Legal And Personal Advocacy When You Need It Most
Divorce is a life-changing event. In addition to the emotional grief you may be experiencing, you may also be faced with critical decisions which will impact your finances, your living situation and the lives of your children for years to come.
During this difficult time, you need the support and guidance of a compassionate, experienced and assertive lawyer. Current and former clients appreciate our Lake County divorce lawyer, Michael Gauthier, for his professionalism and his warm personality along with his assertive courtroom presence. At Gauthier Family Law, we want you to feel free to voice your concerns as well as your goals. Our divorce lawyers will treat you as a whole person – not as a collection of legal problems to be solved.
Lake County Divorce Lawyers: Representation And Services
Our firm is devoted entirely to family law. This singular focus allows us to offer skilled and in-depth representation on any issue you might face during divorce. A partial list of our divorce-related services includes:
- Contested and uncontested divorce
- High-asset divorce
- Child allocation of parental responsibilities (child custody) and support matters
- Alimony, also known as spousal maintenance
- Help with asset division
- Issues related to domestic violence, including orders of protection, restraining orders and stalking/no-contact orders
No matter what kinds of family law challenges you may be facing, if you need a divorce lawyer in Vernon Hills, Lake Forest, or anywhere in Lake County our family law attorneys can help.
Illinois And No-Fault Divorce
The state of Illinois is a “no-fault” divorce state, which means that you do not need to prove that a spouse’s behavior was the reason for a divorce. It is enough for the parties to agree that there are irreconcilable differences. This also means that if one spouse wants a divorce, there is no way for the other to stop it. Our divorce lawyers in Lake County help clients navigate the divorce laws in Illinois.
Divorce FAQs From A Skilled Divorce Attorney In Vernon Hills
Working with an experienced divorce attorney in Vernon Hills can help you approach divorce cases with clarity and confidence. We answer common questions to help you understand the divorce process, asset distribution and other key aspects of divorce law.
Does it matter who files for divorce first?
In Vernon Hills, deciding who files for divorce first can have strategic implications in the divorce process. The person who files first, known as the petitioner, may have the advantage of setting the initial tone and framework for the case.
This includes selecting the jurisdiction if there are multiple options and being the first to present their case in court. However, it is crucial to consult with an experienced divorce attorney to understand how filing first might impact your specific situation.
Will we have to sell the house during the divorce?
Whether or not you will have to sell your house during a divorce depends on various factors, including the financial situation and agreement between both parties. The court considers the house part of the marital assets, and its division is crucial to the divorce settlement.
If both spouses agree, one may retain the house, possibly buying out the other’s share. If selling the home is necessary, the proceeds are divided as part of the asset distribution. Consulting with a divorce law firm can help you explore all options regarding your marital property and achieve a fair outcome.
How is property divided in a divorce?
Property division in a divorce follows the principles of equitable distribution. This means that marital property, including marital assets and retirement assets, is divided fairly but not necessarily equally.
The court considers several factors in the specifics of asset distribution, such as the marriage’s length, each spouse’s contributions and future financial needs. An experienced divorce attorney can help protect your rights during this legal process.
How long will it take to get divorced?
The duration of the divorce process depends on the complexity of the case and the level of cooperation between spouses. An uncontested divorce, where both parties agree on all terms, can be resolved relatively quickly, often within a few months.
Contested divorces involving disputes over marital assets or spousal maintenance can take much longer, sometimes over a year. Engaging with a divorce law firm early in the legal process can help expedite matters.
Contact A Lake County Attorney For A Free Consultation
With our office conveniently located in Vernon Hills, Gauthier Family Law serves clients in Lake County, McHenry County and their surrounding communities. To schedule your free, in-office consultation, call us at 847-327-0898 or send us an email through our firm’s website.