Divorce & Legal Separation

Illinois family court judges will not grant a divorce until they are satisfied that all applicable issues related to property division, alimony/maintenance, child custody and child support have been adequately resolved. We make sure your rights are protected as we work to meet your needs and goals in these areas, whether through negotiation, mediation, collaborative practice, litigation, or appeals. Whether the divorce is uncontested or involves specialized factors, we have the knowledge, skills and experience needed to advise you appropriately and advocate for you effectively. Our Chicago divorce lawyers are here for you post-divorce as well if you have needs regarding modification or enforcement of court orders regarding custody or support.

Prenuptial & Postnuptial Agreements

We negotiate, draft and review agreements that let couples decide for themselves how they want to approach matters such as the division of property or payment of support in the event of a future divorce. We’ll make sure that what matters most to you is protected while ensuring you’ll be properly taken care of and not taken advantage of if the relationship falls apart. Our skilled litigation team is ready to take on challenges to the enforcement of agreements as well.

Financial Support & Maintenance

Illinois law authorizes courts to order payments on a temporary or permanent basis to help former spouses transition to self-sufficiency or maintain the standard of living that was established in the marriage. We help parties establish or challenge need, ability to pay, and other factors that determine whether alimony should be ordered and if so, how much, for how long, and under what conditions, including when payments should be terminated.

Custody & Custodial Interference

We work to ensure both parents are able to play meaningful roles in their children’s lives, including custodial time and parenting responsibilities, so long as that custody is in the child’s best interests. When one parent is wrongfully interfering with the other’s custodial time or parenting, our attorneys are zealous advocates for parental rights.

High Net Worth Professionals and Individuals

Arnoux Sharma Standeford, LLC excels in representing professionals, athletes, executives and others in high net worth divorce cases. We engage experts as needed and offer our own wealth of knowledge and experience when it comes to business valuations, asset tracing, investments and business interests, and issues specific to business owners and their spouses in a divorce. From asset dissipation to taxation and divorce issues, our attorneys are equipped with the skills to offer sound advice and professional representation.

Domestic Violence & Orders of Protection

Illinois law enables domestic violence victims to move swiftly for an order of protection to protect themselves and their children. Longer-term orders require adversarial hearings that can be challenged by the alleged abuser. Decisions made in an order of protection, and a history of domestic violence, can have major impacts in a divorce proceeding or child custody dispute. Our lawyers are in your corner to make sure your rights and safety are protected if you are experiencing threats of violence or being unfairly accused of abuse.

Same-Sex Marriage & Civil Unions

Same-sex marital rights were recently recognized by the United States Supreme Court, but even more recent changes in the Court’s composition make those rights seem less certain than they did just a couple of years ago. If you are in a same-sex marriage or civil union, or if your relationship is coming to an end, we can advise you and represent you through complicated questions of child custody, property division, alimony/maintenance, and more.

Valuation & Division of Assets

Illinois law requires all marital property in a divorce to be equitably distributed. We start by making sure every asset (and debt) is properly characterized as marital or separate. Next, we move on toward ensuring every piece of property is accurately valued so a fair distribution can be achieved. Our firm is well-versed in the valuation of complicated financial assets and the factors involved in determining when an unequal distribution is more equitable than an equal one.

International Family Law / Hague Convention

Our attorneys have particular expertise in cases involving allegations of international child abduction. If you are relocating to another country with your custodial child or if you are the parent left behind, Arnoux Sharma Standeford, LLC has the answers to your questions and the experience needed to protect your rights and help you reach your goals.

Other Chicago Family Law Matters

In addition to the above, our firm stands ready to assist with any Illinois family law matter, including:

• Cohabitation Agreements
• Assisted Reproductive Technology
• Annulments

Illinois Divorce Process

Filing for divorce in Illinois begins with a petition for dissolution of marriage in the county where either spouse resides. At least one spouse must have lived in Illinois for 90 days before filing. Illinois is a no-fault divorce state, meaning the only ground for divorce is irreconcilable differences causing irretrievable breakdown of the marriage. If spouses have lived separately for six months, the court presumes irreconcilable differences without requiring a hearing.

After filing, the responding spouse must answer the petition or risk a default judgment. The process involves financial disclosures, evidence gathering, and opportunities to negotiate a settlement through mediation or other means. If the parties can’t agree, the court will decide all issues at trial. Before finalizing any divorce, the court must address equitable division of marital property, spousal maintenance, child custody, and child support based on Illinois guidelines and each family’s circumstances.

A divorce can be amicable, emotional, trouble-free or exhausting. Every couple and every situation is different. But all divorce cases proceed along the same general lines, and certain matters must be settled in every divorce either in or out of court before the judge will grant a dissolution of marriage.

Arnoux Sharma Standeford, LLC provides skilled representation for divorces involving high net worth assets, complex property arrangements, custody disputes, and support calculations. Our experienced divorce attorneys serve clients throughout Chicago, including Lincoln Park, River North, Wicker Park, Lakeview, West Loop, Gold Coast, Logan Square, Old Town, Bucktown, and Hyde Park. No matter what issues, challenges or difficulties might arise in your circumstances, the Chicago divorce team at Arnoux Sharma Standeford, LLC are here for you with practical advice, technical assistance, and effective advocacy to protect your rights and help you meet your goals.

Common Types of Divorce in Chicago

In Chicago, the most common types of divorce include uncontested divorce, contested divorce, no-fault divorce, mediated divorce, collaborative divorce, and simplified divorce. Navigating these divorce processes can be challenging, but a skilled family law firm like Arnoux Sharma Standeford, LLC can make a significant difference.

Uncontested Divorce: We can ensure that all agreements are fair and legally sound, guiding you through the process efficiently while protecting your interests.

Contested Divorce: If disagreements arise, their experienced attorneys can represent you in negotiations or court, working tirelessly to achieve a favorable outcome.

No-Fault Divorce: The firm can assist in filing and managing a no-fault divorce, ensuring all necessary documentation and procedures are handled correctly, minimizing stress and delays.

Mediated Divorce: We can provide or recommend mediation services, helping you reach amicable agreements without the need for a court battle.

Collaborative Divorce: Their team is skilled in collaborative law, focusing on cooperation and communication to resolve disputes in a way that benefits both parties.

Simplified Divorce: If you qualify for a simplified divorce, the firm can streamline the process, ensuring all requirements are met quickly and efficiently.

No matter the type of divorce, Arnoux Sharma Standeford, LLC is dedicated to guiding you through every step, offering personalized legal support to protect your rights and achieve the best possible outcome for your case.

Contact Arnoux Sharma Standeford, LLC Today

Our Chicago family law firm helps business owners, professionals and executives and their spouses through all manner of dissolution procedures, including contested divorces, uncontested divorces, high net worth property divisions, or high conflict custody disputes. Our team is skilled in mediation, collaborative divorce, litigation and appeals, and we can help you determine the effect of a prenuptial or postnuptial agreement or advise you on the procedure for filing a joint petition for simplified dissolution. We have the expertise to expertly handle whatever your dissolution requires. Call our experienced Chicago divorce lawyers today for a consultation.