- 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
Navigating divorce in New Lenox can be emotionally challenging and legally complex. A thoughtful approach to your case begins with understanding your rights, responsibilities, and the options available for support, property division, and parenting arrangements. This guide outlines the steps you may encounter, what to expect from your attorney, and how the process can unfold in Illinois courts. By taking a calm, informed approach, you can focus on securing a stable future for you and your family while safeguarding your interests.
Choosing the right representation matters for outcomes and peace of mind. Our approach emphasizes clear communication, transparent billing, and strategic planning tailored to your goals. We work to minimize conflict where possible, encourage practical solutions, and guide you through complex filings, court deadlines, and negotiation sessions. With decades of experience assisting clients in Will County and surrounding areas, we aim to protect your rights while helping you move forward with confidence.
Divorce affects finances, family dynamics, and your long-term plans. A knowledgeable attorney helps you understand options for property division, child custody, and support, and advocates for fair terms that consider both current needs and future circumstances. With skilled guidance, you can avoid costly mistakes, meet court deadlines, and negotiate agreements that protect your children’s best interests while safeguarding your own financial stability.
Our firm provides compassionate, practical representation in family law matters in Illinois. Our attorneys listen closely, assess your priorities, and craft tailored strategies for divorce, property division, parenting plans, and related issues. We bring a steady, collaborative approach to negotiations and, when needed, assertive advocacy in court. We stay informed about evolving state laws and local court practices to anticipate challenges and keep you informed at every step.
Divorce services encompass evaluation of assets, debts, parenting arrangements, and support in accordance with Illinois law. The process typically begins with a consultation to identify priorities, followed by documentation preparation, negotiation, and, if needed, court filings. You will have guidance on potential mediation options and strategies to protect your interests while facilitating constructive resolutions. An experienced attorney helps translate complex statutes into clear, actionable steps, enabling you to set realistic goals and pursue outcomes that align with your long-term well-being.
Understanding how these steps interact with your family’s unique circumstances is essential. We tailor our approach to each case, considering factors such as custody schedules, asset types, and tax implications. You’ll receive ongoing updates about deadlines, filings, and potential settlement opportunities, as well as candid assessments of risks and likely outcomes. This collaborative process aims to reduce stress while ensuring legal protections remain front and center throughout your divorce journey.
Divorce is a legal process that ends a marriage and establishes rights and responsibilities for both parties. In Illinois, decisions about property division, alimony, child support, and parenting time are typically resolved through agreement or judicial orders. Understanding the parties’ interests, timelines, and permissible options helps you participate more effectively. Our role is to translate complex statutes into practical guidance, enabling you to set realistic goals and pursue outcomes that align with your long-term well-being.
Key elements of a divorce case include disclosure of assets and debts, negotiation or dispute resolution, custody planning, and support calculations. The process often involves temporary orders, settlement discussions, and final decrees. Illinois courts emphasize fair distribution and predictable parenting arrangements, with considerations for the best interests of children. A thorough plan addresses finances, communications, and contingencies for changes in circumstances, while your attorney coordinates with specialists, mediators, and the court to keep the case moving toward a timely resolution.
This glossary explains common terms used in divorce practice and the property, support, and parenting concepts relevant to New Lenox and Illinois. Understanding these terms helps you participate in decisions with clarity and reduces confusion during negotiations. Our aim is to provide plain-language explanations that connect legal ideas to real-world effects on your family’s finances, schedules, and future planning.
Marital assets and debts refer to property accumulated or obligations incurred during the marriage that are considered in the property division. Illinois follows an equitable distribution approach, aiming to fairly divide assets and debts based on factors such as duration of the marriage, each party’s contributions, and economic circumstances. This term helps you understand what is subject to division and how a proposed settlement may affect your financial future.
Custody and parenting time determine who makes major decisions and when each parent spends time with the child. Illinois uses terms such as legal custody and physical custody, with schedules designed to support the child’s best interests. Agreements may be formed through negotiation, mediation, or court orders. An effective plan balances stability for children with a practical routine for both households, while ensuring appropriate decision-making authority and access.
Alimony, also called maintenance, is financial support provided by one spouse to the other after divorce, subject to duration and amount determined by law and case specifics. Factors include the standards of living during the marriage, the length of the marriage, and each party’s ability to support themselves. This term helps you understand how future income may be allocated and how long support payments might continue, guiding negotiations and court decisions.
Equitable distribution is a method used by Illinois courts to divide marital property fairly, not necessarily equally. This determination considers factors such as each spouse’s contributions, the value of assets, the length of the marriage, and the parties’ economic circumstances. The goal is to craft a plan that reflects fairness while recognizing financial realities. With careful planning, you can protect essential assets, address debts, and set up future financial stability for yourself and your children.
Clients often face choices between collaborative, mediated, contested, and litigated paths. The best option depends on factors such as communication between parties, complexity of assets, and the presence of disputes about parenting. Mediation and collaborative approaches emphasize cooperation, while litigation resolves unresolved issues in court. Understanding these paths helps you select a route that aligns with your goals, timelines, and financial considerations, and it allows your attorney to tailor a strategy that emphasizes efficiency and outcomes.
Uncontested terms require clear communication and trust between the parties. With careful preparation, you can document agreed-upon property divisions, parenting time, and support arrangements, streamlining filings and court approvals. An attorney helps ensure accuracy in forms, monitors deadlines, and negotiates any outstanding issues to protect your interests during the limited process.
Efficiency and privacy are common reasons for choosing a limited approach. When parties reasonably agree on major terms, you can minimize courtroom appearances and safeguard sensitive information. A focused plan reduces stress, lowers costs, and helps families move forward with clear, enforceable arrangements. Your attorney coordinates the filings, ensures compliance, and prepares orders that reflect the agreed terms.
Complex financial matters require thorough analysis and careful planning. When assets include retirement accounts, businesses, or multiple real properties, a comprehensive approach helps ensure accurate valuation, equitable distribution, and tax-conscious decisions. A detailed plan also anticipates potential changes in income and future needs, creating a flexible strategy that supports long-term stability for you and your family.
Custody disputes or high-conflict scenarios benefit from a broad, coordinated effort. A comprehensive service coordinates mediation, negotiation, and court filings, while ensuring the child’s best interests remain central. This approach helps manage emotions, aligns schedules, and secures enforceable orders that provide clarity and predictability for both parents and children.
A comprehensive approach combines strategic planning, thorough disclosure, and proactive negotiation to optimize outcomes. Clients gain clear roadmaps, reduced surprises, and a stronger ability to anticipate financial and family changes. This method supports steadier progress toward a final order while maintaining open communication with the attorney and the court throughout the process.
With cohesive representation, you benefit from coordinated advocacy, consistent timelines, and a plan that accounts for income changes, custody considerations, and long-term goals. A well-rounded strategy can lead to more predictable results, less stress, and a smoother transition as you move forward after divorce.
A strategic plan articulates your priorities, outlines negotiation positions, and identifies potential concessions. By establishing concrete goals early, you can navigate discussions with confidence and reduce back-and-forth, enabling faster progress toward a final agreement that respects your needs and the children’s best interests.
A comprehensive approach emphasizes stability for you and your family by creating well-structured schedules, durable financial arrangements, and clear decision-making authority. This foundation supports routine, reduces uncertainty, and helps your family adapt to life after divorce with greater confidence and continuity.
Begin with a thorough inventory of all marital assets and debts, including real estate, vehicles, investments, retirement accounts, and outstanding obligations. Collect statements, valuations, and recent appraisals to support accurate disclosures. A complete ledger helps you negotiate from a position of knowledge and reduces delays later in the process.
Keep a consistent record of all communications with your spouse, attorneys, and mediators. Store emails, texts, and notes in a centralized file. Organized records help you track agreements, deadlines, and proposed changes, reducing confusion and protecting your interests during negotiations and proceedings.
Choosing to pursue divorce services in New Lenox provides informed guidance, personalized strategies, and steady support through a challenging transition. A knowledgeable attorney can help you understand options, manage expectations, and plan a path that protects your rights, finances, and family relationships while aligning with Illinois law and local court practices.
From initial consultation to final decree, you gain a trusted partner who keeps you informed, organized, and prepared for each step. This partnership helps you make thoughtful decisions, stay focused on your goals, and move forward with confidence and clarity in a difficult time.
Unresolved asset and debt questions, complex custody considerations, or conflicts about support often justify engaging a divorce attorney. If parties struggle to reach agreements through mediation or collaboration, formal court involvement may be necessary to formalize rights and responsibilities. In such contexts, professional guidance helps you navigate procedures, deadlines, and filings while pursuing a fair and durable outcome.
When assets include real estate, retirement accounts, or business interests, precise valuation, timing, and documentation become essential. An attorney coordinates disclosures, analyzes tax implications, and structures a distribution plan that protects your long-term financial interests while meeting court expectations for fairness.
Disputes over parenting time, decision-making authority, and schedules require careful negotiation and, sometimes, formal orders. A well-crafted plan supports stability for children, minimizes disruption, and provides mechanisms to adjust arrangements if circumstances change in the future.
Divorce affects tax filings, exemptions, and future planning. Understanding how alimony, asset transfers, and new filing status influence your finances helps you prepare for changes ahead. Coordinating with tax and estate planning professionals ensures that you optimize your financial position and protect your interests after the divorce.
Our team is dedicated to guiding you through every phase of the divorce process in New Lenox. We listen to your goals, explain options in plain language, and coordinate with you to develop a plan that fits your family’s needs. You can expect clear communication, attentive support, and steady advocacy as you move toward a new chapter.
Choosing our team means partnering with professionals who prioritize practical, compassionate guidance and practical outcomes. We focus on clarity, transparency, and results that align with your goals while respecting Illinois law and local practices. Our approach seeks constructive solutions that protect your rights and help you move forward.
We tailor strategies to your situation, balancing communication, negotiation, and when necessary, advocacy in court. You receive steady support, detailed explanations, and a plan designed to minimize stress and optimize your financial and family outcomes. Our goal is to help you feel confident about the path ahead.
With a responsive team and a clear process, you gain predictable timelines, careful handling of documents, and reliable counsel focused on protecting your interests and supporting your family through every step of Illinois divorce proceedings.
From your first consultation to the final decree, our firm provides structured guidance, timely updates, and coordinated advocacy. We help you understand each stage, prepare necessary documents, and prepare for negotiations or hearings. You can expect practical strategies, thoughtful explanations, and steady support as you navigate the divorce process in New Lenox and Will County.
The process begins with a focused meeting to identify goals, gather essential information, and outline a plan. You will discuss assets, custody considerations, and timelines, and we will explain potential paths, including mediation or litigation. This step sets the foundation for a strategy tailored to your circumstances and ensures you understand the path ahead.
Collect recent financial statements, tax returns, property records, and debt information. Gather records related to parenting arrangements, school contacts, and health information for any children involved. Providing organized documentation early helps speed disclosures and supports precise valuations, leading to more efficient negotiations and filings.
Define your priorities for asset division, support, and parenting. Establish realistic expectations for outcomes and timelines. A clear strategy helps guide discussions, identify areas for compromise, and prepare you for decisions that impact your future and your family’s stability.
We prepare disclosures, draft proposed agreements, and engage in negotiation or mediation to resolve issues outside court when possible. If disputes persist, we move toward formal proceedings with a plan that protects your interests and provides a roadmap for a binding resolution.
Disclosures detail all marital property, debts, and financial obligations. Accurate, complete disclosures support fair decisions and help prevent later challenges to the settlement. Our team reviews and clarifies items to ensure you understand how each element affects your overall offer and terms.
Mediation provides a structured setting to negotiate terms with a neutral facilitator. Settlement efforts aim to resolve key issues without trial, preserving control over outcomes and reducing costs. We support you through discussions, assist with drafting agreements, and prepare for formal adoption by the court if needed.
If necessary, court hearings finalize unresolved matters and establish enforceable orders. The final decree covers property division, custody, and support terms, with provisions for future changes. We help you prepare for court appearances, present your case clearly, and ensure the terms reflect your goals while protecting your rights.
The final decree formalizes the agreements or court orders. You receive a clear document detailing your rights and responsibilities, with instructions for enforcement and future modifications. Compliance steps are explained to help you implement the decision smoothly and maintain stability for you and your family.
After the decree, changes in circumstances may necessitate updates to schedules, support, or property arrangements. We guide you through the process for any modifications, ensuring you understand deadlines, required documentation, and how to pursue changes legally and efficiently.
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.
In New Lenox, a typical divorce timeline often spans several months, influenced by whether terms are contested or modestly agreed upon. The process includes filing, response, discovery, negotiation, and, if needed, court hearings. Fast track paths exist when both parties share clarity on key points, while more complex cases may require additional time for asset evaluation and custody planning. An experienced attorney helps you understand milestones and keeps you informed. Your timeline can vary based on the court calendar, the level of cooperation between parties, and how quickly disclosures are completed. A steady, proactive approach with clear communication helps you stay on track and avoid unnecessary delays.
Illinois uses legal custody and physical custody concepts to determine parenting responsibilities, with the child’s best interests guiding decisions. Courts look at each parent’s involvement, stability, and ability to meet the child’s needs. Agreements through mediation often carry weight if they support consistent routines. During negotiations, you may discuss parenting time schedules, decision-making authority, and potential modifications if circumstances change. An attorney helps translate initial goals into a practical plan and can present options that protect relationships with both parents while prioritizing the child’s welfare.
For a divorce filing, gather recent tax returns, asset ledgers, debt statements, and any records related to property, vehicles, savings, and retirement accounts. You should also collect evidence of income, expenses, and childcare costs. Having these documents organized helps speed disclosures and supports accurate valuations and settlements. Your attorney will request additional information as needed, including possible agreements, prenuptial documents, and evidence of parenting plans. Being proactive reduces delays, supports accurate disclosures, and strengthens your position during negotiations and court proceedings.
Not every divorce requires a court appearance. In many cases, couples reach agreements through mediation or collaborative processes, and a judge approves a signed settlement. When disputes arise over custody, support, or property, court hearings may be necessary to obtain a binding order. A well-prepared attorney can keep you informed about options to resolve issues outside court, reducing stress and expenses. They help draft and review proposed agreements to ensure enforceability and protect your rights if negotiations break down.
Yes. Settlement agreements can address most issues and often lead to quicker, more predictable outcomes than trial. Provisions cover asset division, debt responsibility, parenting schedules, and support, and they can be tailored to your family’s needs. Negotiation, mediation, and collaborative law are common routes. Your attorney can guide you through these options, evaluate risks, and help you reach a comprehensive agreement that the court will recognize.
In Illinois, property division seeks fairness rather than equal shares. The court considers contributions, duration of the marriage, and future needs. Debts and assets may be offset to reach a balanced outcome. Strategies include identifying non-marital property, timing of asset transfers, and tax implications. Proper planning can protect retirement accounts, real estate, and investments, while creating a practical plan for ongoing finances.
Alimony in Illinois is determined by factors such as the standard of living during the marriage, the length of the marriage, and each party’s ability to support themselves. Maintenance is not guaranteed and may be temporary or long-term depending on circumstances. Negotiations aim for a fair arrangement that supports transition while encouraging self-sufficiency. Your attorney can explain how income, health, and custody arrangements influence maintenance and help you pursue a reasonable outcome.
Divorce timelines vary based on complexity, court calendars, and whether parties agree on key terms. A typical case might take several months from filing to final order, but delays can occur if assets are complicated or custody disputes require detailed plans. Staying organized, responding promptly to requests, and maintaining open communication with your attorney helps keep the process on track. Some cases move faster with proactive negotiations, while others require additional time for hearings and decision-making.
Divorce mediation focuses on cooperative problem-solving with a neutral mediator guiding discussions on property, parenting, and support. It can save time and cost, preserve relationships, and produce durable agreements. Participants should come prepared with clear priorities and supporting documents. An attorney can help you frame proposals, assess concessions, and ensure the final agreement aligns with your goals and legal rights.
Divorce can affect taxes in several ways, including filing status, exemptions for dependents, and alimony payments. Depending on the year and your arrangements, you may see changes in taxable income, credits, and deductions. Understanding these potential shifts helps you plan ahead and avoid unexpected tax bills. Coordinate with a tax professional and your attorney to align settlement terms with tax implications. This collaboration helps optimize income splits, asset transfers, and support arrangements so you can move forward with financial clarity and confidence after the divorce.