Award-Winning Naperville Family Law Attorneys

Last updated on February 11, 2026

Family law in Illinois has many facets and complexities. If you are facing divorce, there is no substitute for counsel from an attorney who will help you weigh all options and make sound decisions. The same is true in situations outside of divorce that may have a profound impact on your children, finances and overall well-being.

Why Choose Blacha Law Office, Ltd., For Your Family Law Matter?

At Blacha Law Office, Ltd., we combine experience, compassion and dedication to guide you through your family law challenges. Here’s what sets us apart: 

• Extensive family law experience: Practicing since 1999, we bring deep knowledge to every case. 
• Recognized excellence: Attorney Monika Blacha was selected for inclusion in Super Lawyers by her peers in 2016 and from 2018 to 2022.
• Skilled in both litigation and mediation: Whether you need a strong courtroom advocate or a certified mediator, we have the skill and experience to meet your needs. 

Blacha founded Blacha Law Office, Ltd., after years of experience in a larger practice to provide personalized, effective family law services. From our offices in Naperville, Joliet and Chicago, we serve clients throughout the surrounding areas.

We believe in clear communication and thorough preparation. Our approach starts with listening carefully to your concerns and goals. We then provide honest, practical advice to help you navigate your legal challenges. While we offer empathy and support during this difficult time, we also maintain the objectivity needed to create the most suitable solution for your family.

Facing a family law matter is a difficult journey, but you don’t have to go through it alone. Our dedicated team is here to provide the legal guidance and support you need. We serve clients in DuPage, Will, Cook, Kane, and Kendall counties. To get the help you deserve, call us at 630-283-1987 for a free consultation or e-mail us today.

Family Law Issues We Handle

When you hire our firm, we will work together to sort out and attack the issues you must resolve in this traumatic time. This may include:

• Divorce: Identifying the best strategy for protecting your interests in divorce or exploring alternative solutions such as legal separation or annulment, if applicable to your case.
• Child custody and support: Addressing the crucial issues of child custody, developing comprehensive parenting plans and handling child support matters with your children’s best interests and your peace of mind as our priorities.
• Property division and alimony: Thoroughly evaluating financial concerns such as property division and debt allocation, and determining whether you can reasonably expect to pay or receive spousal maintenance (alimony).
• Post-decree modifications: Assessing your eligibility for post-decree modifications of child support, maintenance, custody or other orders due to changes in circumstances.
• Adoption: Guiding you through the complex adoption process, making sure all legal requirements are met and helping you expand your family.
• Prenuptial and postnuptial agreements: Assisting in the drafting and reviewing of prenuptial and postnuptial agreements to protect your assets and interests before or during marriage.

No matter the complexity of your family law issue, Blacha Law Office, Ltd., is here to provide experienced, compassionate and effective legal representation.

Naperville, Chicago and Joliet lawyers you can trust are just one call away. For a free consultation focused intently on your personal concerns and unique family law goals, call us at 630-283-1987 or use our online contact form. Our law offices serve residents of DuPage, Will, Cook and surrounding counties.

Family Law Frequently Asked Questions

At the beginning of the divorce process, parties often have more questions than answers. That’s OK. At Blacha Law Office, Ltd., our attorneys are ready to address your questions and provide you with as much information as possible on all aspects of divorce and other family law matters.

We address some frequently asked questions here, but we welcome the opportunity to meet with you to review the specific facts of your situation and answer your questions. Call us at 630-283-1987 or use our online contact form to schedule a meeting.

What are the grounds for divorce in Illinois?

As of Jan. 1, 2016, Illinois is a “no-fault” state. That means the only grounds for divorce are irreconcilable differences. Before that date, there were 10 “fault” grounds for divorce such as adultery, physical cruelty and mental cruelty. A judge in a divorce case must determine that “efforts at reconciliation have failed” or that future efforts “would be impracticable and not in the best interests of the family.”

To prove irreconcilable differences, one only needs to show that you have lived separate and apart from your spouse for a continuous period of at least six months. Parties can live under the same roof and still live separate lives.

How long must I live in Illinois in order to get divorced in the state?

One party in an Illinois divorce must live in the state for a minimum of 90 days before a judgment is granted. You may file for divorce earlier than 90 days.

How is custody determined in divorce or the end of a nonmarital relationship?

Many parties in divorce refer to “custody” and “visitation.” However, in 2016, the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act was updated to remove these terms. Decisions regarding where minor children spend their days and nights are now referred to as “allocation of parenting time and responsibility.” One goal of this change was to reduce the number of arguments and the intensity of arguments about who was designated the “custodial parent.”

In determining parenting time and responsibility, Illinois courts act in the best interests of the child. Ideally, the parents do so as well. It is hoped that parents will negotiate in good faith to reach an agreement regarding parenting time and responsibility. We believe that parents are more likely to abide by a parenting time agreement if they have a role in creating it.

If the parties involved cannot reach an agreement and one cannot be reached through mediation, the court will determine how to divide parenting time and parenting responsibility (the latter being the right to participate in major decisions regarding education, medical care, religious upbringing, etc.). Experts may be consulted, and a guardian ad litem may be assigned to represent the child in these situations.

What are the options if someone willfully disregards an existing court order?

In an acrimonious divorce, one party may feel he or she was not treated fairly and ignore a court order. In some instances, a person may claim he or she does not have the financial means to pay ordered support. However, each party has a legal obligation to adhere to all court-ordered decrees. A noncompliant spouse may be found in contempt of court. A family law attorney can help you take the necessary steps to enforce the order. A person who has the means to fulfill his or her obligation may be sent to jail.

If a person who is noncompliant with a court order claims to be unable to comply due to a lack of funds, that person must file a petition to formally modify the existing order.

We Are Ready To Answer Your Questions

We welcome the opportunity to answer your questions about divorce. To meet with a lawyer for a free consultation, call us at 630-283-1987 or email us. We have offices in Naperville, Joliet and Chicago, and we serve clients in DuPage, Cook, Kane, Kendall and Will counties. Fluent in Polish.