Divorce can be sought on both fault and no-fault grounds. Fault-based grounds may include adultery, cruelty, abandonment, felony conviction, or impotence. Alternatively, couples can pursue a no-fault divorce based on irreconcilable differences, where the marriage has irretrievably broken down beyond repair. You can consult with our Illinois divorce lawyer to determine the most suitable grounds for your specific situation.

In uncontested cases where spouses agree on all key issues, the process can be relatively swift. Uncontested divorce process often takes a few months to finalize. However, contested divorces involving disputes over child custody issue, asset division, or alimony payments can take significantly longer, sometimes stretching over a year or more as negotiations, mediation, and court proceedings unfold.

Yes, it is possible to file for divorce without a lawyer, but it’s essential to consider the complexities involved and the potential implications of representing yourself. While some couples with straightforward cases may successfully navigate the process on their own, divorces often involve legal nuances regarding property division, child custody, and support arrangements. Reaching out to Pignatelli & Associates P.C. can provide valuable insight into your rights, obligations, and options and ensure an equitable divorce process.

Child custody arrangements are determined based on the child’s age, physical and emotional needs, the parent’s ability to provide care, any history of domestic violence, verbal abuse or substance abuse, and the stability of the home environment. Parent’s relationship with the child, their work schedules, and the child’s preferences may also be considered in crafting custody arrangements that promote the child’s healthy development and overall happiness.

Child support payments are calculated based on the Income Shares Model. This considers both parents’ incomes and the number of children needing support. The Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services provides guidelines outlining the percentage of combined income that should be allocated for child support, with adjustments made for parenting time and other expenses.

Shared assets and property are typically subject to equitable distribution. This means that they are divided fairly but not necessarily equally between the spouses. It involves identifying and valuing all marital assets, which may include real estate, investments, vehicles, and personal belongings acquired during the marriage. If spouses cannot reach an agreement on their own, a court may intervene to make decisions about asset distribution based on state laws and the specific circumstances of the case.