Navigating family law matters in Plainfield can feel overwhelming, especially when relationships and children are involved. Our Plainfield-based team understands the local courts in Will County and the nuances of Illinois family law. We prioritize clear guidance, steady communication, and practical steps that help you move forward with confidence. Whether you are facing divorce, custody decisions, or support arrangements, you deserve a plan that protects your rights and supports your family’s best interests while keeping the process as straightforward as possible.
From the first consultation through negotiations or, when needed, court appearances, we emphasize transparent pricing, realistic timelines, and respectful advocacy. We align our approach with your goals, values, and the needs of any children involved. By outlining options, possible outcomes, and next steps, we empower you to make informed choices that minimize stress and disruption as your family adjusts to a new normal in Plainfield and Will County.
Engaging family law guidance helps protect children, preserve parental rights, and establish fair financial arrangements. A thoughtful plan reduces conflict, speeds up resolution, and helps families recover from upheaval. Our team aims to deliver clarity about options, avoid unnecessary court delays, and provide steady support. You gain a clear roadmap, informed negotiations, and settlements that reflect your values. In Plainfield and Will County, having a trusted advisor means you can focus on your family while we handle the legal framework.
Frankfort Law Group serves families in Plainfield and surrounding Will County with years of experience in family law. Our attorneys understand the emotional nature of these issues and bring thoughtful, results-oriented representation. We handle divorce, custody, support, modification, and post-decree matters, using mediation when possible to reduce stress and cost. We prioritize practical solutions, thorough preparation, and respectful communication to help you reach favorable outcomes while protecting your family’s long-term well-being.
Family law covers many issues including divorce, child custody, support, and asset division. It requires careful planning and clear communication of goals. We help you understand the options, timelines, and potential outcomes under Illinois law.
Our team lays out a practical roadmap, from initial intake and document gathering to custody arrangements and settlement discussions. You will receive straightforward explanations of what to expect at each stage, so you can decide how to proceed with confidence.
Family law governs relationships, parenting rights, and financial matters in Illinois. It includes divorce, custody and parenting time, child support, asset division, protective orders, and related enforcement. Understanding these areas helps you anticipate steps, prepare documents, and participate in decisions that shape your family’s future with clarity and care.
Key elements include parenting plans, financial disclosures, mediation options, and negotiated settlements or court proceedings. The process typically begins with filing, disclosure of assets and income, and a strategic plan for custody and support. From there, parties may negotiate an agreement, participate in mediation, or proceed to a hearing where a judge issues decisions. Throughout, open communication, accurate record keeping, and timely responses help move the case toward a fair resolution while protecting children’s best interests.
This glossary explains common terms used in family law matters in Illinois to help you follow discussions and decisions more easily and feel more confident during meetings, negotiations, and court appearances.
A petition is the initial document to start a court case in family law. It outlines the relief sought, sets forth the facts, and begins formal legal proceedings. The respondent is asked to answer within a set timeframe, and a court schedule begins once served. It initiates the legal process and identifies the parties, jurisdiction, and requested orders such as divorce, child custody, or support.
Mediation is a voluntary process where a neutral facilitator helps parties discuss issues, propose options, and reach agreements without a court ruling. It emphasizes collaboration and practical solutions that fit your family’s needs.
Custody refers to decisions about legal rights and parenting time. In Illinois, parents may share decision-making authority and create a parenting plan that outlines where and when children spend time with each parent.
Temporary orders are court-issued directives issued early in a case to address immediate needs, such as child visitation, support, or living arrangements, while the full case is being resolved.
In family matters you can pursue negotiation, mediation, collaborative processes, or litigation. Each path has different costs, timelines, and effects on relationships. We help you weigh these options by considering your goals, the needs of your children, and the realities of your finances. Our role is to provide clear, practical guidance to help you choose a path that balances protection, efficiency, and resolution.
If you and the other parent share similar goals for parenting time, asset division, and support, a simplified process can resolve issues quickly. We help structure a clear agreement, set expectations, and monitor compliance to reduce the need for lengthy hearings. A focused approach can save time and cost while preserving relationships and stability for children.
In uncomplicated cases with complete disclosure and cooperative communication, mediation or negotiated settlements can achieve fair results without extended courtroom proceedings. We guide you through a streamlined path, ensuring accuracy and timely responses.
A thorough plan reduces back-and-forth, shortens timelines, and helps you reach settlements that respect both sides. It supports children by providing stable schedules and predictable routines during periods of change.
Beyond meetings, comprehensive planning improves documentation, accountability, and communication. You gain a clearer path to resolution, with fewer surprises and more confidence in the decisions that shape your family’s future.
When all terms are clearly defined, both sides understand responsibilities and timelines. This reduces miscommunication and supports a steadier approach to parenting and financial arrangements.
Children benefit from stable schedules, predictable routines, and consistent decision-making. A well-structured plan minimizes disputes and helps families adjust to new arrangements with less stress.


Begin gathering key documents such as financial records, debt information, and any relevant agreements. Having these ready saves time, clarifies your goals, and helps your attorney assess options quickly. A clear starting point reduces confusion and supports smoother negotiations.
Protect children’s routines and emotional well-being by presenting a united front with your co-parent when possible, and explaining decisions in an age-appropriate manner.
This service helps families plan for the future, reduce conflict, and protect children’s best interests by balancing legal rights with practical realities. By working with a local team familiar with Plainfield courts, you gain access to informed guidance about timelines, costs, and realistic outcomes. This clarity supports decisions that minimize disruption to daily life and set up a healthier foundation for parenting and financial stability.
Choosing the right path, whether negotiation, mediation, or litigation, can save time and stress while delivering durable results. Our approach emphasizes clear communication, careful preparation, and strategies tailored to your family’s unique circumstances.
Major life changes such as a new job, relocation, changes in parenting time, or disputes over asset division often require professional guidance. In these moments, a structured approach helps you protect rights, capture important details, and secure fair arrangements that support long-term wellbeing.
Relocation cases involve significant considerations about access, continuity for children, and updates to parenting plans. A clear strategy helps address logistics, timelines, and consent requirements.
Questions about parental rights, establishing paternity, or updating parenting plans benefit from careful documentation and legal advice to ensure proper recognition and enforceable orders.
Disagreements over support, debt responsibility, or asset division require precise calculations and clear agreements to prevent future conflicts.

Frankfort Law Group stands ready to assist families in Plainfield and Will County with compassionate, practical legal support. We listen to your concerns, explain your options, and work toward solutions that respect your family’s unique dynamics. Our goal is to ease stress, protect rights, and guide you toward a steadier path.
Choosing the right attorney makes a difference in how smoothly a case progresses and the quality of outcomes. Our team combines local knowledge with a steady, client-focused approach that keeps you informed and supported throughout the process.
We tailor strategies to your goals, provide transparent pricing, and respond promptly to questions. By focusing on communication, preparation, and thoughtful negotiation, we aim to reduce conflict and help your family move forward with greater confidence.
From the first phone call to the final decree, we maintain clear expectations, respect, and practical guidance suited to Illinois law and Plainfield procedures.
At our firm, the legal process is described in clear steps. We begin with a detailed intake, gather financial and family information, and develop a strategy aligned with your goals. Through each stage, we communicate progress, adjust plans as needed, and pursue timely, fair resolutions.
Initial consultation, case assessment, and document collection establish the foundation for your plan. We review assets, income, and priorities to determine the best path forward and set expectations about timelines.
During intake, we gather essential information about your family, finances, and goals. We use this to craft a practical plan, identify key dates, and prepare the parties for the next steps.
Documentation is organized to support your case, including records of income, expenses, parenting time, and any relevant agreements. This helps ensure accurate submissions and informed decisions.
Negotiations, mediation, or court filings occur in this stage. We coordinate with you to preserve counsel’s schedule, respond to requests promptly, and guide you toward a resolution that reflects your priorities.
In negotiation, we seek fair terms through dialogue, document review, and compromise. We aim to keep disputes manageable while protecting your rights and the children’s well-being.
Mediation sessions focus on collaborative problem solving with a neutral facilitator. The goal is to reach a durable agreement without prolonged court involvement.
When negotiations do not yield a satisfactory resolution, we prepare for court involvement. This includes filing appropriate petitions, presenting evidence, and advocating for a favorable outcome.
Courts review the case, hear arguments, and issue orders on custody, support, and property. We present a clear, organized case to support your position.
After a decision is issued, we assist with enforcing or modifying orders as life changes, ensuring compliance and addressing future needs.
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.
Paragraph 1: In most family law matters, bringing organized documents and clear questions to the consultation helps us identify priorities quickly. You should bring identification, financial records, a list of assets and debts, and any existing court orders or agreements. We will listen to your story, explain the legal options available, and outline a plan tailored to your family’s needs. Paragraph 2: During the session, we will discuss timelines, potential costs, and steps to protect your children’s best interests. We aim to provide practical guidance and transparent ideas, so you know what to expect as your case progresses and you decide how to proceed.
Paragraph 1: Custody matters depend on the child’s best interests, which includes stability, continuity of care, and parenting involvement. Courts look at relationships, history, and ability to meet needs. Paragraph 2: We help you prepare a parenting plan and explain how modifications may affect timelines and future arrangements.
Paragraph 1: Child support in Illinois is based on income, needs, and parenting time. The calculation considers how much each parent earns, the amount of time the child spends with each parent, and the child’s standard of living prior to the separation. Paragraph 2: We explain the formulas, help estimate likely amounts, and discuss how changes in circumstances may impact support obligations.
Paragraph 1: Settling outside court is often possible through negotiation or mediation, which can save time and reduce stress. Paragraph 2: Our team guides you through drafting a voluntary agreement that addresses parenting, finances, and future modifications, ensuring it is fair and enforceable.
Paragraph 1: If your ex does not cooperate, we can pursue formal steps to protect your rights, including filings and court orders when appropriate. Paragraph 2: We work to minimize conflict by focusing on clear documentation, mediation, and structured negotiations, while keeping your children’s best interests at the center.
Paragraph 1: Mediation can be beneficial, but whether a lawyer is needed depends on the case. Paragraph 2: If disputes are complex or emotions run high, having legal counsel can help you articulate goals, prepare evidence, and advocate effectively during sessions.
Paragraph 1: A parenting plan is a detailed agreement that sets out where a child will live, how time will be shared, and how decisions about education, healthcare, and religion will be made. Paragraph 2: It aims to provide stability for the child while accommodating both parents’ schedules and responsibilities.
Paragraph 1: A court hearing involves presenting evidence, calling witnesses, and arguing your position before a judge. Paragraph 2: After the hearing, the court issues orders addressing custody, support, and property, with timelines for compliance and potential modification if circumstances change.
Paragraph 1: Asset division in Illinois follows equitable distribution principles, considering factors such as each spouse’s contribution, duration of the marriage, and each party’s needs. Paragraph 2: We help you compile and present a clear inventory to support a fair division and prevent disputes.
Paragraph 1: Modifications involve demonstrating a material change in circumstances and presenting a plan that better serves the child’s needs. Paragraph 2: We guide you through the process, including necessary filings, documentation, and potential negotiation or hearings to obtain a favorable adjustment.