Aurora, IL Divorce Attorneys

Compassionate Divorce Lawyers Guiding Clients in Aurora, Illinois

Divorce can be an exhausting experience for anyone to go through, regardless of your age, income bracket, or how many times you have been married. Legal concerns can get mixed up in emotional matters, which can cause friction between the spouses and drag out the legal proceedings. Whatever is at stake for you at the end of your marriage, consider working with an Aurora, Illinois divorce lawyer who can stand up for your rights.

At Fay & Farrow, we have successfully handled many divorces across our firm's long history, as our attorneys draw from a deep well of shared legal knowledge. Our attentive, results-focused approach has not gone unnoticed either, as we have earned numerous positive reviews from satisfied clients. Our legal team can provide you with hands-on guidance during your divorce, prioritizing your needs until the final decree is reached.

What Property Is Divided in an Illinois Divorce?

In Illinois, the court distinguishes between marital and separate property when dividing assets. Marital property includes all assets and debts acquired by either spouse during the marriage, which may include bank accounts, retirement plans, real estate, and business interests. Separate property generally comprises assets owned before marriage, inheritances, and gifts received by one spouse alone.

However, separate property can become commingled and thus treated as marital property if it is mixed with jointly owned assets. For example, depositing an inheritance into a shared bank account or using separate funds to pay down the mortgage on the family home may convert those funds into marital property. To protect separate assets, it is vital to maintain clear documentation and avoid mixing funds without proper accounting. A well-written prenuptial or postnuptial agreement can also protect separate assets from commingling.

Whether you aim to negotiate a fair division or prepare for litigation, your attorney will help you identify, value, and categorize every asset. Detailed financial affidavits, property appraisals, and professional valuations ensure that nothing is overlooked and that separate property remains protected.

What Rights Do Fathers Have in a Divorce in Aurora?

Illinois law safeguards the parental rights of both mothers and fathers. For unmarried couples or those without a birth certificate listing both parents, establishing paternity is the first step. This legal process secures a father's right to seek parenting time, decision-making responsibility, and child support orders.

Once paternity is established, fathers stand on equal footing to pursue joint custody or sole custody, subject to the child's best interests. Courts evaluate factors such as each parent's willingness to foster a healthy relationship with the other, the child's adjustment to home and school, and any history of abuse or neglect. A father who shows commitment to his child's emotional and physical welfare will be well-positioned to advocate for meaningful involvement in both major decisions and day-to-day care.

Our firm can guide you through paternity proceedings, prepare documentation of your relationship with the child, and present evidence—such as school records and character witnesses—that demonstrates your dedication as a parent.

When Is Mediation Useful in a Divorce?

Mediation provides a structured, confidential setting where spouses negotiate key issues—property division, parenting time, and support—under the guidance of a neutral mediator. In many Aurora cases, mediation can:

• Reduce legal costs by avoiding lengthy courtroom battles
• Shorten the timeline by focusing on solutions rather than procedural wrangling
• Preserve working relationships, which is especially valuable when co-parenting is required

Mediation is most effective when both parties are willing to communicate openly and negotiate in good faith. Even in contested divorces, the court often encourages or sometimes requires mediation sessions before scheduling a trial to explore whether issues can be resolved without formal hearings.

Meet With an Aurora, Illinois Divorce Lawyer

At Fay & Farrow, our legal team will listen to your priorities, explain procedural requirements, and craft a strategy tailored to your goals. Whether guiding you through mediation, negotiating a settlement, or representing you at trial, we provide attentive support at every step. Contact our Aurora, Illinois divorce attorneys or call 630-961-0060 to set up a free consultation.