Do I Have to Hire an Attorney to Get Divorced?

Divorce Lawyers Protect Your Rights in DuPage County

Under Illinois law, you are not required to hire an attorney when you get a divorce, but working with a qualified lawyer is highly encouraged. While you may try to save money by not hiring legal counsel, not having one can actually cost you financially. It can also lead to an unfavorable outcome in which you do not receive a fair and equitable share of marital property. Even worse, you could potentially lose custody of your children, or you could be required to pay ongoing financial support to your spouse, limiting the resources available to you.

Hiring a lawyer for your divorce can certainly be expensive. Insurance can also be costly, yet you most likely have policies for your home, automobile, and health that are designed to shield you from unbearably large bills in the event of a serious accident, injury, or other major problem. It is important to think of the cost of a divorce attorney as an investment in protecting yourself. Just as you cannot reasonably afford to drive a car or own a home without insurance, you cannot afford to go through a divorce without the guidance and protection offered by a qualified attorney.

Working With a DuPage County Divorce Attorney

At Mirabella, Kincaid, Frederick & Mirabella, LLC, we realize that money can be extremely tight when you are facing a divorce. We also understand the risks involved in the process for those who attempt to navigate a divorce without a lawyer. With just a single mistake or misfiled document, you could potentially cost yourself thousands of dollars, countless hours of your time, and, most importantly, rights regarding your children.

When you work with an experienced attorney who knows the law, you can be sure that you have an advocate on your side who is always looking out for your best interests. Our team of divorce lawyers is ready to provide responsible representation as you contend with matters related to property division, spousal maintenance, allocation of parental responsibilities (formerly known as child custody), parenting time, child support, and any other consideration related to your divorce.

In addition to advocating on your behalf to ensure that your rights will be protected, we can advise you on what options may be available to reduce divorce-related expenses and resolve your case more efficiently. If you and your spouse can cooperate and work together to negotiate agreements, you may be able to use methods such as mediation or collaborative law to resolve the outstanding issues in your case and complete the dissolution of your marriage. We can make sure you approach these processes the right way while advising you on the best steps you can take to protect yourself and negotiate a settlement that meets your needs. If negotiations break down, or if resolving issues amicably will not be possible, we are prepared to represent you in court, and we will help you determine how to complete your case as quickly and efficiently as possible.

Contact Our Wheaton Divorce Lawyers

To learn more or to schedule a confidential consultation with a member of our firm, contact the office of Mirabella, Kincaid, Frederick & Mirabella, LLC. Call 630-665-7300 today. From our offices in Wheaton, Illinois, we are proud to serve clients in Naperville, Glen Ellyn, Oak Brook, Carol Stream, and other parts of DuPage, Kendall, Will, and Kane Counties.