McHenry Divorce & Family Law
At Bruning & Associates, P.C., our lawyers are prepared to overcome challenges as we protect your interests in an Illinois family law matter. We are knowledgeable about the laws and have extensive experience representing clients, but we are compassionate in understanding the personal impact of these cases. Please contact our office today to schedule a complimentary consultation with a McHenry divorce and family law attorney who can explain specific concepts. You might also benefit from reviewing what we do and how we support your needs.
Comprehensive Legal Services in Illinois Divorce and Family Law Matters: The nature of family law means that some issues may not involve official court proceedings, while others are by definition are lawsuits or litigation. You can trust Bruning & Associates, P.C. to advise you on a wide range of issues impacting your family and personal relationships, including:
Divorce: Illinois is a no-fault state for purposes of dissolving your marriage, but the laws are still complicated. Our McHenry divorce attorney supports your interests through the key issues that arise during the process, such as:
- Property and Asset Division: The divorce statute is based upon equitable distribution, in which all assets and debts are distributed between the parties in a way that is fair and just.
- Maintenance, Alimony, and Spousal Support: Either party can request support, and a judge is likely to award it when there would be a significant financial disparity after divorce. Plus, you can also request alimony while the case is pending.
- High Net Worth Divorce: The laws do not change based upon the value of the marital estate, but divorces involving substantial assets increase the challenges. Complicated holdings require valuation methods, so it may be necessary to retain financial analysts.
Minor Children: Parents have both rights and responsibilities with respect to children, even when they are no longer married or in a relationship. As a result, issues related to minors will come up in divorce, as well as paternity proceedings. The key areas include:
- Child Custody: Illinois uses the term allocation of parental responsibilities to refer to custody, and the concept covers the important decisions parents make as they raise their children. A co-parenting arrangement is preferred so that the child has equal contact and benefits from both relationships.
- Visitation: This term has also been updated to cover parenting time. Though custody may be shared, the child will usually reside with one parent for most practical purposes. The non-residential parent will have the right to exercise visitation.
- Child Support: The income share model of child support applies in Illinois, which takes into account what both parents earn. However, it is the nonresidential parent who will pay child support.
Domestic Violence: Violent acts, sexual assault, and abuse are obviously crimes, but Illinois law provides victims with additional options to protect their safety and family. Bruning & Associates P.C. can assist with orders of protection to prohibit an assailant from contacting you or coming within a certain range. We can even obtain a restraining order on an emergency basis.
Other Divorce and Family Law Topics: Our family law attorneys in McHenry can also help you navigate other key issues, including:
- LGBTQ rights, which are protected by law but can still involve challenges
- Guardianships for minors and disabled adults
- Adoptions
- Grandparents’ rights
- Paternity
- Prenuptial agreements
- Many more
Legal Help from a Skilled McHenry Family Law and Divorce Attorney: At Bruning & Associates, P.C., we work to understand your goals and develop strategies to achieve them. Our team will advocate on your behalf in such areas as:
Settlement Agreements: Not all family law disputes go to court, and many differences can be resolved by agreement. Parties are free to work out the details of property division, as well as the type, duration, and amount of alimony. There are some restrictions on entering an agreement on child custody and visitation since these matters must comply with state law on the child’s best interests. Child support is determined according to statutory guidelines, but deviations may be appropriate in certain situations.
Mediation: If you cannot agree on all divorce or family law issues, the court may order you to participate in mediation. During this informal process, the parties sit down with a mediator who has special training in facilitating productive conversation. Often, you can get closer together on agreement through mediation.
Family Law Court Proceedings: Litigation is a last resort, but it may be necessary to have a judge decide any remaining disputes. Our McHenry divorce and family lawyers have high-level trial advocacy skills, so we are ready to take your case to court. We will present evidence, question witnesses, and make legal arguments to bolster your position.
Trust Our McHenry Divorce and Family Law Attorneys for Assistance
An overview of your rights, obligations, and remedies is useful, but legal representation is critical in a real-life family law scenario. For more information on our services in the area of Illinois divorce and family law, please contact Bruning & Associates, P.C. We can set up a free consultation at our conveniently located offices in Chicago, Schaumburg, and Crystal Lake, Illinois. Once we review your situation, we can advise you on strategy and the next steps.
