Divorce Attorney for Same-Sex Partners in Cook County, Illinois

In 2015, the United States Supreme Court recognized same-sex marriage. This ruling allows same-sex couples the same opportunities for marriage as their opposite-sex counterparts, but it also opens the door to potential divorce and the need for experienced legal representation. In fact, divorces for same-sex couples in Illinois started in 2011 when the state passed its civil union law.

Divorce for same-sex partners can be as frustrating, exhausting, and gut wrenching as it can be for anyone else. Attorney Nicholas W. Richardson can help. He provides same-sex partners with experienced representation during the dissolution process. If you and your partner are considering divorce, contact The Law Office of Nicholas W. Richardson, P.C. today for up-to-date, direct legal advice. Attorney Richardson will help you through this difficult time, allowing you to move forward.

Attorney Richardson can assist with some of the most common divorce issues:

• Child Custody
• Child Support
• Division of Marital Assets and Debt
• Spousal Support

Complex Issues in Same-Sex Divorces in Barrington

In a same-sex divorce, the above issues may become more complicated. Child custody and child support matters can be contentious if both same-sex partners are not the legal parents of the child. For example, if a child is biologically related to one partner but not the other, and no stepparent adoption was granted, the non-biological parent may struggle to protect their parental rights and maintain an ongoing relationship with the child. Attorney Richardson can provide guidance in these cases, and he will work to help resolve these issues in a way that will protect the best interests of the children of same-sex partners.

A similarly complex issue may arise when dividing marital assets. In Illinois, both spouses are entitled to an equitable share of marital property, which generally includes all property acquired during their marriage. However, if same-sex partners considered themselves married for several years but were only legally married for one year, which property will be considered marital? How will ownership of a family's home be addressed, and how will retirement accounts be divided? Attorney Richardson can help same-sex couples protect their financial interests as they negotiate property settlements and decide how the property they own should be divided.

Contact Our Palatine Same-Sex Divorce Lawyer

As laws in Illinois change and evolve to meet the needs of modern families, Attorney Richardson can guide you through the divorce process and navigate the tricky issues raised with the passage of marriage equality. Some of these complicated questions may be answered as Illinois family laws evolve and more same-sex couples marry and divorce. Hiring a Cook County divorce lawyer with experience handling same-sex family issues is essential to protect your rights.

Family law attorney Nicholas W. Richardson practices law with a mindset of helping all Illinois families throughout this process. As a seasoned divorce lawyer, Attorney Richardson advocates for your rights and ensures you receive the best legal representation every step of the way. You do not have to second-guess the available options. Contact The Law Office of Nicholas W. Richardson, P.C. today for honest, straightforward legal assistance. Attorney Richardson serves clients in Palatine, Barrington, Schaumburg, Arlington Heights, Rolling Meadows, Cook County, and DuPage County. Call his office at 847.873.6741 to set up a free consultation.