Do I Need an Illinois Divorce Attorney? 

 Posted on March 24, 2025 in Divorce

Every couple starts their marriage thinking they will be happy and married forever. However, statistics show that divorce is common in the US, with 673,989 divorces in 2024 alone. If you face divorce, you may have financial concerns, which may tempt you to forge ahead without hiring an Illinois divorce attorney. However, you should strongly consider retaining a seasoned Illinois divorce attorney with The Law Office of Nicholas W. Richardson, P.C. for several critical reasons.

Safeguard Your Legal Rights

Every divorce is different. Without a divorce lawyer, you may be unaware of complex family law details and how they apply to your divorce. A skilled attorney will ensure you know your legal rights regarding alimony, child custody and visitation, division of assets, and more. Your attorney will help you avoid common mistakes that could lead to an unfavorable divorce settlement outcome.

For instance, the length of the spousal maintenance period depends on the length of the marriage. A 20-year marriage could result in indefinite spousal support. Your attorney will ensure that you receive the spousal support to which you are entitled and that you are aware of all your other rights during divorce.

Uncontested Divorces Are Often Complicated

Many couples in an uncontested divorce rely on legal websites to create their divorce agreement. Doing so may save time and money if the couple agrees on key divorce issues. However, these websites do not always contain accurate information. You take a serious risk in an uncontested divorce if a divorce attorney does not review the paperwork. Errors on divorce documents in DIY divorces are common, and they can be challenging, expensive, or impossible to correct later.

Property and Debt Disagreements

Asset and debt division is one of the most contentious parts of many divorces. The longer the marriage, the more likely the couple will have significant marital assets and debts that must be equitably divided in a divorce. What an "equitable division" is depends on the circumstances, and you may not be able to negotiate a fair settlement without an attorney advising you.

For example, suppose you stayed home, raised your children, and did not work for the last 10 years of your marriage. You may depend on your ex-spouse for income and retirement, making it essential to ensure that you receive adequate spousal support in the divorce to continue the same living standard. A seasoned Illinois divorce attorney will ensure you receive sufficient alimony to maintain your living standard.

Negotiation Expertise

Divorces often trigger emotional, complex negotiations, especially regarding asset division and child custody concerns. A divorce lawyer is not emotionally involved and knows how to negotiate effectively for you, which ensures your interests are fairly represented.

Lower Stress

Divorce is both a legal and emotional process for spouses. Representing yourself will significantly increase stress, especially when dealing with child custody or asset division. Retaining a divorce attorney lets you emphasize your emotional well-being and stability while your attorney oversees negotiations. Your stress level will almost certainly be lower, and you will feel more confident about a fair outcome.

Contact an Arlington Heights, IL Divorce Attorney 

Divorce can be one of life’s significant stresses, and you should not deal with the situation without experienced legal advice. Our Inverness, IL divorce lawyer is ready to assist and answer your legal questions about divorce, child custody, asset division, and more. Call The Law Office of Nicholas W. Richardson, P.C. at 847.873.6741 to schedule a complimentary consultation.