- Consumer's Choice Award 2019
- Consumer's Choice Award 2020
- Consumer's Choice Award 2021
- Consumer's Choice Award 2022
- Consumer's Choice Award 2023
- Consumer's Choice Award 2024
Divorce is a life changing event that affects families and finances. In Summit, Illinois, choosing the right attorney helps you navigate the courts, protect your rights, and move forward with confidence. Frankfort Law Group offers clear guidance, practical strategies, and prompt communication through every step of the process. We focus on listening to your goals, explaining options in plain language, and developing a plan that respects your values while prioritizing your family’s wellbeing and financial stability.
From initial consultations to settlement negotiations or court appearances, you deserve support that is compassionate, organized, and effective. Our team coordinates with you and other professionals to minimize disruption and reduce stress. We explain the law in straightforward terms, help you prepare documents, and stay on top of deadlines. Whether you are negotiating a divorce settlement, establishing parenting time, or addressing property division, we tailor every conversation to your situation and aim for outcomes that protect your ability to thrive after parting.
Having skilled guidance during a divorce helps clarify choices, reduce conflict, and protect essential interests such as children, finances, and future stability. A thoughtful strategy can speed up negotiations, improve documentation, and reduce the chance of costly disputes in court. At Frankfort Law Group, we work to set realistic expectations, organize records, and communicate clearly with the other party. Our approach supports you in reaching durable agreements that support a smoother transition and long term peace of mind.
Frankfort Law Group serves families across Illinois with a practical, client focused approach to family law. Our attorneys bring years of courtroom experience and a steady record of resolving complex divorces, custody matters, and property divisions. We take time to understand your unique situation, review all documents, and prepare clear, strategic filings. Our team coordinates closely with you, your financial advisors, and other professionals to ensure every step aligns with your goals, deadlines, and the realities of the local court system.
Divorce representation involves guidance through each phase of the process, from paperwork and negotiations to decisions in court. It is not simply about contesting the end of a marriage, but about arranging a fair, workable plan for parenting time, asset division, and future responsibilities. An attorney helps you assess options, anticipate challenges, and advocate for outcomes that align with your goals while preserving your family’s wellbeing.
This service emphasizes clear communication, organized case management, and timely action. We help you gather financial records, identify key priorities, and set realistic timelines. By partnering with you, we aim to reduce stress, prevent avoidable delays, and keep you empowered as decisions unfold in or outside the courtroom.
Divorce representation is the professional guidance provided by a family law attorney to help you navigate ending a marriage. It covers legal rights, obligations, and strategies for resolving issues such as parenting arrangements, asset division, and financial support. The goal is to create a durable plan that reflects your needs, protects vulnerable family members, and minimizes disruption to daily life while following Illinois law and court procedures.
Key elements include initial consultation, case assessment, strategy development, document preparation, negotiation, and, if needed, courthouse hearings. The process often begins with gathering documents, outlining priorities, and creating a plan for parenting time and asset division. Throughout, communication with you remains central, ensuring you understand each option and step. Our team coordinates with you, the other party, and court personnel to keep filings accurate, deadlines met, and decisions purposeful.
Glossary of common terms used in divorce and family law helps you follow conversations, court orders, and settlement discussions more confidently.
A Marital Settlement Agreement is a written contract that records how spouses will divide assets, debts, and responsibilities after the divorce. It outlines parenting plans, financial arrangements, and steps to finalize the divorce. Courts typically review this agreement to ensure it is fair and voluntary, and it can be incorporated into a final divorce decree.
Child custody and parenting time define who makes important decisions for a child and how much time the child spends with each parent. These terms are shaped by the child’s best interests, existing routines, and the ability to cooperate. Agreements or court orders can specify schedules, decision making, communication, and remedies if arrangements change.
Property division refers to how marital assets and debts are allocated between spouses. Illinois follows an equitable distribution approach, aiming for a fair result based on factors like contributions, duration of marriage, and financial circumstances. The goal is to reach a plan that minimizes disruption and preserves financial stability.
Spousal support, also known as maintenance, is a financial arrangement designed to provide ongoing support after divorce. Terms may specify duration, amount, and review rights. The precise terms depend on income, needs, and the standard of living established during the marriage.
When facing divorce, you may consider negotiating a settlement, mediation, collaborative law, or traditional litigation. Each option has unique benefits and drawbacks, depending on the level of conflict, custody concerns, and financial complexity. A steady, informed approach helps you choose an option that best protects your interests while reducing stress and cost. We help you evaluate alternatives, communicate clearly with the other party, and move toward a resolution that fits your family’s needs.
For cases where spouses are aligned on major issues and there are no children disputes, a limited approach can streamline the divorce process. This path focuses on documenting agreed terms, completing required forms, and obtaining a timely settlement without extended court sessions. Clear preparation, honest communication, and careful record keeping help minimize delays and keep costs reasonable.
Even when conflicts exist, skilled mediation can guide couples to a workable agreement outside of trial. A mediator and your attorney work together to identify priorities, generate options, and craft concessions that address both sides’ needs. This approach often reduces stress, preserves relationships, and results in faster resolutions with fewer court appearances. When both parties are prepared to participate in good faith, a limited approach may be the right choice.
Divorces involving business ownership, retirement accounts, multiple properties, or intricate tax considerations require careful planning. A comprehensive service ensures asset valuation, debt allocation, and tax implications are addressed in one cohesive plan. This integrated approach reduces the risk of later disputes and helps you move forward with a clear, enforceable arrangement that stands up to future changes.
When children are involved, parenting plans, custody schedules, and decision making require thoughtful coordination. A full service helps align educational needs, healthcare decisions, and daily routines with long term goals for the child. This approach supports stability for kids while protecting parental rights and responsibilities.
An integrated strategy covers all facets of a divorce, including finances, parenting, and future planning. By examining assets, debts, and income together with parenting needs, you can avoid piecemeal decisions that lead to gaps or conflicts later. This approach saves time, reduces misunderstandings, and yields more durable agreements that reflect your overall goals for a stable post-divorce life.
For families in Summit and across Illinois, a comprehensive plan provides a clear roadmap. It guides negotiations, helps you prepare for possible court hearings, and ensures documentation supports your rights. When done thoughtfully, a wide scope plan can minimize future disputes and create a framework for cooperative co parenting and financial arrangement.
Starting with a comprehensive review, our team identifies priorities, potential pitfalls, and possible timelines. This enables you to make informed decisions, avoid hidden costs, and align expectations with the realities of your case. A well planned approach supports steadier progress and smoother transitions.
Regular updates, organized files, and proactive coordination with all parties reduce confusion. We help you stay engaged, respond promptly to requests, and work toward timely resolutions. This level of communication fosters trust and helps families move forward with confidence.
Begin by gathering financial documents, tax returns, asset statements, and debt records. Create a list of priorities, including parenting time, living arrangements, and financial goals. Having documents ready helps your attorney evaluate options quickly, reduces back and forth, and keeps negotiations focused. Establish a practical calendar with important deadlines to prevent delays. Clear organization helps you present your position confidently and supports decisions that reflect your best interests and those of your family.
Expect adjustments as your case unfolds. Divorces can involve unexpected issues related to finances, parenting plans, or schedules. Stay flexible, ask questions when something is unclear, and rely on your attorney to provide plain explanations. Focusing on practical, enforceable terms helps you move forward with confidence and minimizes the risk of extended conflict or surprises later on.
Choosing professional divorce representation can provide structure, reduce uncertainty, and protect your rights during a significant transition. A thoughtful plan helps you manage parenting time, property division, and financial decisions with clarity. With skilled guidance, you can avoid costly mistakes, stay informed about deadlines, and pursue outcomes that align with your long term goals. The right support makes it easier to navigate stress and maintain focus on what matters most for you and your family.
Working with a local Summit attorney familiar with Illinois family law volumes ensures your case reflects local practice, court expectations, and community standards. A steady advocate can help you prepare evidence, negotiate settlements, and respond effectively to changes in circumstances. The result is a clearer path to resolution, less friction, and a stronger foundation for the next chapter in your life.
Divorce arises in various contexts where family harmony is disrupted, including disputes over parenting time, asset values, or retirement accounts. When parties struggle to agree on terms, or when there are complex financial concerns, professional guidance helps sort through issues and propose workable solutions. In Summit, Illinois, circumstances such as long marriages, high asset levels, or inconsistent incomes may benefit from a comprehensive plan that protects your interests.
Assets like businesses, real estate, or investment portfolios require careful valuation and careful distribution planning. A structured approach helps identify values, designate responsibility for debts, and prevent later disputes. Advice tailored to your situation supports decisions that are fair and feasible within local court procedures.
Disagreements about who should have decision making authority and how parenting time is scheduled can significantly impact children. A clear parenting plan, aligned with the child’s best interests, reduces friction and provides structure for daily routines, holidays, and school issues. Working with a local attorney helps craft schedules that fit your family’s needs while protecting bonds with both parents.
In contested cases, a steady legal process guides negotiations, gathering evidence, and presenting arguments. A well organized plan helps you address issues efficiently, maintain focus on goals, and minimize courtroom time. By staying proactive and prepared, you can reduce stress and move toward a fair resolution that supports your family long term.
Our team is ready to listen, explain options, and stand with you as you navigate a divorce in Summit. We tailor support to your needs, keeping you informed and prepared. From initial consultation to final decree, we strive to make the process clearer, more predictable, and less overwhelming. Call Frankfort Law Group at 708-766-7333 to schedule a compassionate, no obligation discussion.
Choosing our firm means working with a steady, communicative team that prioritizes your needs and your family. We bring a practical approach to negotiations, a strong understanding of Illinois law, and a commitment to timely, clear guidance. Our focus is to help you achieve outcomes that support stability, fairness, and the capacity to move forward with confidence after your divorce.
Throughout the process, you will receive thoughtful explanations, organized documents, and steady support. We coordinate with financial professionals and other experts to ensure your plan is comprehensive and enforceable. Our local experience in Summit helps anticipate court expectations and potential obstacles, which allows you to plan effectively and make informed decisions.
With clear communication and a client centered approach, we aim to minimize stress and help you reach durable agreements that reflect your goals and protect your family’s wellbeing.
From the first meeting to final orders, our process emphasizes transparency, organization, and steady progress. We explain options, set expectations, and keep you informed about timelines and potential outcomes. By documenting decisions and maintaining open communication, we help you feel confident about each step. We coordinate with clients to gather necessary records and respond quickly to requests, ensuring the divorce proceeds smoothly in Summit and surrounding areas.
During the initial meeting, we listen to your goals, review your situation, and identify priorities. We discuss potential strategies, gather essential documents, and outline a plan for moving forward. This stage helps you understand what to expect and how decisions will be made, providing a foundation for a focused, efficient process.
Collecting financial records, custody arrangements, and property details allows us to accurately assess values and obligations. We then establish priorities—such as parenting time, asset protection, and debt management—and set realistic timelines. Clear, organized information supported by our guidance keeps negotiations productive.
Based on your goals and the gathered data, we craft a strategy that aligns with your needs and Illinois law. We discuss potential settlements, court options, and contingencies, ensuring you understand the implications before decisions are made. Regular updates help you stay engaged and prepared for the next steps.
This stage focuses on negotiating terms, exploring mediation, or pursuing court action if required. We prepare filings, gather evidence, and present arguments in a clear, organized manner. Our aim is to reach fair and enforceable agreements while minimizing disruption to your daily life.
Effective negotiation relies on preparation, credible information, and respectful communication. We guide you in presenting your position, evaluating offers, and documenting agreements in precise language. This careful approach helps protect your rights and supports durable results.
Mediation provides a structured forum to resolve disputes with the help of an impartial facilitator. If needed, we prepare and file petitions, responses, and orders with the court, ensuring compliance with deadlines and procedural requirements. We monitor progress and adjust strategies to keep your case moving forward.
During finalization, we review the final agreement or court order for accuracy and enforceability. We help you understand obligations, ensure all terms are clear, and guide you through the signing and filing process. The result is a formal decree that reflects your decisions and supports your future plans.
Before the decree is issued, we perform a comprehensive review to confirm that all terms are correctly stated and aligned with your goals. We address any ambiguities, confirm dates, and verify resources, so you can proceed with confidence.
After the decree, you may need to address modifications, enforceability, or future changes in parenting or finances. We remain available to help you navigate adjustments, update orders as necessary, and ensure ongoing compliance with the court’s directives.
At the Frankfort Law Group, we take great pride in our commitment to personal service. Clients come to us because they have problems, and they depend upon us to help them find solutions. We take these obligations seriously. When you meet with us, we know that you are only doing so because you need help. Since we started our firm in northeast Illinois, we have focused on providing each of our clients with personal attention. You do not have to be afraid to tell us your story. We are not here to judge you or make you feel ashamed for seeking help. Our only goal is to help you get results and move past your current legal problems.
At the Frankfort Law Group, we take great pride in our commitment to personal service. Clients come to us because they have problems, and they depend upon us to help them find solutions. We take these obligations seriously. When you meet with us, we know that you are only doing so because you need help. Since we started our firm in northeast Illinois, we have focused on providing each of our clients with personal attention. You do not have to be afraid to tell us your story. We are not here to judge you or make you feel ashamed for seeking help. Our only goal is to help you get results and move past your current legal problems.
Typically, the timeline depends on case complexity and court availability. An uncontested divorce can take a few months, while cases with disputes may extend longer. Your attorney will guide you through steps and keep you updated on next steps and deadlines. Clear organization and timely documents help avoid delays. You will receive practical explanations and steady support throughout the process.
Yes. Bring identification, financial records, and details about assets and debts. Your attorney will tell you exactly what is needed, but starting with recent pay stubs, tax returns, bank statements, retirement accounts, and any custody agreements is helpful. Being prepared helps accelerate the process and ensures nothing important is left out.
Mediation is often used when couples want to reach an agreement with guidance rather than in court. It can save time and reduce conflict, especially with parenting plans and asset division. However, not every case is suitable for mediation, and your attorney can help determine the best path.
Yes, parenting time can be modified after a divorce when circumstances change. Courts prefer stability for children, but requests for modification can be granted if there is a valid reason and evidence to support the change. An attorney can help you prepare documentation and present the case clearly.
Illinois follows an equitable distribution approach to property. It looks at contributions, duration of the marriage, and financial circumstances. While the goal is fairness, outcomes vary by situation. A well organized plan with clear documentation improves the chances of a favorable result.
Attorney fees for divorce vary by case and region. In Summit, costs are influenced by complexity, number of court appearances, and the amount of negotiation needed. Many firms offer initial consultations and may provide payment options. You can discuss cost and flexibility with your attorney during the first meeting.
You can, but there are benefits to having legal representation. An attorney helps protect your rights, explains complicated rules, and keeps the process moving. Even in straightforward cases, professional guidance often reduces stress and improves the likelihood of a balanced settlement.
Child support in Illinois is based on income and needs of the children, with guidelines used by the court. A lawyer can help you calculate obligations, ensure compliance, and address enforcement or modification if circumstances shift. Our team can guide you through the process, documenting agreements for enforceability.
A Marital Settlement Agreement outlines asset division, parenting plans, and financial terms. It is a comprehensive agreement that can be incorporated into the final divorce decree. It requires careful consideration and mutual agreement on terms to be effective.
The final hearing, if required, is where the judge reviews the terms and issues a final decree. You should bring documentation, be prepared to answer questions, and follow instructions from your attorney. After the decree, you will finalize any related steps to implement the terms.