- 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
Facing a divorce is a life transition that touches many areas of daily life, from housing and finances to parenting and daily routines. In Plainfield, Illinois, a thoughtful legal plan can help you protect your interests while moving toward clarity and stability. This guide provides clear information about the divorce process, common steps, and how experienced counsel can support you through negotiations, court proceedings, and settlement discussions with sensitivity and practical results.
Throughout the process, emotions, time constraints, and family goals can create tough decisions. Our Plainfield team emphasizes respectful communication, thorough documentation, and strategic planning to reduce conflicts and protect your rights. Whether you are facing a contested arrangement or seeking an uncontested dissolution, the right guidance helps you understand options, timelines, and potential outcomes. We tailor strategies to your circumstances, ensuring you remain informed and supported every step of the way.
Divorce involves many decisions that affect financial security, housing, and family dynamics. Engaging a knowledgeable attorney helps you organize assets, protect retirement plans, and address child arrangements with clarity. A thoughtful legal approach can reduce delays, minimize miscommunication, and create a solid foundation for future cooperation between you and your former spouse. With clear documentation and strategic negotiation, you can pursue a fair settlement while preserving relationships that matter most to your children and your long-term goals.
Frankfort Law Group serves families across Will County, including Plainfield and surrounding areas. Our team combines careful preparation, comprehensive case assessment, and steady courtroom advocacy when needed. We focus on practical solutions that fit real life, balancing assertiveness with empathy. With decades of combined practice in family law, our attorneys strive to explain options in plain terms and guide clients toward outcomes that protect safety, stability, and future peace of mind.
Understanding the divorce service means knowing the components that shape its outcome. The process typically starts with an assessment of assets, debts, and income, followed by negotiations on custody and support terms. In Plainfield, local courts consider the best interests of children and fair division of property. Our role is to translate complex legal language into clear choices, help gather reliable documents, and communicate progress so you can plan your next steps with confidence.
By outlining responsibilities, timelines, and potential complications, you gain a realistic roadmap. Each case has unique factors such as employment status, family health, and relocation needs. A thoughtful plan anticipates those factors, reduces surprises, and keeps you focused on what matters most. The right attorney helps you navigate deadlines, court appearances, and negotiation sessions with calm, strategic guidance.
Divorce services encompass legal guidance, document preparation, negotiation support, and representation in court proceedings when needed. The goal is to secure a fair, enforceable agreement that respects your rights and protects the well being of any children involved. Effective divorce practice emphasizes clear communication, thorough records, and practical strategies to address property division, parenting time, and financial responsibilities, while avoiding unnecessary conflict.
Key elements include initial consultations, comprehensive information gathering, equitable distribution discussions, child-related planning, and final obligations such as support orders. The processes often begin with intake and case assessment, followed by negotiation, mediation, or court filings. Throughout, the team keeps clients informed of milestones, potential variations in outcomes, and the steps required to finalize a decree. Each stage builds toward a sustainable arrangement that stands the test of time.
Glossary terms help clients understand essential concepts in plain language. The terms cover property division, parenting plans, support calculations, and court terminology commonly used in divorce cases in Illinois. This section defines each term in a concise way to support informed decisions during negotiations and filings.
Asset Division refers to the process of equitably allocating marital property and debts between spouses. It considers the value of assets, liabilities, and the contributions of each party, aiming for a fair settlement that reflects the duration of the marriage and individual needs.
Child Custody describes how time with a child is allocated between parents, including each parent’s rights to make major decisions and the schedule for parenting time. In Illinois, custody decisions consider the child’s best interests, relationship history, and the capacity of each parent to provide a stable environment. A detailed parenting plan helps everyone understand daily routines, holidays, transportation, and communication, reducing conflict and supporting the child’s well-being.
Marital Settlement Agreement is a written contract that outlines how property, debts, custody, and support will be handled after divorce. It is often negotiated between spouses or through mediation and then approved by the court. A well-drafted MSA clarifies expectations, reduces disputes, and provides a clear framework for future changes.
Temporary Orders are court-issued directives issued during the divorce process to regulate support, parenting time, and living arrangements while the case is ongoing. They provide immediate protections for children and spouses and establish predictable schedules that help prevent disruption during negotiations and hearings. These orders can be modified later as circumstances change and a final decree is established.
Different routes exist for divorce, including collaborative approaches, mediation, and traditional litigation. Each option has distinct advantages and considerations related to cost, duration, and control over outcomes. In Illinois, some cases can be resolved outside court, while others require formal hearings. We help clients weigh these choices by outlining likely timelines, potential risks, and the impact on children, finances, and long‑term goals.
An approach limited to mediation and agreement can be sufficient when both parties communicate openly, share complete financial information, and aim for a mutually acceptable settlement. This path often minimizes court involvement, reduces costs, and preserves privacy. By keeping negotiations calm and organized, families can reach durable agreements that reflect real-world needs and avoid unnecessary legal escalation.
Limited approaches may also work when there are no allegations of abuse, coercion, or significant asset disputes, and when a neutral mediator can guide terms that protect children’s best interests and provide clear schedules. This route supports respectful cooperation and practical decisions that align with long-term family stability.
Comprehensive legal services are helpful when families face complex finances, high assets, or contested custody matters requiring evidence, expert evaluation, and precise documentation. A thorough plan helps gather records, articulate priorities, and prepare for court proceedings. This approach minimizes delays and creates a stronger foundation for negotiation and enforcement.
Where there are interwoven real estate, business interests, relocation needs, or multiple jurisdictions, a full service approach ensures every angle is considered, deadlines are met, and the final order is robust and enforceable. A comprehensive team coordinates experts, documents, and dates to maintain momentum and clarity throughout the process.
Taking a comprehensive approach helps you address immediate concerns while planning for the future. It covers parenting plans, asset distribution, alimony considerations, and long-term financial security. A thorough review can prevent costly revisions later and fosters clearer communication with your former spouse. This method reduces surprises and supports steady progress toward a durable settlement.
This broader lens supports steady progress through negotiations, reduces the risk of overlooked details, and produces durable settlements that adapt to changes in income, family structure, or relocation needs. Clients often feel more confident when every major topic is anticipated and documented from the outset.
Greater clarity about property division helps minimize later disputes and creates a practical roadmap for how assets, debts, and retirement accounts will be managed during and after the divorce, reducing confusion and costly recalculations.
Strong parenting plans support stable routines for children, with predictable schedules, clear decision-making processes, and reliable communication channels that reduce stress and conflict while supporting shared responsibilities.
Gather current financial statements, tax documents, mortgage information, and retirement accounts before you begin. Having these records ready helps speed negotiations and reduces the need for repeated requests. Organize receipts, bills, and loan documentation so your attorney can assess your financial footprint accurately.
Know the key deadlines in Illinois family court and track upcoming hearings. Set reminders for filings, responses, and mediation sessions, and work with your attorney to prepare statements, exhibits, and any expert reports well ahead of time. Staying organized helps you meet expectations and reduces stress.
Divorce affects living arrangements, finances, and family routines. Considering professional guidance helps you protect your rights while aiming for a stable transition. A well-planned approach reduces the risk of costly delays, ensures clear agreements, and supports a smoother path for you and your children.
A skilled attorney can help translate financial terms, explain court expectations, and present your goals in a cohesive strategy that increases the likelihood of a fair settlement.
Common scenarios include the presence of children and custody questions, complex assets, business ownership, debt, and relocation needs. When these elements are involved, diligent planning and professional guidance help protect interests while reducing uncertainty during negotiations and court appearances.
Significant assets or debts require careful valuation, documentation, and timing to avoid disputes and ensure equitable treatment.
Custody disputes or parenting plan concerns necessitate detailed schedules, decision-making protocols, and reliable communication strategies for the children.
Relocation or co-habitation changes can affect parenting and support arrangements, requiring careful planning and court guidance.
Our team is here to provide steady guidance, clear explanations, and practical solutions for families navigating divorce in Plainfield and Will County. We listen to your goals, explain legal options in plain language, and help you prepare for each stage of the process. From initial consultation to final decree, our priority is your family’s stability and your peace of mind.
Choosing the right attorney makes a difference in how smoothly your case progresses. We emphasize clear communication, thorough preparation, and diligent advocacy while maintaining a respectful approach. Our goal is to protect your interests, minimize conflict, and help you reach a durable resolution.
Clients benefit from a structured process that keeps you informed, meets deadlines, and adapts to changing circumstances. We focus on practical outcomes and ongoing support, ensuring you understand each decision and feel confident about the next steps.
With a clear plan, you can navigate a divorce more calmly, knowing you have capable professionals guiding you.
At Frankfort Law Group, the process begins with a candid initial consultation, followed by thorough document collection, case assessment, and a client-specific plan. We outline options, set realistic timelines, and prepare you for each step. Your goals guide the strategy, and our team ensures you understand every decision and milestone along the way.
Step one focuses on gathering information, identifying priorities, and outlining a practical strategy. We collect financial records, parenting details, and asset lists to create a clear picture of your case. This foundation supports informed negotiations and sets the stage for a smooth filing and early resolution where possible.
During the initial meeting, we listen to your concerns, discuss your goals, and explain options in plain language. You will receive a structured checklist of documents to collect, along with a proposed timeline for next steps. Clear expectations help reduce stress and ensure you are prepared for the process ahead.
We develop a tailored strategy that reflects your family’s needs, finances, and parenting goals. This plan prioritizes efficient resolution where possible while protecting your rights and ensuring a durable agreement. You will understand the likely milestones, potential obstacles, and how we plan to address them as the case progresses.
Step two centers on negotiations, mediation, or court filings as needed. We prepare comprehensive submissions, draft settlement proposals, and coordinate with any experts. The goal is to advance toward a fair resolution that aligns with your objectives while maintaining timely progress and minimizing unnecessary conflicts.
In negotiation, we advocate for your priorities, present well-supported positions, and seek practical compromises. This stage emphasizes clarity, documentation, and sustainable terms that work in the long term. When a settlement is reached, we ensure the agreement is thorough and enforceable.
If disputes cannot be resolved through negotiation or mediation, we prepare filings for the court and represent you at hearings. Our approach combines careful presentation of facts with strategic arguments aimed at protecting children, assets, and your overall financial stability.
The final phase focuses on decree preparation, orders, and enforcement readiness. We review the final terms for accuracy, ensure essential provisions are included, and guide you through the entry of the final divorce decree. This stage emphasizes clarity, enforceability, and a smooth transition to the next chapter of your life.
We conduct a thorough final review of all documents, confirm that terms reflect your goals, and prepare the decree for court submission. This step reduces the chance of future changes or disputes and helps you move forward with confidence.
We ensure the final order includes clear enforcement mechanisms, schedules, and support terms. You will know how to implement the decree, modify terms if life changes, and manage ongoing obligations with a clear plan in place.
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 the first meeting, bring identification, current income information, bank and retirement statements, debt details, tax returns, and any existing court orders. Prepare a list of goals, concerns, and non-negotiables for you and your children. Understanding your current financial picture and family priorities helps the attorney tailor a strategy from the outset. During the second portion of the discussion, your attorney will explain typical Illinois procedures, expected timelines, and possible outcomes. You will learn how negotiations may unfold, what documentation may be requested, and how to communicate effectively throughout the process.
Divorce timelines in Illinois vary based on complexity, court calendars, and the level of agreement between spouses. An uncontested case can move more quickly, while contested matters may take several months to a year or more. Factors such as custody disputes, asset valuations, and necessary expert input influence duration. Your attorney can provide a more precise estimate after reviewing your financial and family details and help schedule realistic milestones. Early preparation and organized documentation often shorten the overall timeline by reducing delays and enabling smoother negotiations and filings.
A parenting plan outlines where a child lives, how decisions are made, and when each parent spends time with the child. It covers holidays, transportation, education, medical care, and communication methods. A well-crafted plan supports stability for children, reduces conflict, and provides clear expectations for both parents. Illinois courts consider the child’s best interests, safety, and continuity of routines when approving parenting arrangements. Creating a thoughtful plan with your attorney helps address potential changes and supports a cooperative approach to parenting after divorce.
Property division in Illinois seeks an equitable distribution of marital assets and debts, considering factors like the length of the marriage and each spouse’s contributions. The process involves identifying assets, valuing them, and negotiating a fair split. It is common to uncover hidden assets, debts, or business interests, which may require expert appraisal. Our team focuses on transparent documentation, clear valuations, and practical strategies to protect your interests while facilitating a fair settlement that stands up to future changes.
Mediation can be beneficial, especially when both parties are willing to cooperate and settle terms outside court. An attorney can help you prepare for mediation, frame your objectives, and advocate for a fair agreement. In some cases, legal representation during mediation ensures that your rights are protected and that the final agreement is enforceable. If mediation fails to produce an agreement, you still have the option to pursue formal court proceedings with guidance from your attorney.
Divorce costs in Plainfield depend on case complexity, attorneys’ rates, and the need for experts or court services. Typical expenses include filing fees, document preparation, mediation, and potential courtroom appearances. An efficient plan with clear milestones can help manage these costs and minimize surprises. We provide upfront estimates and ongoing updates so you understand where resources are being allocated and how to optimize your budget while pursuing a fair outcome.
Relocation can impact custody schedules and parenting time. If one parent anticipates moving, parties may need to revise plans to preserve continuity for the child. Courts focus on the child’s best interests and stability when evaluating changes. A proactive approach involves updating parenting plans, documenting transportation arrangements, and addressing potential relocation in advance to minimize disruption and maintain a healthy routine for the child.
Temporary orders provide immediate guidance on support, custody, and living arrangements while the divorce proceeds. They help maintain consistency for children and protect financial responsibilities. These orders are designed to be practical, with the possibility of modification as circumstances evolve. Working with an attorney ensures temporary orders reflect your situation accurately and set a solid foundation for any later adjustments.
Protecting finances during a divorce involves organizing accounts, understanding deductions, and planning for future obligations. It is important to preserve credit, manage joint debts, and carefully document financial transactions. An attorney can help you identify risks and secure protections through appropriate orders and agreements. A clear financial plan supports long-term stability and reduces the chance of disputes as life evolves after the divorce.
After the final decree, most issues are considered resolved, but some matters may require enforcement or modification later. You may need to establish or adjust child support, custody schedules, or asset transfers if circumstances change. Staying in touch with your attorney ensures you understand your rights and can pursue adjustments when necessary. Maintaining organized records helps you respond quickly to future changes and protect your family’s ongoing interests.