Joliet And Will County Divorce And Family Law Attorneys

Divorce and the difficult decisions that come with it can be emotionally exhausting. The lawyer you work with can make a significant difference not only in the outcome of the important matters that will be addressed but also in how the process plays out. At Blacha Law Office, LLC, our attorneys have adopted a client-focused approach that aims to ensure that our clients’ voices are heard.

No one is likely to claim that resolving family law concerns is a pleasant endeavor, but it doesn’t have to be stressful. Attorney Monika Blacha has assisted residents of Joliet and Will County with family law issues for more than 20 years. Ms. Blacha and her team of attorneys bring more than 50 cumulative years of family law experience to each case. They use their extensive experience and thorough knowledge of Illinois family law statutes to develop creative legal strategies that achieve each client’s unique objectives.

Our Attorneys Handle All Family Law Matters

Our lawyers represent clients in the full scope of family law matters. This includes but is not limited to:

• Divorce
• Collaborative divorce
• Child custody and parenting plans
• Division of marital property
• Spousal support/maintenance
• Paternity
• Post-decree modifications
• Mediation
• Adoptions

Types Of Divorce Options In Will County

In Illinois, depending on your unique circumstances, you may file for a contested or uncontested divorce. An uncontested divorce is one in which both parties agree on the key terms of the divorce, such as property division, child custody and support, and alimony or spousal support. A contested divorce arises when there are disagreements that require negotiation or court intervention. Both types of divorce require careful consideration and legal guidance to ensure that your interests are protected.

At Blacha Law Office, LLC, our lawyers believe that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to divorce. Depending on your case, they may be able to help you avoid the courtroom by settling your divorce through mediation.

Divorce mediation allows couples to resolve their disputes with the help of a neutral third-party mediator, often leading to more amicable outcomes and lower costs. Collaborative divorce is another alternative where each party hires an attorney and all commit to resolving issues outside of court. Both methods prioritize a cooperative approach and can result in less stress and conflict.

Guiding You Through Every Step Of The Divorce Process In Will County

If you are considering filing for divorce in Will County, it is important to understand the specific steps involved in the process. At Blacha Law Office, LLC, we are committed to providing you with clear guidance and support through each stage of your divorce.

Here is a detailed step-by-step guide to help you navigate this challenging time:

1. Determine your eligibility: Before initiating the divorce process, ensure that you meet the residency requirements. At least one spouse must have lived in Illinois for a minimum of 90 days.
2. Gather necessary information and documents: Collect all relevant financial documents, such as tax returns, pay stubs, bank statements, and any information regarding assets and debts. This will be crucial for the division of property and financial arrangements.
3. Consult with a divorce attorney: We strongly recommend consulting with one of our experienced divorce attorneys. We can provide legal advice, help you understand your rights and guide you through the legal complexities of your case.
4. File the petition for dissolution of marriage: The divorce process officially begins when you file a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage at the Circuit Court of Will County. This document describes the grounds for divorce and any initial requests, such as child custody or spousal support.
5. Serve your spouse: After filing, the law requires that your spouse be formally notified of the divorce action. This is done by serving them with a copy of the divorce petition and a summons.
6. Respond to the petition: Your spouse will have the opportunity to respond to the petition, either agreeing to the terms or contesting them. If contested, this could lead to negotiations or court proceedings.
7. The discovery process: During this phase, both parties exchange information and documents that are relevant to the divorce. This step is essential for understanding the full scope of the marital estate and any relevant issues.
8. Attend mediation or settlement conferences: We encourage participation in mediation or settlement conferences to resolve disputes amicably. This can often lead to a more favorable outcome for both parties and can reduce the emotional and financial costs associated with court trials.
9. Go to trial (if necessary): If an agreement cannot be reached through mediation or negotiation, the case will go to trial. During the trial, both sides will present their arguments, and a judge will make the final decisions on all unresolved issues.
10. Finalize the divorce: Once all issues are resolved, either through settlement or court judgment, the court will issue a Final Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage. This document legally ends your marriage and outlines the terms of the divorce.
11. Address post-divorce modifications: Sometimes, circumstances change post-divorce, which may require modifications to the divorce decree. If this happens, we can help you file the necessary motions to amend the terms accordingly.

Our Joliet and Will County divorce attorneys understand that filing for divorce can be daunting and emotional. We are here to support you every step of the way, ensuring that your rights are protected and that you can move forward with confidence and peace of mind.

Why Hire Blacha Law Office, LLC, For Your Joliet Divorce

Legal representation is key in navigating the complexities of family law. At Blacha Law Office, LLC, our attorneys are well-versed in the unique challenges faced by families in Joliet and throughout Will County. Their experience and dedication to our clients make them the right choice to guide you through this difficult time.

Compassionate legal services to help you through this difficult time: Our team takes service to heart. Our lawyers understand that when you reach out to them, you need a prompt and caring response. That’s why they ensure same-day responsiveness, making you feel as though you are one of our very few clients despite the many we serve.

Tailored representation to suit your needs: Just like your family, every divorce and family law case is unique and requires a tailored approach. Our attorneys will get to know you, listen to your concerns and answer any questions you may have before personalizing a legal strategy that suits your needs.

Local expertise: Each court has unique characteristics. Our attorneys’ familiarity with Will County Circuit Court judges and the county court system helps us properly prepare regardless of what family law issue we are addressing.

Put experience on your side: Attorney Blacha is a certified divorce mediator who has practiced law since 1999. She founded her own firm in 2012 to offer the sort of personalized legal counsel that large firms struggle to provide. Our clients welcome this personal attention and focus on details.

Also Assisting With Estate Planning, Probate And Family Immigration

Our attorneys also help individuals in Naperville and the surrounding communities navigate the estate administration process and address family immigration matters. They bring the same personal approach that is the hallmark of their family law representation to their work in those practice areas.

If a loved one has died, our lawyers can assist with probate, provide guidance regarding the administration of the estate, and offer insights on tax matters. They also assist with notifying heirs and creditors. They also represent clients in will disputes and breach of fiduciary responsibility claims.

If you are a foreign-born resident looking to obtain legal permanent residency (a green card) or citizenship or to bring another family member to the U.S., our attorneys can guide you through the process. They also assist individuals who face deportation or who wish to seek asylum or protect their rights under Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) laws.

How To Find Us In Joliet

We are in downtown Joliet, not far from where Highway 6 and Highway 30 intersect. You can find our office building right off the corner of North Chicago Street and East Clinton Street, kitty-corner from the Joliet Public Library or about a block southwest from the post office.

Directions from O’Hare International Airport: Take Interstate 190 E. and follow it briefly until you reach 294 S. Then follow the interstate for a few miles until you reach exit 31A. Follow I-88 W until you reach exit 131A, where you will merge onto I-355 S for several miles.

Take exit 7 toward 143rd Street. Keep right and merge onto Highway 171. Follow the highway for about nine miles until you reach Highway 30. Take a right and follow for just a few minutes. At North Chicago Street, go left. We are one block down on your left.

Family Law And Divorce Resources For Will County

Navigating a divorce can be challenging, but you don’t have to do it alone. There are numerous resources available in Will County to help you through this process. Below, you’ll find a list of helpful links and descriptions for various support services, including legal assistance, counseling, financial planning and parenting support.

Will County Courthouse:

The Will County Courthouse is the main hub for legal proceedings related to family law in the area. This is where you can file divorce papers, attend hearings and access a variety of legal resources.

Counseling and support groups in Will County:

The Will County Health Department Behavioral Health Division offers various counseling services, including support for divorced individuals.

Bridges to a New Day provides support groups and individual therapy to help adults, teens and children navigate the emotional aspects of divorce.

Financial planning resources for post-divorce life:

Will County Center for Community Concerns offers a financial literacy program to help you manage the financial transitions that come with divorce and living on your own.

Parenting resources and support for children affected by divorce:

Children in Between is a Will County Court-approved parenting class that helps parents build a healthy co-parent relationship and a healthy environment for their children.

These resources in Will County are designed to assist you through the various aspects of a divorce, providing legal, emotional, financial and parental support. Whether you need guidance on navigating court processes, counseling for emotional support, financial advice for your new beginning or help with the adjustment to co-parenting, these resources are here to help.

Representing Clients In Naperville And The Surrounding Communities

Our team represents clients throughout Will County as well as Cook, DuPage, Kane and Kendall counties. To schedule a free consultation, call 630-283-1987 or use the online contact form on this website.