Do I Need a Lawyer to Get a Divorce in Illinois?

 Posted on June 24, 2019 in Divorce

If you feel that your marriage may end in divorce, you are probably wondering about the steps that you will need to follow to complete the process of dissolving your marriage. Since divorce almost always causes financial upheaval, you also may be wondering if you can save money by attempting to complete the process without being represented by an attorney.

Should I File for Divorce Without a Lawyer?

In Illinois, everyone has the right to represent themselves in court and that includes while getting a divorce; however, if you and your ex-spouse will need to resolve disputes through litigation in court, you should seek the help of an attorney. A lawyer will ensure that your rights are protected throughout the legal process and help you understand the steps that will be followed and the requirements.

If you and your ex-spouse are able to work together to resolve the issues that must be addressed during your divorce, mediation is often a good solution. During mediation, you and your ex will meet with a neutral mediator over the course of several meetings, and you will work together to iron out the terms of the divorce. The mediator will try to facilitate conversations and help you reach agreements that you both find satisfactory.

If you are able to resolve all outstanding issues during the mediation process, the mediator can draft a divorce settlement. You and your ex-spouse can then appear in court to finalize the divorce process.

When to File for Divorce With a Lawyer

Mediation is not for everyone, and even if you and your ex are able to resolve most of your disagreements, there may be some issues that you cannot agree on. In these cases, it may be necessary to appear before a judge and have them make decisions for you. In these cases, it is essential to have legal representation.

Attorney representation can also be beneficial when resolving complex divorce issues. For example, if you suspect that your ex-spouse is hiding assets or liabilities, your attorney can subpoena financial information, and your ex will be required to provide these documents. If they fail to do so, they could face legal ramifications.

An attorney can also help you understand the legal issues involved in your divorce and ensure that the proper factors are taken into account when making decisions. For example, a lawyer can help you understand all the financial information to consider when calculating child support obligations, or they can help determine whether you or your ex-spouse may be eligible to receive spousal maintenance.

Contact an Inverness Divorce Lawyer

During your divorce, you will want to ensure that you have proper legal representation. Attorney Nicholas W. Richardson can help you understand your legal requirements and work with you to achieve a positive outcome to your case. Contact our Schaumburg divorce attorney today at 847.873.6741 for your free consultation.