Plainfield Divorce Lawyers

Respected Attorneys for Divorce in Plainfield, IL

If you are preparing to file for divorce, or if your spouse has already filed, the road ahead may seem rocky. The decisions you must make probably seem overwhelming. If you have children, you are probably concerned about how your divorce will affect them. Financial concerns can be frightening as you wonder whether you will be able to support yourself and your children. You may be angry, frustrated, or scared, and those strong emotions can cloud your judgment. You need an experienced lawyer on your side to guide you and help you make all the tough but necessary decisions.

The attorneys at The Law Offices of Robert F. Kramer, Ltd. have over 40 years of combined legal experience, helping countless others through a wide range of divorce and family law issues. We understand the importance of discussing your concerns and goals, because no two divorces are identical, and your divorce strategy needs to be customized to your situation. We will explain your options thoroughly and help you decide which path to take, giving you our full support at every step.

Addressing Your Finances in a Plainfield, Illinois Divorce

Many Illinois families rely on the combined income of both spouses to make ends meet. In these cases, purchases, loans, and investments may be made based on the assumption that both incomes will be used to meet a family's needs. In other cases, one spouse may be the primary or sole breadwinner, with the other taking on other responsibilities, like managing the house and supervising the children. With a divorce looming on the horizon, you may be concerned about financial strain as you and your spouse form separate households.

Spousal support could be an option to help you meet your financial obligations or maintain your accustomed standard of living. You may have legal agreements in place that specify the duration and amount of spousal support, but those agreements can sometimes be challenged. You might want to dispute your future ex's eligibility or need for spousal support, or you may be seeking financial assistance. The subject of spousal support is one of the most disputed aspects of many divorces, but your attorney will work with you to help you achieve your goals.

Property division means you and your spouse will each receive a fair share of your marital assets and debts through equitable distribution. All property you acquired during your marriage will need to be divided. Some divorcing spouses may try to manipulate the property division process by wasting or hiding assets, while others may max out joint credit cards in hopes that the other spouse will have to assume part or all of that debt. Your lawyer can address these issues and help you get your fair share.

Child support will typically be necessary in an Illinois divorce to provide for children's basic needs. Some parents may balk at paying child support, or they may not want to contribute to their children's healthcare expenses. However, the law requires both parents to contribute toward the costs of raising their children. Your attorney will protect your children's best interests by ensuring that any ordered child support is fair.

These and other agreements are enforceable court orders once a judge signs your divorce decree. If circumstances change, and you cannot meet your financial obligations, we can help you request modifications. We can also assist with enforcement if your ex violates these orders.

Plainfield Child Custody and Visitation

In most cases, your children should be able to maintain a relationship with both parents after your divorce. That means you need to develop a physical custody and visitation schedule that allows that relationship to continue. Major decisions about your children will also need to be made over time. In most cases, you will be able to share parental responsibilities, and each parent will have a reasonable amount of parenting time.

All these arrangements will be laid out in a comprehensive parenting plan. Your lawyer will help you protect your parental rights and your children's best interests as you negotiate the terms of your plan.

Contact Our Plainfield, Illinois Divorce Attorneys

The path to divorce is different for everyone, and you deserve an attorney who will personally support and guide you throughout your journey. Call The Law Offices of Robert F. Kramer, Ltd. today at 815-254-4612 to request your no-cost case review. If you prefer, you can also contact us online.