Algonquin Divorce & Family Law

Illinois family law covers a wide swath of legal topics, and divorce comprises a large proportion of this practice area. There are numerous issues spouses must address as they end their marriage, separate their financial interests, and move forward as individuals. Care and support of minor children are also key topics in divorce, but they may come up in paternity cases as well. Family laws are also a source of protection against domestic violence, offering options that go beyond criminal laws. When you consider the many legal issues that arise in connection with your personal relationships, you can expect that the relevant concepts will touch your life at some point.

When you do encounter a family law issue, you can trust our team at Bruning & Associates, P.C. to provide solid legal advice and counsel. We have extensive experience representing clients throughout McHenry County, advocating for you both in court and behind the scenes. Our lawyers are also compassionate in guiding you in making informed decisions about your future. Please contact our firm to schedule a free consultation with an Algonquin divorce and family law attorney. You can also read on to learn about our services.

Skilled Legal Help with Family Law and Divorce Matters

You can rely on Bruning & Associates, P.C. to explain the laws that apply to your case and assist with legal proceedings related to:

Divorce

While every case is different, most parties going through the dissolution of marriage proceedings will address:

Equitable Distribution of Property

Illinois asset division law provides that all assets acquired by the parties during the marriage are subject to equitable distribution, which means dividing property according to the interests of fairness. This may not result in an exact 50-50 split. The first step in the process is categorizing items as marital or separate, and then applying equitable distribution principles.

Alimony, Maintenance, and Spousal Support

Either party can request alimony during the proceedings and post-divorce, and the court may award it when appropriate to balance the financial disparities between spouses.

Though Illinois laws do not change for high-net-worth divorce, there can be challenges with complex real estate holdings and personal property. It is often necessary to retain financial and business valuation experts for these cases.

Family Laws Affecting Minor Children

In divorce cases involving minor children and paternity proceedings, Illinois law focuses on the child’s best interests. Key issues for parents include:

Child Custody

Illinois updated its laws to use the term allocation of parental responsibilities, which covers the familiar concept of child custody. A co-parenting arrangement is preferred for important decision-making on how to raise the child.

Visitation

Even with shared custody, the child may primarily reside with one parent. The non-residential parent has visitation rights, now referred to as parenting time under Illinois law.

Child Support

Both parents have an obligation to provide financial support, though the nonresidential parent will typically pay child support to the other. Illinois uses the income shares model, and statutory guidelines are used to calculate the exact amount. The funds are intended to cover basic necessities, including education, health care, and extracurricular activities.

Domestic Violence and Abuse

Victims of domestic violence have legal remedies for protecting themselves, including orders of protection and no-contact orders that can be issued on an emergency basis. Legal help is crucial for your safety, but it is also important to work with an attorney if you were falsely accused of domestic violence.

Other Divorce and Family Law Services

Our lawyers can also assist with:

Modifications and enforcement
LGBTQ rights
Guardianships for minors and disabled adults
Adoptions
Paternity
Prenuptial agreements
Grandparents’ rights

Helping with Divorce and Family Law Solutions

Despite popular misconceptions, many of the issues raised in divorce and family law cases are resolved out of court. There are still strict laws and legal requirements, but you can rely on Bruning & Associates, P.C. to shoulder the burdens and handle essential tasks. Our Algonquin family law and divorce are committed to helping with:

Divorce Settlements

Parties are encouraged to work out property division and spousal support by agreement. As a result, you can negotiate equitable distribution, including classification of marital versus separate assets and how to divvy them up. It is also possible to compromise on alimony, such as the type, amount, and duration.

The laws also encourage agreed-upon parenting plans to cover parental responsibilities and parenting time, though the judge must still review the arrangement to ensure it serves the child’s best interests. Child support guidelines are relatively strict, but a court will likely approve an upward deviation where appropriate.

Mediation

If there are any disputes over property division, spousal support, or issues regarding minor children, the court will likely order them to participate in mediation. The goal is to get closer together on the agreement through guidance from a trained mediator. It is often possible to compromise when each party sees the other’s point of view. Mediation is not binding, so you can still pursue litigation if dissatisfied with the outcome.

When other options do not resolve disputes, the parties must proceed to a trial on outstanding issues. The attorneys at Bruning & Associates, P.C. have experience with contested hearings in family law and divorce cases. We will support you in litigation by:

Gathering important evidence.
Preparing opening and closing statements.
Examining and cross-examining witnesses.
Performing all other tasks necessary to advance your position.

Discuss Your Case with an Algonquin Family Law and Divorce Lawyer

If you are contemplating divorce or encountering any other family law matter in Illinois, retaining skilled legal counsel is a priority. You have important rights to protect, but judgment can be clouded by emotion with these sensitive cases. With an attorney on your side, you can feel confident that your case is in good hands.

To learn more about our services, please contact Bruning & Associates, P.C. to set up a complimentary consultation with one of our Algonquin family law and divorce lawyers. We have several offices conveniently located near you in Chicago, Schaumburg, and Crystal Lake, Illinois.

Chicago

Crystal Lake

Schaumburg