorce mediation is typically a less stressful and more cost-effective way for couples to resolve their differences and reach a settlement. However, it does not work for everyone. If you and your spouse cannot agree on key issues through mediation, it is important to understand what happens next. 

Knowing your options can help you prepare for the next steps in the divorce process. An Illinois family law attorney with experience in both mediation and divorce litigation can guide you, advocate for you, and help you pursue the best possible outcome.

Why Divorce Mediation Sometimes Fails

While mediation can be effective in many cases, it is not suitable for every situation. Sometimes, a significant power imbalance between spouses makes it difficult for one party to effectively advocate for their needs. For example, if one spouse is a family law attorney and aggressively advocates for themselves during mediation, compromise may not be possible. 

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 Posted on December 17, 2024 in Alimony/Spousal Support

Divorce can bring financial uncertainties, especially if one spouse relied on the other for financial support during the marriage. Alimony, or spousal maintenance, is supposed to provide financial assistance to a spouse who may need support to transition to financial independence after getting divorced.

In Illinois, the determination of alimony is not automatic and depends on a variety of factors. If you are considering a divorce, an experienced Illinois family law attorney can help you understand whether alimony might apply in your case.

Who Gets Alimony in Illinois Divorces?

Illinois law does not guarantee alimony to either spouse in a divorce. Instead, the court evaluates a range of factors to determine whether spousal maintenance is appropriate, how much should be awarded, and for how long. These factors include:

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 Posted on December 11, 2024 in Collaborative Law

Collaborative divorce is an alternative to traditional litigation that focuses on resolving disputes through cooperation, negotiation, and mutual respect. This process allows divorcing spouses to work together to reach agreements that are beneficial for both parties and their children. While the goal is to avoid court battles, achieving a successful collaborative divorce often requires the assistance of a skilled team of professionals. Each team member brings unique expertise to help navigate the legal, emotional, and financial complexities of divorce.

Below are some professionals you might consider including on your collaborative divorce team. If you are interested in learning more about this option, speak with an experienced Illinois divorce lawyer.

Collaborative Divorce Attorneys

Although collaborative divorce teams are unique, the one team member that is absolutely necessary is an attorney with experience in collaborative divorce. At Andrew Cores Family Law Group, our head attorney is an experienced divorce lawyer trained in collaborative law who currently serves as a Fellow for the Collaborative Law Institute of Illinois. 

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