- 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
If you are facing family law issues in New Lenox, Frankfort Law Group provides guidance tailored to local courts and community needs. Our approach focuses on clear communication, protecting your rights, and pursuing practical resolutions to custody, support, and divorce matters. We work with clients in Will County to develop strategies that reflect their priorities while navigating legal procedures efficiently and respectfully.
This guide outlines what to expect from family law matters in New Lenox, including common processes, legal terms, and options for resolving disputes. Whether you are considering filing, responding to a petition, or modifying an existing order, understanding the steps and potential outcomes helps you make informed decisions. We aim to demystify the process and provide realistic next steps for moving forward.
Effective family law representation can reduce stress, prevent costly mistakes, and improve outcomes in sensitive matters such as custody, support, and property division. Working with a local firm familiar with Will County procedures and judges helps ensure filings are timely and arguments are focused. Thoughtful legal support also helps preserve relationships where possible and secures practical arrangements that reflect long-term needs of families.
Frankfort Law Group serves clients across Will County from our regional offices and offers representation in a range of family law matters. Our attorneys prioritize client communication and case planning, guiding individuals through court processes while pursuing fair resolutions. We emphasize documentation, realistic negotiations, and courtroom readiness so clients understand options and expected timelines for resolving disputes in New Lenox and surrounding communities.
Family law covers a broad set of issues including divorce, child custody and visitation, child support, spousal maintenance, and property division. Local procedures may affect filing requirements, temporary orders, and mediation options. Knowing which paths are available helps people choose negotiated agreements, mediation, or litigation. We explain how each option may apply to your situation and help develop plans that protect parental relationships and financial stability in the short and long term.
Choosing the right process for your case depends on the complexity of issues, level of cooperation between parties, and urgency of relief needed. Some matters are resolved through agreements reached outside court while others require formal hearings. Courts in Will County encourage negotiated solutions when appropriate but will intervene to issue orders when parties cannot reach consensus. Understanding how these options fit your needs is an important first step.
Terms like custody, legal decision-making, parenting time, support, and equitable division have specific legal meanings that influence outcomes. Legal decision-making refers to who makes significant choices about a child’s upbringing, while parenting time addresses schedules. Support and maintenance relate to financial obligations. Knowing these definitions helps you evaluate settlement offers or court orders and ensures agreements reflect your family’s priorities and legal responsibilities in Illinois.
Most family law matters follow a sequence of filings, temporary hearings, discovery, negotiation or mediation, and potentially trial. Early steps include financial disclosure and requests for temporary relief to address custody or support while the case proceeds. Parties may exchange documents, attend mediation sessions, and negotiate settlement terms before court intervention becomes necessary. A clear plan and early documentation often streamline the process and reduce uncertainty.
This glossary explains frequent terms encountered during family law matters in plain language to help clients better understand notices, motions, and court orders. Familiarity with these phrases improves communication and reduces confusion when interacting with the court, opposing counsel, or mediators. Use these definitions as a reference when reviewing paperwork or preparing for hearings so you are comfortable with the legal language that will appear throughout your case.
Legal decision-making describes the authority to make significant choices about a child’s welfare, including education, medical care, and religious upbringing. Illinois law may award joint legal decision-making or allocate it to one parent based on what serves the child’s best interests. Parents should consider how decision-making responsibilities will be divided and document any agreements to prevent future disputes.
Parenting time refers to the schedule and structure for when a child spends time with each parent. Courts encourage arrangements that maintain consistency and stability for the child, including holiday and vacation plans. Parenting time orders can be detailed to address school schedules, transportation, and communication expectations between parents to minimize conflict and support the child’s routine.
Child support is the financial contribution one parent provides to help cover a child’s needs, including food, housing, education, and healthcare. Illinois uses guidelines that consider incomes, parenting time, and other relevant factors. Support amounts may be adjusted for changes in income or custody arrangements, and documentation of expenses is important when seeking modifications.
Property division involves allocating marital assets and debts between spouses. Illinois follows principles that aim for a fair distribution based on factors such as duration of the marriage, contributions by each spouse, and economic circumstances. Identifying separate versus marital property and valuing assets like retirement accounts or businesses are common steps in resolving these disputes.
Clients can choose different levels of legal assistance depending on their needs and budgets. Limited-scope services address specific tasks like drafting filings or offering coaching, while fuller representation includes negotiation, court appearances, and comprehensive case management. The choice depends on case complexity, willingness to negotiate, and how comfortable a client is managing parts of the process themselves. Both paths can be effective when aligned with the client’s goals.
A limited-scope approach can work well when both parties agree on key issues like custody and division of assets, and only need guidance on proper paperwork and filing procedures. This approach helps manage costs while ensuring filings comply with court rules. It also allows individuals to maintain direct control over communications and settlement decisions while receiving targeted legal support for critical steps.
Limited services are useful when a client primarily needs drafting assistance, document review, or coaching for hearings and negotiations. This option offers flexibility for those comfortable handling some tasks independently but wanting professional oversight to reduce errors. Clear written agreements about the scope of work help avoid misunderstandings and ensure responsibilities are defined for both the client and the firm.
Comprehensive representation is often recommended when disputes involve significant assets, complex financial accounts, or contested custody matters that require evidence, expert testimony, or multiple hearings. Full representation includes investigation, discovery, negotiation, and courtroom advocacy to protect rights and interests. Having an attorney manage deadlines, filings, and strategy can be especially helpful when stakes are high and outcomes have long-term consequences.
When cases involve business interests, retirement division, or disputes that could affect parental rights, a comprehensive approach provides continuity and dedicated management of all issues. This level of service helps coordinate discovery, settlement negotiations, and trial preparation while protecting financial stability and parental responsibilities. Clients receive ongoing guidance to respond to developments and pursue resolutions that align with their long-term goals.
A comprehensive approach provides consistent case management, thorough preparation for hearings, and sustained negotiation efforts to achieve favorable results. It reduces the burden on clients by handling procedural tasks, deadlines, and communication with other parties. This continuity can lead to clearer settlement proposals and more reliable enforcement of orders, improving long-term predictability for families exiting the court process.
Comprehensive representation also facilitates coordinated strategies when multiple legal issues intersect, such as when support, custody, and property division must be resolved together. Centralized management ensures all facts and documents are considered, supporting stronger positions in mediation or court. This approach aims to minimize surprises and provides clients with steady guidance during stressful transitions.
One key benefit of full representation is regular, clear communication about case status, options, and potential outcomes. Clients receive structured planning for each phase of the matter, with timelines and expected next steps. This transparency helps families prepare emotionally and financially for hearings or settlements and reduces uncertainty during what can be a disruptive period in daily life.
Comprehensive services include gathering documents, preparing witness statements, and crafting persuasive arguments for negotiations or court. Careful preparation increases the likelihood of agreements that reflect a client’s priorities and withstand later scrutiny. When hearings are necessary, being well-prepared can streamline proceedings and help secure enforceable orders that protect parental roles and financial interests.
Begin collecting pay stubs, tax returns, bank statements, and records of parenting schedules as soon as a family law matter arises. Having organized documents speeds up financial disclosures and supports clear negotiations. Accurate records of expenses, schooling, and health costs help demonstrate needs and obligations when discussing support and division. Early preparation also reduces stress and ensures deadlines are met during proceedings in Will County.
Mediation offers a private environment to negotiate terms with professional guidance and can be less adversarial than court proceedings. Many family matters are resolved more quickly and with less expense through negotiated agreements. Mediation allows parties to craft flexible solutions that reflect their family’s needs, and agreements can be formalized through the court for legal enforcement. It’s a practical option to explore early in the process.
People seek family law assistance to protect parental rights, ensure fair financial outcomes, and achieve stable arrangements for children. Legal guidance can prevent procedural errors, clarify obligations, and support enforceable agreements. When emotions run high, having a legal framework helps families focus on practical solutions and reduces the risk of future conflicts caused by unclear or informal arrangements.
Legal support is also valuable when modifying existing orders due to changes in income, relocation, or evolving parenting circumstances. Proper filings and evidence can lead to adjustments that better match current realities. Whether pursuing a first-time order or seeking a modification, structured legal assistance helps present a clear case to the court and protects long-term interests of parents and children.
Typical circumstances include divorce, disputes over custody or parenting time, requests for child support or spousal maintenance, contested property division, and motions to modify existing orders. Families also seek assistance when enforcement of orders is necessary or when allegations require urgent temporary orders. Timely legal guidance helps clarify options and reduces the chance of missed deadlines or procedural errors that can affect outcomes.
Filing for divorce starts a formal legal process that addresses division of assets, parenting time, legal decision-making, and support matters. Early steps include financial disclosure and requests for temporary orders to address immediate needs. Preparing accurate documentation and setting clear priorities can lead to more effective negotiations or court planning when an amicable settlement is not possible.
When parents disagree about custody or parenting schedules, disputes can escalate and impact the child’s routine. Courts focus on the child’s best interests and consider factors like stability, parental involvement, and the child’s needs. Legal assistance helps present evidence, propose workable schedules, and negotiate terms that aim to protect the child’s welfare while respecting parental roles.
Significant life changes such as income shifts, relocation, or health issues may justify modifying previously entered orders. To request a modification, parties must show changed circumstances that affect the original arrangements. Proper documentation of new financial realities or parenting changes supports requests for adjustments and helps the court reach decisions aligned with the parties’ current needs.
Frankfort Law Group offers practical legal assistance for residents of New Lenox and nearby communities. We focus on clear next steps, timely filings, and open communication to guide families through legal processes. Whether you need document preparation, negotiation assistance, or representation at hearings, our team helps you understand options and move forward toward stable agreements and enforceable orders.
Clients work with Frankfort Law Group because of our local knowledge of Will County procedures and our emphasis on responsive communication. We help clients prepare thoroughly for each stage of their case and aim to achieve practical outcomes. Understanding the court expectations and typical timelines in New Lenox allows us to plan strategically and keep clients informed about realistic options.
Our approach prioritizes transparent cost discussions and clear agreements about the scope of representation. We tailor services to the needs of each family, whether seeking limited assistance for document preparation or comprehensive case management for contested matters. Consistent updates and collaborative planning help clients feel supported during complex family law proceedings.
Frankfort Law Group also focuses on efficient case handling to reduce delays and unnecessary expense. We coordinate necessary disclosures, prepare persuasive settlement proposals, and represent clients when hearings are required. Our goal is to protect parental roles and financial interests while pursuing outcomes that promote stability for families across New Lenox and Will County.
Our process begins with a thorough initial consultation to identify priorities and review documentation. We then outline options, prepare necessary filings, and set a timeline for temporary relief, disclosures, and negotiation. Clients receive regular updates and recommended actions at each stage, with the goal of resolving matters efficiently through agreement when possible or preparing for hearings when necessary.
During the initial consultation we gather background information, financial records, and details concerning children and property. This assessment clarifies immediate needs and whether temporary relief is necessary. It also helps define the scope of representation and estimate timelines and potential costs. Clear communication at this stage sets the foundation for an organized, proactive approach to your matter.
Collecting documents such as tax returns, pay stubs, bank and retirement statements, and records of expenses is an early priority. Accurate financial disclosure supports fair negotiations and ensures compliance with court requirements. Providing organized records also helps identify assets that may need valuation and clarifies income sources relevant to support calculations and division discussions.
We review parenting routines, school schedules, and the child’s needs to propose custody arrangements that promote stability. Documentation of daily schedules, healthcare, and education helps build a case that centers on the child’s welfare. Early discussion of potential temporary orders ensures children’s routines are addressed while the case proceeds.
After initial disclosures, parties often engage in negotiation or mediation to resolve issues without trial. Discovery may include requests for documents or written questions to clarify financial positions. Mediation allows structured negotiation with a neutral facilitator and can result in durable agreements. When settlement is not achievable, discovery builds the factual record needed for court hearings.
Preparation includes organizing proposals, identifying nonnegotiable issues, and gathering supporting documents. Realistic settlement options and fallback positions help guide productive discussions. Clear communication about priorities and concerns supports better outcomes and increases the likelihood of reaching agreements that are enforceable and practical for family life.
Discovery involves exchanging financial documents, interrogatories, and other evidence relevant to property division and support. Timely responses and thorough documentation strengthen negotiating positions and reduce surprises. Properly managed discovery clarifies disputed facts and often leads to focused settlement discussions or efficient trial preparation when necessary.
If negotiations fail, the case proceeds to court for hearings where evidence and testimony are presented. Judges issue temporary or final orders based on the record and applicable law. Preparing witnesses, affidavits, and clear legal arguments is essential to achieving enforceable outcomes. After hearings, final orders address custody, support, and property division and provide a roadmap for future enforcement or modification if circumstances change.
Trial preparation includes organizing exhibits, preparing witness testimony, and outlining legal arguments tied to statutory standards. A well-prepared presentation helps the court understand complex financial situations or parenting concerns. Attention to detail in preparation can make the hearing phase more efficient and improve the likelihood that orders reflect the evidence and legal positions advanced.
Once the court issues final orders addressing custody, support, and asset division, those orders are enforceable through the court system. If a party fails to comply, enforcement mechanisms are available to seek remedies. Additionally, modifications may be sought later if circumstances materially change. Understanding how to implement and, if needed, enforce orders protects long-term interests of parents and children.
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.
To start a divorce in New Lenox you must file a petition in the appropriate Will County court and serve the other party with notice of the filing. The petition outlines requested relief such as dissolution, support, custody, and property division. Proper filings and prompt service are necessary to proceed and preserve legal rights during the process. After filing, temporary orders may be sought for immediate concerns like parenting time or support while the case moves forward. Parties will exchange financial disclosures and consider negotiation or mediation. Understanding filing requirements and timelines helps avoid procedural delays and positions you to pursue a timely resolution.
Illinois courts decide custody based on the child’s best interests, taking into account factors such as each parent’s ability to provide for the child, the child’s needs, stability of the home environment, and the child’s relationship with each parent. Courts also consider history of caregiving and any relevant safety concerns. The goal is to create arrangements that support the child’s welfare and continuity of care. Parents can propose parenting plans that address schedules, decision-making, and transportation. Courts may approve mutually agreed plans or set terms where disputes exist. Presenting evidence that shows commitment to the child’s routine and well-being supports favorable custody arrangements during hearings.
Child support in Will County is calculated using Illinois guidelines that consider both parents’ incomes, the amount of parenting time each parent exercises, and other expenses related to the child’s needs. The court will review pay stubs, tax returns, and documented costs to determine support obligations consistent with statutory formulas. Accurate financial documentation is essential to a fair calculation. Adjustments may be made for special circumstances like extraordinary medical or educational expenses. If income fluctuates or parenting time changes, a modification may be appropriate. Understanding how support is calculated helps parents prepare realistic budgets and settlement proposals.
Yes, custody and support orders can be modified if there has been a substantial change in circumstances since the original order. Examples include significant income changes, relocation, or shifts in a child’s needs. To modify an order, you must file a petition with the court and provide evidence showing why the change is necessary to serve the child’s best interests. The court will evaluate the requested modification against current circumstances and the child’s welfare. Preparing clear documentation and demonstrating how conditions have changed increases the likelihood that the court will grant an appropriate adjustment to the existing order.
For your first consultation bring identification, a summary of the family situation, and any court documents already filed. Financial records such as recent pay stubs, tax returns, bank statements, and lists of assets and debts will help assess support and division issues. For matters involving children, bring school, healthcare, and custody-related documents to aid in planning. Having this information ready allows the attorney to evaluate immediate needs and recommend next steps. A clear timeline and well-organized documents speed up the assessment process and help identify whether temporary relief or disclosures are needed promptly.
Mediation is often encouraged and may be required in some cases before a court will schedule a full hearing, depending on local rules and the circumstances of the case. Mediation provides an opportunity to reach a voluntary agreement in a confidential setting with a neutral facilitator. It can be less adversarial and more cost-effective than proceeding directly to trial. Even when mediation is required, it does not prevent parties from going to court if they cannot reach agreement. Preparing proposals and documentation before mediation improves the chances of productive negotiation and a durable settlement.
The timeline for family law cases varies based on complexity, willingness to negotiate, and court schedules. Some uncontested matters resolve in a few months, while contested cases involving significant asset division or custody disputes can take a year or longer. Temporary orders may be issued quickly to address urgent matters while the underlying case proceeds. Active communication, timely disclosures, and a focused negotiation strategy often shorten the process. When settlement is not possible, trial preparation and court calendar availability influence how long a matter will take to reach final resolution.
Temporary orders address immediate needs for parenting time, support, and possession of property while a case is pending. They provide short-term stability so daily life can continue while parties negotiate or prepare for hearings. Courts grant temporary relief based on the information available at the time and the urgency of requested measures. These orders are not final and can be modified as the case progresses. It is important to request necessary temporary relief early and to provide supporting documentation to justify the court’s consideration of immediate arrangements.
Marital assets in Illinois are divided equitably, which means fairly under the circumstances rather than strictly equally. Courts consider factors like the length of the marriage, each spouse’s economic situation, contributions to the marriage, and any dissipation of assets. Identifying and valuing assets, including retirement accounts and business interests, is a common part of this process. Accurate documentation and realistic valuation are key to negotiating fair distributions. Parties can reach settlements that allocate assets by agreement, or the court will determine an equitable division based on the record presented at hearings.
To enforce an existing court order, you may file a petition for rule to show cause or other enforcement motion with the court that issued the order. The court can require the noncompliant party to explain their actions and may impose remedies such as wage garnishment, contempt fines, or other enforcement measures. Documentation of the alleged noncompliance strengthens the enforcement request. Prior to filing enforcement motions, parties often attempt to resolve issues through communication or mediation. When those efforts fail, prompt legal filing helps ensure the court can act to uphold the order and protect the rights established by the original judgment.