Trial or Agreement? Find Out Which Path Most Chicago Couples Take and What Issues Must be Settled Before a Chicago Divorce Can be Finalized

One thing that Chicago couples who are interested in potentially getting a divorce – or who are ready to initiate the process now – may not know is that trial is not always the only way to resolve a Chicago divorce case. Indeed, in addition to the trial process that many Chicago couples are familiar with from watching television shows and movies, divorce can take on a different path, which is settlement outside of court. But what is the most common path that Chicago couples take when it comes to finalizing their divorce, and what are the requirements that must be met before a Chicago couple can resolve a divorce by settlement? We answer those questions here.

Illinois State Bar Speaks Out on Chicago Divorces

The Illinois State Bar provides helpful guidance to Chicago couples about the different pathways a divorce case can take. According to the Illinois State Bar, “Although most couples who are divorcing have disagreements about certain issues, these disputes usually are resolved through negotiation, and advice from lawyers and a judge. Most divorce cases ultimately are settled by agreement, in part because going to trial can be expensive.” In addition, the Illinois State Bar underscores and enumerates the many issues that must be first resolved between a couple and agreed upon before they can officially get a divorce by a judge. Those issues include:

• The division of property – that is real estate, cars, fine art, and other assets;
• The division of debts – this could be student loans, mortgages, and other debts incurred in the marriage;
• The issue of whether maintenance (also called alimony) will be paid by one soon-to-be ex-spouse to the other (and if the couple agrees upon maintenance payments, how much and how long they will be paid out);
• In the case of children, what the “allocation of parental responsibilities” and the schedule for visitation will be;
• The financial obligations that each parent will have to their children, after the divorce.

It is important for couples in Chicago who are interested in obtaining a divorce to know that without the agreement of both soon-to-be ex-spouses on these key issues, the judge is unlikely to finalize the divorce, and the case will likely go through a full-blown trial. Accordingly, it is always helpful to have an experienced and skilled Chicago divorce lawyer on your side to help you hammer out the ins-and-outs of your divorce agreement.

Finding Legal Help in Chicago – Chicago Divorce Lawyer

If you are in the Chicago area and you need legal help with your Chicago divorce, contact the experienced Chicago divorce lawyer about your case. The experienced Chicago divorce lawyers at the law firm Arnoux Sharma Standeford, LLC are here to help individuals in Chicago with their challenging and complex divorce cases. Do not hesitate to speak with an experienced Chicago divorce lawyer about your case today. Contact Arnoux Sharma Standeford, LLC and speak to a lawyer about your case now.

Source:

isba.org/public/guide/gettingadivorce