Cary Divorce & Family Law

When you think about the concept of family and your closest relationships, you may not realize the vast array of Illinois case law, statutes, and court rules that govern the relevant legal proceedings. Divorce is covered in this practice area, and even spouses that generally get along can encounter challenges with the process. Issues regarding minor children are a key component of family law, which dictates both rights and obligations of parents. Many other family-related associations fall within this category as well, including emerging areas of law like same-sex marriage and divorce. As a result, the relevant concepts apply to individuals of all ages and backgrounds.

Illinois family laws are complex, but they can be further complicated by the emotional components that play a key role in these cases. You put important rights at risk unless you have experienced representation on your side, and Bruning & Associates, P.C. is ready to assist with your matter. Our team has decades of combined experience supporting families throughout McHenry County, so please contact us to set up a no-cost consultation with a Cary divorce and family law attorney. You can also learn more about our firm by reviewing some information about our services.

Solid Legal Support with Divorce and Family Law Cases

Bruning & Associates P.C. is ready to serve your needs with all issues, disputes, and legal matters, including:

Divorce

Spouses’ lives become financially and legally intertwined during their marriage, and divorce is the process by which they separate these issues and move forward individually. Some of the issues you may face are:

Asset and Property Division

Illinois goes by the law of equitable distribution, so the first step in the process is classifying assets and debts as marital or separate. The court will then divvy up these items according to the interests of fairness, as opposed to an equal split.

Spousal Support

Alimony may be appropriate during divorce proceedings and after the case concludes. Spousal maintenance is intended to close the gap when there is a financial disparity between the parties.

High-Net-Worth Cases

Though the laws do not change, the legal issues are more complex when the marital estate is sizeable. Property division can be especially challenging, so it is often necessary to retain financial analysts for valuations.

Minor Children Under Illinois Family Law

The child’s best interests are the paramount consideration in divorce cases and after legally establishing paternity. This standard applies to:

Child Custody

Illinois replaced the term custody with the allocation of parental responsibilities, but the laws generally remain the same. The concept refers to the important decision-making on how to raise the child, and courts prefer a joint custody arrangement where parents share the obligations.

Visitation

Even with joint custody, it is common for the child to primarily reside with one parent. The other has the right to exercise visitation, known as parenting time.

Illinois child support works according to the income shares model, though statutory guidelines calculate the exact amount. The parent with visitation rights will usually pay child support to the other.

Injunctions and Domestic Violence

When a member of the family or household engages in threats or violence, victims have legal remedies to protect their safety. It is possible to obtain an order of protection and/or no-contact order, on an emergency basis in appropriate cases. If you are facing allegations or were served with a protective order, legal counsel is critical for defending your interests.

Other Divorce and Family Law Services

We are also able to advise you on:

Modifications and enforcement of family law court orders
Parental relocation
Guardianships for minors and disabled adults
LGBTQ rights
Adoptions
Paternity and parentage
Prenuptial agreements
Grandparents’ rights

Legal Help with Family Law and Divorce Solutions

The concepts and proceedings described above can seem overwhelming, but keep in mind that not all divorce and family law matters must head to the courtroom for resolution. Bruning & Associates, P.C. will support you with out-of-court solutions when appropriate, and our Cary divorce and family law attorneys can help you assess such options as:

Negotiating Settlements

Parties to Illinois divorce cases are encouraged to compromise, giving you more control over how to classify marital assets and divvy them between you. You can also work out an agreement for spousal support, including the type, duration, and amount. The details of your marital settlement agreement can become part of the court’s final decree.

However, any agreed-upon parenting plans must be reviewed by the judge to ensure the arrangement for child custody and visitation comply with the statute in the child’s best interests.

Mediation

When there are outstanding disagreements over divorce and family law issues, mediation is another option. In fact, a judge will likely order the parties to participate in most cases. During the session, a mediation professional will guide the parties in productive conversations toward compromise. If dissatisfied with the outcome, you can still take disputes to court.

When a divorce or family law matter goes to a contested hearing, the proceeding is similar to a trial. Each side with has the opportunity to present exhibits, witness testimony, and arguments to support their respective positions. The judge applies the law to the facts in rendering a decision. At Bruning & Associates, P.C., our team is skilled at litigation. We will collect evidence, develop a strategy, and perform all important tasks in our goal to obtain a favorable result.

Our Cary Divorce and Family Law Attorneys Deliver Skilled Legal Services

This overview of Illinois law is useful for understanding the general concepts, but it should also convince you of the importance of solid legal counsel. It is critical to retain knowledgeable,experienced legal representation, balanced with a dedication to helping families find solutions and favorable outcomes.

For more information on how our team can help, please contact the Cary family law and divorce lawyers at Bruning & Associates, P.C. to set up a complimentary consultation. We have several offices conveniently located near you in Chicago, Schaumburg, and Crystal Lake, Illinois.

Chicago

Crystal Lake

Schaumburg