Bartlett Divorce Attorneys

Dedicated Divorce Lawyers for Clients in Bartlett, Illinois

Client-Centered Divorce Representation

Steve Mevorah did a great job with finalizing my divorce case.

He and is staff were very prompt, great with communication and always available to answer questions. His tremendous experience shows.

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Contested Issues in a Bartlett Divorce

Contested issues in a Bartlett divorce come up when spouses cannot agree on how to divide their finances, property, and parenting responsibilities. Some couples settle these disputes through negotiation or mediation, while others need a judge to decide.

Disputes involving children are often the most emotional part of the case. Illinois divides parental responsibilities into two distinct parts. Decision-making authority covers major choices about schooling, medical care, religion, and extracurricular activities, while parenting time covers the schedule each parent spends with the child. The court bases both on the child's best interests.

According to Illinois law, marital property is divided in a just and equitable way, which does not always mean a 50-50 split. Assets owned before the marriage or received as a gift or inheritance are generally non-marital. Retirement accounts, a family home, and business interests can require careful tracing and valuation.

Maintenance and child support can lead to separate disputes. If one spouse requests maintenance, the court first decides whether support is appropriate, then applies a statutory guideline formula in most cases. Child support follows an income shares model based on both parents' incomes and parenting time.

Post-Decree Matters for Divorced Couples in Bartlett

Post-decree matters for divorced couples in Bartlett involve legal issues that arise after a judge enters the final judgment of dissolution. A job loss, a significant raise, or a child's changing needs can make the original terms difficult to follow, which is when a modification becomes necessary.

Child support and maintenance can often be modified after a substantial change in circumstances. Parenting orders follow stricter rules. A parent generally cannot seek to modify parental responsibilities within two years of its entry unless the child's current environment may seriously endanger the child's health.

Enforcement issues arise when a former spouse ignores the judgment by missing support payments or refusing to follow the parenting schedule. A judge can hold that person in contempt and order remedies such as payment of arrears.