Oakbrook Terrace

Attorneys Assisting Oakbrook Terrace Residents With Family Law Matters

Oakbrook Terrace is a small but charming town in DuPage County. There are 2,000 residents, who make up slightly over 1,000 households, in Oakbrook Terrace. About a third of the households are made up of married couples. Oakbrook Terrace, which was once named Utopia, offers its residents many things to see and do and is known as a great place to live. Even in a small town that was once called Utopia, however, family law issues can and do arise, and when they do, it is important to act quickly to protect your rights. If you are dealing with a family law issue, it is critical to obtain a skillful Oakbrook Terrace divorce lawyer to assertively pursue your desired outcome. The family law attorneys at Kollias P.C. will work tirelessly to help you protect your assets and your rights.

Ending a Marriage in Illinois

One of the most common family law issues experienced by people living in Oakbrook Terrace is deciding whether to end their marriage. If a couple ultimately decides to divorce, either party must file a petition for dissolution of marriage to begin the divorce proceedings. Illinois sets forth precise requirements for what must be included in the petition. Specifically, the party must state that the marriage is irretrievably broken due to irreconcilable differences, and the parties will not benefit from reconciliation. It must also include information regarding the parties, any children who were born during the marriage, and the marriage itself.

Joint Simplified Dissolution

While divorce actions can result in prolonged litigation, obtaining a divorce sometimes is an easy process. If the parties have been married for less than eight years and do not have children, they may be able to obtain a joint simplified dissolution of their marriage. A divorce attorney in the Oakbrook Terrace area can assist them with this procedure. First, as with any divorce, the couple must show that they meet the residency requirements and that irreconcilable differences caused the breakdown of their marriage. The parties must also prove that their combined assets are below the threshold amount, and they must enter into a written agreement regarding the distribution of any asset or debt valued at more than $100. They must then state that they have fully disclosed their assets and debts to each other and exchanged tax information. Each party must waive his or her right to support or maintenance as well. If you wish to end your marriage, you should speak with a capable divorce attorney to find out whether a joint simplified dissolution is an option for you.

Uncontested Divorce

Even if a couple who wishes to divorce does not qualify for a joint simplified dissolution, they may still be able to obtain a relatively quick divorce with the assistance of an Oakbrook Terrace divorce attorney if they are able to agree on certain issues. Specifically, they must enter into a marital settlement agreement regarding the division of any marital property, spousal maintenance, child support, and parental responsibilities. The parties must then file a stipulation for an uncontested hearing, during which the marital settlement agreement will be presented to the court. The terms of the agreement will bind the court unless the court finds the agreement to be unconscionable. If the agreement is not unconscionable, the terms of the agreement will be set forth in the final judgment granting the dissolution of the marriage. The terms of the agreement are enforceable, similar to other contracts, so if either party breaches the agreement, the other party can seek recourse through the courts.

Consult a Seasoned Family Law Attorney

While the breakdown of a marriage usually causes disagreements, it does not mean that the parties must engage in protracted litigation before they can obtain a divorce. If you are considering ending your marriage or dealing with any other family law issue, you should consult a divorce lawyer in Oakbrook Terrace as soon as possible to discuss your case and the potential paths that you may be able to take to resolve your issue. The trusted family law attorneys at Kollias P.C. will work tirelessly to help you pursue a successful outcome. We can be reached at (630) 912-8700 or via our form online to schedule a confidential meeting.