Westchester Divorce Attorneys

Skilled Divorce Lawyers for Clients in Westchester, 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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Representation for Child Custody Matters in IL

Child custody in Illinois is now called the allocation of parental responsibilities, a term that covers both decision-making authority and parenting time. Decision-making involves major choices about a child's education, health care, religion, and extracurricular activities. Parenting time refers to the schedule that determines when the child is with each parent.

Every custody decision in Illinois comes down to the best interests of the child. A judge may consider each parent's involvement in the child's life, the child's adjustment to home and school, the child's wishes when appropriate, and any history of abuse or conflict. Parents are encouraged to agree on a parenting plan, and many do. When agreement is not possible, our attorneys present evidence of your relationship with your child and your ability to provide a stable home. Custody disputes can be painful, and we keep the focus on your children's needs while protecting your role as a parent.

Spousal Support in Westchester Divorces

Spousal support, called maintenance in Illinois, is financial assistance that one spouse may pay to the other after a divorce. A judge first decides whether maintenance is appropriate by looking at factors like each spouse's income and earning capacity, the standard of living during the marriage, and whether one spouse gave up career opportunities to care for the home or children.

When maintenance is awarded and the couple's combined income falls under a set threshold, Illinois courts use statutory guidelines to calculate the amount. The length of the support period is tied to the length of the marriage, so a longer marriage generally leads to a longer period of payments. Whether you expect to pay or receive maintenance, accurate income information and a clear picture of household finances can help shape a fair outcome.

Assisting With Post-Decree Modifications and Enforcement

Post-decree issues arise when circumstances change after a divorce is finalized or when a former spouse stops following the court's orders. A job loss, a significant raise, a relocation, or a change in a child's needs can justify asking the court to modify child support, maintenance, or parenting time. In most cases, the person requesting a modification must show a substantial change in circumstances since the last order was entered.

Enforcing a divorce judgment is a separate concern. If your former spouse refuses to pay support, ignores the parenting schedule, or fails to transfer property as ordered, the court can step in. Remedies may include wage withholding, an order to pay your attorney fees, or a finding of contempt. We help clients file the right motions and gather documentation showing exactly how the order was violated.