Sycamore, IL Divorce Attorneys

Divorce Lawyers Advocating for Your Rights in Sycamore, Illinois

The challenges of getting a divorce in Illinois can leave you feeling exhausted. Between financial concerns, the division of assets, and tension between you and your spouse, you might have no idea what steps you will need to take during the arduous process of dissolving your marriage. A divorce lawyer in Sycamore can provide you with counsel and representation during this emotionally charged time of your life, addressing all of your concerns and helping you move forward.

The attorneys at Mirabella, Kincaid, Frederick & Mirabella, LLC have over 100 years of combined legal experience, and we are skilled in both mediation and litigation. When you work with our firm, you can take heart knowing your divorce concerns will be handled by qualified professionals who have a strong understanding of family law.

Spousal Maintenance

Spousal maintenance, previously known as alimony, refers to court-ordered payments paid by one spouse to the other during or after the divorce process. When deciding whether or not to award spousal maintenance, a judge will take several factors into consideration, such as the age of each spouse, the length of the marriage, the health of both parties, and the difference of income between the two. If the court finds that the financial impact of a divorce will adversely affect one spouse's standard of living, an order of maintenance may be put in place. Spousal maintenance can be short-term, long-term, or indefinite, depending on a judge's ruling.

There are limited circumstances in which an order of spousal maintenance may be modified. If the paying spouse experiences a sudden change to his or her financial situation, like being unexpectedly laid off, then the court may consider a reduction to the regular payments. If the recipient spouse moves in with a new partner or gets remarried, maintenance will usually be terminated. If the recipient experiences a significant increase in his or her income, then the court may decide to adjust the amount of support payments or end spousal maintenance altogether.

Property Distribution

Illinois holds to the principle of equitable distribution in the division of property during a divorce. This means that the courts will divide up both spouses' shared assets — including joint bank accounts, real estate, vehicles, investments, pensions, businesses, and debts — in a fair fashion.

For the purposes of distribution, property in a divorce is categorized as either marital or separate. Purchases made during the marriage are generally considered jointly owned between the spouses, while assets owned before the marriage are more likely to fall under one spouse's sole ownership. However, separate property can become commingled with marital property in some situations, such as when both spouses contribute toward paying the mortgage on a house. Our attorneys can help address complex issues related to marital property and separate property during the divorce process, and we work to achieve solutions that protect our clients' financial interests.

Mediation

Mediation is often a preferable alternative to the lengthy and costly process of litigating a divorce in court. Mediation sessions can be ordered by a judge, or spouses may engage in this process voluntarily to help minimize legal fees. These meetings give the spouses a private space to discuss their concerns in their divorce, working to reach agreements on issues related to child custody, property distribution, and any other aspects of their divorce settlement. A mediator will oversee this discussion and foster productive negotiations, advocating for compromise when possible.

If you are considering mediation or have been ordered to use this process, it is in your best interests to talk with a divorce attorney beforehand who can inform you of your rights during these sessions. Attorney Lynn M. Mirabella of Mirabella, Kincaid, Frederick & Mirabella, LLC is certified to act as a mediator, and with 30 years of family law experience behind her, she is highly qualified for the role. Our team can provide the guidance you need to make sure you can achieve a fair divorce settlement that will allow you to maintain success and stability in the future.

Meet With a Sycamore, Illinois Divorce Lawyer

If you are planning to end your marriage in Sycamore, our compassionate divorce attorneys can help protect your best interests. At Mirabella, Kincaid, Frederick & Mirabella, LLC, our lawyers advocate for amicable resolutions, but we are prepared to represent you in court if tensions escalate. Call us at 630-665-7300 or reach out via our contact form to get the legal help you need.