My approach to your case
Once you have reached agreements on every single thing, and then I can draft your paperwork to reflect your agreements in order for it all go smoothly, with the costs explained up front and without any unnecessary stress or drama.
Although I help my clients reach agreements quickly and simply, reaching an amicable split can be challenging. The approach requires you and your soon-to-be-ex to work with each other so I can put those agreements into your final paperwork. Here are the basic steps:
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Step 3
I will reach back out to you by phone or email. I usually respnd between 9 and 430 M-TH and between 9 and 2 on Fridays.
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Step 4
Once we have talked, I will email you a contract that I need you read carefully and sign.
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Step 5
I will send you an invoice for your payment or you can make your payment by clicking the link below. If you choose to set up a payment plan, I will email you every time when a payment is due
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Step 6
If you have a child or children, both sides need to schedule attendance at Children First. I need your certificates before I finalize your case.
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Step 7
Once you have signed your contract and made your payment, I will email you a list of items to have organized. this will help us be prepared for your intake
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Step 8
I will schedule a time to get the information I need so that we can draft your paperwork. This is usually done by phone or in Zoom
I use this form of communication with clients who live far away because it's convenient and cost effective.
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Step 9
When I finished the first draft, an email will be sent with links for reweiwing your documents and suggesting any changes.
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Step 10
Once your documents are perfect, I will email you before reaching out to your soon-to-be-ex.. This way there's no need for awkward conversation when it comes time notify them.
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Step 11
Once your soon-to-be-ex has had a chance to review the paperwork and suggest modifications, I will get them ready for you both to sign.
The Courts prefer that the Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage, the Marital Settlement Agreement and Parenting Plan (if you have one) are notarized. If you want to use an in-person notary, I will either mail your documents or put them in a secured pick-up box, which can be accessed 24 hours a day. If you want to use an online notary, I will email you a referral.
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Step 12
After you and your soon-to-be ex sign all the necessary papers and return them to me, I will file them with local Court Clerk. When they are ready for the Judge I will get the Judge's signatures. The Clerks then will process the papers signed by the Judge and send me copies. After I scan copies for your dropbox, I will mail you a copy as well.
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Step 13
I will then complete anything else, like getting official copies for a name change, starting child support or recording a new deed for your house.
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Step 14
Now you can start your journey towards your post-divorce life!
An uncontested or agreed divorce is a type of divorce in which both parties have reached an agreement on all the key issues relating to their separation, such as property division, parenting time and decisions, child support, and spousal support. This type of divorce is also referred to as a "no-fault divorce" or a simple divorce because neither party is seeking to place blame on the other for the breakdown of the marriage.
The primary benefit of an uncontested divorce is that it is typically faster and less expensive than a contested divorce. Since both parties have already agreed on all the key issues, there is no need for a lengthy legal battle in court. This can save both parties time, money, and emotional stress.
In order to obtain an uncontested divorce, both parties must be in agreement about all the terms of the divorce. This means that they must have worked out all the details of their separation in advance. The key areas are: division of assets and stuff, such as cars, bank accounts, retirement accounts and the house; division of debts, such as credit cards, medical bills and the mortgage; spousal support, also known as maintenance or alimony; parenting time, also called custody, which includes regular parenting times, holidays and summer; parenting decisions, such as medical decisions for the child or children; and child support and payment of the children’s expenses. If both parties are able to agree on all the terms of the divorce, they can file their agreement with the court and obtain a divorce without going to trial.
It is important to note that while an uncontested divorce can be a quicker and less expensive process than a contested divorce, it is still a legal process that requires a thorough understanding of the law and the divorce process. Your life should not be reduced to cheap papers and trying to figure out legal terms. A divorce attorney to ensures that your rights are protected, that nothing is left out and that the divorce agreement is legally binding and that the paperwork reflects their agreements. Here, it also saves you from having to go to Court in most instances.
An uncontested divorce with my representation usually begins when someone contacts my office. I learn all of the details about the agreements and turn it into the paperwork that will get filed with the Court eventually. After it is all signed by both parties, I will file it and present it to the Judge. The Judge will review the agreement to ensure that it is fair and reasonable and that it complies with Illinois law. After the Judge has reviewed it, they usually sign it. Occasionally they have some questions and a brief court date is scheduled.
Once the Judge approves the agreement, he or she signs the Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage, which is the official document that grants the divorce. The Judgment will refer to the Marital Settlement and Parenting Plan, which include all the terms of the agreement and will be binding on both parties.
It is important to keep in mind that an uncontested divorce is not always the best option for every couple. If the parties are unable to reach an agreement on all the key issues, a contested divorce is necessary. In this case, the parties will need to present their case in court in a tiral, where a Judge will make a decision on all the key issues, including property division, child custody, and support. This is also known as litigation and gets expensive quickly. It also allows a Judge, who does not know you, to decide your future.
In conclusion, an uncontested divorce is a type of divorce in which both parties have reached an agreement on all the key issues relating to their separation. This type of divorce is typically faster and less expensive than a contested divorce and can save both parties time, money, and emotional stress. However, it is still a legal process that requires a thorough understanding of the law and the divorce process. If you want an attorney who does this work day-in and day-out, who will treat you like a person and not another file, and who can tell you about the fees up front, call me.
