Lake in the Hills Divorce & Family Law

Though you probably know that divorce falls under the umbrella of family law in Illinois, you may not realize the wide array of legal matters that are also included in this category. Aside from the issues, you must address as part of the dissolution process, family laws also apply to other close personal relationships. You might encounter them in connection with your parental rights, protecting against violence, and helping an elderly loved one. The body of family law also encompasses case precedent, statutes, and court procedural rules that dictate legal proceedings.

Considering the impact on your family and relationships, it is wise to retain skilled legal counsel whether you are trying to work out disputes by agreement or taking disputes to court. Our lawyers at Bruning & Associates, P.C. are prepared to advise you, as we have amassed considerable experience and knowledge in our years of combined experience helping clients in McHenry County.

Please contact us today to schedule a free consultation with a Lake in the Hills divorce and family law attorney, and check out an overview of how we support your needs.

Representing Clients in All Types of Family Law and Divorce Cases

Bruning & Associates P.C. is ready to advocate on your behalf no matter what your position. We will protect your interest as we work behind the scenes to resolve disputes, but we are equally prepared to take your case to court if necessary. Our team advises clients on:

Illinois Divorce

The financial and legal interests of spouses become closely intermingled over the course of the marriage, and divorce is the process by which they sever these ties. We can advise you on:

Asset Division

Illinois applies the law of equitable distribution when assessing marital property. The first step is categorizing assets as marital or separate since only property and debts acquired during the marriage must be divided. Equitable distribution means divvying up marital assets according to the interests of fairness rather than equally.

Spousal Support and Maintenance

Alimony is often appropriate to balance the financial disparities between spouses, and there are different types that might be applicable to your situation. Spousal support may be awarded both during divorce proceedings and after they conclude.

High-Net-Worth Cases

Spouses with significant assets and income face additional challenges when addressing alimony and complicated property ownership structures. Financial experts are often required to assist with valuation and business interests.

Family Laws and Minor Children

When a divorcing couple has children, as well as after establishing paternity, there are additional issues to address.

Child Custody

Though Illinois has updated its laws, the familiar concepts of child custody remain the same. Allocation of parental responsibilities is the new term, and it refers to how parents make the important decisions involved with raising a child. Joint custody is the preferred arrangement.

Visitation

Even when co-parenting for purposes of custody, a child will usually reside with one parent. The non-residential parent will have visitation rights, now called parenting time.

Child Support

The Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services details child support guidelines. Both parents have an obligation to contribute to raising their child, but the residential parent takes on more of the burden. The parent with visitation rights will be required to pay child support to the other, based upon the income shares model and statutory guidelines.

Protective Orders

Victims of domestic violence can protect their safety by obtaining an order of protection against an abuser, which prohibits contact and other misconduct. It is even possible to obtain an injunction and no-contact order on an emergency basis. On the other hand, when faced with false accusations, it is critical to take action to defend yourself.

Additional Services in Divorce and Family Law

You can also rely on our team for guidance with:

Enforcement and modification of family court orders
Parental relocation
Guardianship proceedings for minors and disabled adults
LGBTQ rights in family law and divorce case
Adoptions
Establishing paternity
Prenuptial agreements
Grandparents’ rights

Addressing Divorce and Family Law Disputes

Many people assume that court action is the only option for disagreements, but you have multiple alternatives for resolving divorce and family law cases. Bruning & Associates P.C. is committed to pursuing out-of-court solutions since they often save time and money. Plus, when parties come together and participate in developing creative solutions, they are more likely to adhere to the terms. Our Lake in the Hills family law and divorce will assist with:

Settlement Agreements

Almost any matter in a family law or divorce case can be worked out via compromise. Parties can negotiate an agreement on property division instead of being forced into an equitable distribution of marital assets. You can also reach an accord on the type, duration, and amount of spousal support.

While parents are encouraged to work on an agreed-upon parenting plan for custody and visitation, the judge must still review it closely to ensure that it serves the child’s best interests.

Family Law Mediation

Parties may opt for mediation, though a court will order them to participate in most cases. Though productive, healthy conversations guided by a trained mediator, it is often possible to reach an agreement when you never thought it was possible.

Any remaining disputes in family law cases must go to a hearing, and Bruning & Associates, P.C. is skilled with trial advocacy. We will collect evidence, present exhibits, and witnesses, and make persuasive arguments before the judge as we strive to obtain a favorable outcome.

Call Now to Speak to a Lake in the Hills Divorce & Family Law Attorney

A summary of the laws is helpful, but the legal details involved with family law and divorce cases can be overwhelming. Instead of putting your rights and interests at risk, trust our team at Bruning & Associates, P.C. to tackle the important tasks. Please contact us today to schedule a no-cost consultation with one of our Lake in the Hills family law and divorce Lawyers. We have several offices conveniently located near you in Chicago, Schaumburg, and Crystal Lake, Illinois. After we review your circumstances, we can discuss strategies for achieving your objectives.

Chicago

Crystal Lake

Schaumburg