- 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
Choosing a divorce attorney in Frankfort is a significant step toward resolving complex family matters with clarity and care. Our team at Frankfort Law Group understands the emotional and practical challenges that accompany separation. We explain legal options in plain language, help you organize financial and personal documents, and stand by your side as you work toward a resolution that protects your children, assets, and long term well being through a fair, efficient process.
At our firm, we emphasize clear communication, compassionate guidance, and practical strategies designed for your unique circumstances. We collaborate with you to identify priorities, evaluate possible settlements, and prepare for court if necessary. Our proximity to Frankfort and Will County allows us to respond quickly and coordinate with local judges, mediators, and family court resources. By focusing on outcomes that protect your family’s stability, we help you move forward with confidence.
Having skilled counsel throughout a divorce helps ensure you understand your rights and responsibilities, and it enhances the likelihood of favorable outcomes for parenting plans, property division, and support. A local attorney can navigate Illinois statutes, deadlines, and court expectations while advocating for your priorities. With thoughtful negotiation and, when needed, effective courtroom presentation, you gain greater control over the process, reduce delays, and improve communication with your former partner. The right guidance also supports your children’s wellbeing during transition.
Our Firm Overview and Attorneys’ Experience: Our team brings a steady, measured approach to divorce work, built on years of practical courtroom practice and dispute resolution. We prioritize listening, thorough analysis, and transparent planning. Each attorney collaborates with clients to map outcomes, timelines, and potential contingencies, while keeping costs reasonable and expectations realistic. We continually refine strategies to adapt to changes in family dynamics, financial situations, and local court schedules. You can rely on steady guidance from initial consultation through final resolution.
Divorce services in Illinois cover many steps, from filing and temporary orders to final orders. Understanding the process helps you make informed choices about parenting, support, and property division. In Frankfort, we guide you through documentation, deadlines, and required disclosures, while explaining how mediation, collaborative approaches, or litigation may fit your goals. Every case is unique, and our approach emphasizes clear communication, realistic timelines, and careful consideration of how decisions now affect your future.
Whether your situation involves a straightforward dissolution of marriage or complex asset and business considerations, a lawyer helps you identify priorities, assemble necessary records, and prepare for negotiations or court hearings. We work to minimize conflict where possible, pursue fair terms, and safeguard your rights and your children’s best interests. By staying accessible, promptly answering questions, and keeping you informed at every stage, we aim to reduce stress and empower you to make level-headed choices.
A divorce service refers to the structured legal process used to dissolve a marriage and resolve matters such as parenting time, financial support, asset division, and debt allocation. It can involve uncontested settlements or contested hearings, mediated agreements, or courtroom decisions. The goal is to provide a clear framework, set expectations, and protect the rights and welfare of all involved, including children. Understanding the steps helps you participate actively and prevent unnecessary delays.
Key elements and processes in a divorce commonly include thorough documentation of income, assets, debts, and expenses; accurate valuation of marital property; disclosure and exchange of financial information; negotiations to craft settlements; creation of a parenting plan detailing schedules and decision making; determining appropriate child support and maintenance; and preparing final orders or agreements for court approval. Throughout, timelines, deadlines, and procedural rules shape the pace and outcomes. Effective communication, disciplined record keeping, and careful consideration of long term consequences guide every step.
This section provides clear definitions for common terms you may encounter during your divorce process, including ‘custody,’ ‘visitation,’ ‘legal separation,’ and ‘property division.’ Understanding these terms helps you participate actively in discussions and negotiations, reduce confusion, and align expectations with your attorney. While legal definitions can vary by jurisdiction, our explanations reflect Illinois law and will be tailored to your case as it evolves.
Custody, in Illinois family law, refers to the legal rights and responsibilities for making major decisions about a child’s welfare, including schooling, healthcare, and religious upbringing. It is often framed as legal custody (who makes decisions) and physical custody (where the child primarily lives). Courts prioritize the child’s best interests, encouraging arrangements that promote stability and ongoing relationship with both parents whenever safe and feasible. Parents may establish a parenting plan through negotiation or court order addressing schedules, transfers, and dispute resolution.
Mediation is a structured negotiation process in which a neutral facilitator helps both parties discuss issues, identify shared goals, and reach a mutually acceptable agreement without a full court hearing. In many Illinois cases, mediation can reduce conflict, save time and costs, and create more durable arrangements because the terms are crafted by the parties themselves. A mediator does not make decisions but guides conversations, clarifies options, and assists in drafting a settlement that the court can approve.
Equitable distribution is the Illinois standard for dividing marital assets and debts fairly, though not necessarily equally. The court considers factors such as each spouse’s financial situation, contributions to the marriage, and the needs of any children. The goal is to reach a fair arrangement that reflects both parties’ interests and promotes financial stability after divorce. A well-prepared record of assets, liabilities, and income helps support a balanced result, whether achieved through negotiation or court process.
Temporary orders are interim court orders issued to address urgent matters while a divorce is pending. They may regulate child custody and support, possession of the family home, and the use of assets to prevent harm or unfair advantages. Temporary orders help establish immediate boundaries and responsibilities, providing stability during the transition. They can be modified later as the case develops, based on new information, changing circumstances, and the best interests of the children.
Clients often weigh three broad paths: collaborative divorce, mediation, and litigation. Collaborative divorce emphasizes cooperation and signed agreements between parties with attorneys who support settlement. Mediation involves a neutral facilitator guiding discussions toward a voluntary settlement. Litigation may be necessary when disagreements persist or safety concerns exist. Each option has advantages and tradeoffs regarding time, cost, privacy, and control over outcomes. We help you evaluate these paths in light of your goals, assets, and family needs.
Some cases benefit from a focused, limited approach when issues are straightforward and parties are cooperative. In such situations, a streamlined plan can resolve custody, support, and property concerns without extended litigation. We assess whether a simpler arrangement preserves safety, protects finances, and supports your long term goals. Our evaluation considers communication history, availability of records, and the likelihood that both sides will honor a proposed agreement.
Reasons to pursue a limited approach include clear asset lists, minimal debt, and stable living arrangements. If both parties agree on parenting time, financial support, and property division, a concise plan can be formalized quickly and executed with less disruption. This path preserves privacy, reduces costs, and accelerates return to normal routines for children.
Comprehensive legal service is often necessary when assets are complex, parents have competing schedules, or disputes involve timing, relocation, or future education plans. A complete approach ensures all issues are identified early, appropriate documentation is gathered, and a coherent strategy is developed. While it requires more planning, it can prevent later conflicts and costly amendments by establishing clear terms upfront. Our team coordinates with professionals as needed to build a durable, enforceable agreement that protects your interests and your children’s welfare.
Reasons to pursue this path include significant assets, business interests, or high conflict dynamics. A wide lens approach helps ensure each issue is addressed, tax implications are considered, and long term consequences are anticipated. While more comprehensive, this method can yield a more stable outcome that withstands scrutiny, emergencies, and changes in circumstances.
Adopting a comprehensive approach provides clarity, reduces ambiguity, and creates a solid framework for future cooperation. It helps families avoid frequent amendments and minimizes the risk of costly disputes by documenting expectations, timelines, and decision rules for children, finances, and property. By coordinating custodial plans with tax strategies and asset management, both parties gain confidence in the results. This method emphasizes fairness, transparency, and sustained communication to support a healthier transition after divorce.
Moreover, a thorough plan aligns with local procedures in Frankfort and Will County, streamlining filings and court appearances. It also supports efficient enforcement if changes occur, preserving stability for children and adults alike. Clients appreciate having a clear roadmap, predictable costs, and a responsive attorney who can adapt as circumstances evolve.
Benefit one is improved decision making through accurate information and thoughtful analysis. Benefit two is stronger enforcement of agreements because terms are well documented and understood by both sides. Benefit three is increased privacy since many discussions occur outside the courtroom. While every case is unique, a comprehensive approach typically yields a clearer path to resolution, reduces uncertainty, and helps families adapt to changes with less disruption.
Another advantage is improved cost management through early planning and fewer surprises in court or mediation. Clients often save time and stress when terms are negotiated with full understanding of tax implications, retirement assets, and educational plans. A well-structured agreement gives families a sturdy framework to revisit as circumstances shift, ensuring that needs remain balanced without repeated litigation.
Begin by collecting recent pay stubs, tax returns from the last three years, bank and investment statements, loan documents, and a list of debts. Having this information organized before conversations with your attorney helps streamline negotiations and supports accurate calculations for asset division and child support. Create a simple folder or digital file with clear labels to keep track of everything as your case progresses.
Maintain respectful, task-focused communication with your spouse, especially about logistics and schedules. Document conversations in writing when possible and avoid heated exchanges that could complicate negotiations or court appearances. A calm, organized approach supports clearer agreements and reduces the risk of misinterpretation, delays, or unnecessary conflict during the divorce process.
Choosing a guided approach to divorce can help protect your interests, minimize risk, and create a pathway toward stability. By understanding options, documenting assets, and planning for parenting needs, you improve coordination with essential professionals and keep your goals in sight. A thoughtful plan reduces uncertainty and supports smoother transitions for you and any children involved.
This service is especially valuable when schedules are complex, assets require careful valuation, or family dynamics demand careful negotiation. With local knowledge of Frankfort and Will County procedures, our team can anticipate potential hurdles, address tax implications, and align steps with current laws. You deserve clear guidance, timely updates, and practical solutions that help you move forward with confidence.
High asset or debt levels, relocation considerations, intricate parenting plans, business interests, or disputes about support are scenarios where structured guidance is especially helpful. When families seek clear arrangements, protective terms, and enforceable agreements, a comprehensive approach can provide the stability needed to navigate changes. Our team works with you to identify risks, explore options, and craft terms that reflect your priorities and responsibilities.
Assets such as businesses, multiple properties, or investment accounts require careful valuation and coordinated tax planning. A well-documented plan helps ensure accurate distribution and reduces disputes later. We help you assemble records, assess fair values, and structure negotiations that reflect both parties’ interests while protecting children’s needs.
Changes in living arrangements or school schedules can complicate parenting plans. Our guidance focuses on practical solutions that minimize disruption and maintain meaningful parent-child relationships. We work to establish predictable routines and contingencies that accommodate changes while prioritizing the child’s best interests.
When communications are difficult or imminent court action is likely, a clear, structured approach helps manage risk. We outline timelines, document decisions, and prepare for hearings while seeking the least disruptive path possible. Our goal is to create durable agreements that withstand challenges and support long-term family stability.
The team at Frankfort Law Group is dedicated to guiding you through the divorce process with practical support and clear explanations. We listen to your concerns, tailor strategies to your circumstances, and communicate regularly to keep you informed. Our goal is to help you protect your family’s future while navigating Illinois law and local procedures with confidence and care.
Choosing our firm means partnering with attorneys who combine local knowledge, thoughtful planning, and steady advocacy. We prioritize clarity, collaboration, and efficient handling of filings and court appearances. By aligning strategies with your goals and maintaining open communication, we help you feel informed and prepared at every stage of the divorce process.
Our approach emphasizes fairness, transparency, and accessibility. We strive to minimize disruption for children, protect your financial interests, and provide practical guidance that adapts to changes in circumstances. With proactive planning and responsive support, you gain a reliable partner for the journey ahead.
If you need reassurance, we are available to answer questions, review documents, and explain options in plain language. Our local presence in Frankfort and surrounding counties helps us respond promptly and coordinate with schools, mediators, and courts to move your case forward in a constructive, organized way.
From the first consultation to the final resolution, our process emphasizes clarity and collaboration. We assess your goals, gather necessary documents, explain each step, and outline potential outcomes. You will receive a tailored plan with timelines, responsibilities, and regular updates. Our team remains available to discuss changes, answer questions, and adjust strategies as your circumstances evolve, ensuring you stay informed and confident throughout the case.
Initial assessment and case planning involve gathering facts, identifying priorities, and outlining a targeted strategy. We review income, assets, debts, and parenting concerns, explain options, and set realistic timelines. This stage establishes a solid foundation for negotiations or court action and helps you understand the likely path forward.
We collect financial records, child-related information, and any relevant documents. Clear organization reduces surprises and supports accurate calculations for support and division. You will have guidance on what documents are needed and how to obtain them, along with an outline of potential strategies tailored to your goals.
Based on gathered information, we outline a strategy that aligns with your priorities and timelines. We discuss possible settlements, mediation options, or court actions, and we set expectations for outcomes, costs, and potential risks. You will receive a clear, actionable plan designed to protect your interests and support your family.
Negotiation and drafting of agreements occur in this phase. We prepare parenting plans, asset division terms, and support provisions, aiming for a fair and enforceable settlement. If necessary, we coordinate with mediators or other professionals to facilitate resolution while maintaining focus on your goals and the well-being of any children involved.
We negotiate with opposing counsel or the other party to align on terms that reflect your priorities. Our approach emphasizes clarity, practical solutions, and a commitment to reducing conflict where possible. You will be involved in key decisions and kept informed throughout the process.
Drafting final agreements or proposed orders requires careful attention to detail. We review terms for fairness, legality, and enforceability, ensuring all essential issues are addressed. You will have opportunities to review drafts, ask questions, and provide input before any agreements are filed with the court.
Finalization and court submission complete the process. We prepare final orders and confirm that all terms reflect the negotiated agreement or court decisions. Our team remains available to handle post-judgment matters, enforce agreements, and assist with modifications if circumstances change in the future.
We ensure all terms are accurately documented and ready for filing. This includes custody schedules, support calculations, and asset distributions. Clear documentation helps minimize misunderstandings and supports smooth implementation.
If court action is required, we prepare filings, present arguments, and seek timely resolutions. After orders are issued, we monitor compliance and address any issues that arise, helping keep your family on track and protected.
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.
For your first consultation, bring identification, any existing court orders, financial statements, and a list of questions about goals and concerns. This helps us understand your situation and tailor our strategy. During the session, we explain possible paths and outline steps you can take next. You will leave with a clear plan and a sense of direction for moving forward. Subsequent meetings provide updates and adjustments as needed.
The duration of a divorce in Illinois varies with case complexity, cooperation, and court scheduling. Simple, uncontested cases may settle in a few months, while contested matters can take longer due to discovery, mediation, or court hearings. Our goal is to move the process efficiently while protecting your interests. Regular communication and a well-prepared record often shorten timelines and reduce unnecessary delays.
Child custody decisions consider the child’s best interests, including stability, safety, and ongoing contact with both parents. Courts evaluate parental involvement, available support systems, and the ability to meet the child’s needs. We help you present a parenting plan that prioritizes the child’s well-being and provides a realistic schedule that works for everyone involved.
Mediation can often reduce time and costs by resolving disputes outside of court. A neutral mediator facilitates discussion, helping you reach agreements that you both can accept. While mediation is not guaranteed to succeed, it can preserve privacy and promote collaborative problem solving. We assess your case to determine whether mediation aligns with your goals and can lead to a durable resolution.
Some aspects of a divorce can be modified later if circumstances change, such as parenting time or support. Modifications typically require a showing of changed conditions and may involve negotiations or court action. We guide you through the process, explain what changes are feasible, and file necessary petitions when conditions warrant a modification.
Property division in Illinois follows an equitable distribution framework, aiming for a fair rather than equal split. We assess asset and debt values, consider each party’s contributions, and account for needs of the children. A well-documented financial picture helps support a balanced outcome, whether through a negotiated agreement or court decision. We work to protect your interests while promoting stability for your family.
Legal custody involves decision-making rights, while physical custody concerns where the child lives. Many cases pursue a combination, with shared or joint custody arrangements, depending on each parent’s ability to cooperate and provide a stable environment. A well-crafted parenting plan addresses decision making, time with the child, and dispute resolution mechanisms to support consistency and well-being.
A collaborative divorce can be a good option if you and your spouse want to avoid litigation and work with attorneys who facilitate settlement. It requires voluntary participation and a commitment to transparent negotiation. If collaboration is suitable, we guide you through the process and coordinate with other professionals to reach a mutually acceptable agreement.
Fees in a divorce vary with complexity, court involvement, and duration. We discuss costs upfront, provide a transparent estimate, and monitor expenses as the case progresses. You can help manage fees by staying organized, participating in planning sessions, and promptly providing requested information. We strive to deliver value through efficient strategy and clear communication.
Protecting children during the process starts with open communication, stable routines, and consistent supervision. We emphasize parenting plans, privacy, and safety measures. If concerns arise, we address them promptly through appropriate channels, ensuring their needs are central to every decision. You’ll receive guidance on school coordination, healthcare, and emotional support to help your family navigate the transition.