Hinsdale, IL Divorce Lawyers

Aggressive Divorce Attorneys Representing Clients in Hinsdale, Illinois

The stresses of a divorce can be hard to bear alone. Everything you have come to associate with married life, from your family structure to your finances, may be fundamentally changed at the end of your marriage. During this tumultuous period of your life, a Hinsdale divorce attorney can provide you with peace of mind, advocating for a resolution that prioritizes your needs.

At Fay & Farrow, we provide comprehensive legal assistance for clients in need. As one of the longest-standing law firms in DuPage County, we are well-versed in issues of family law, and we handle each case with an individual approach, whether you are expecting a contested or uncontested divorce.

Eligibility for Spousal Support in Hinsdale Divorces

Navigating the question of spousal support can feel like peering into an uncertain future. In Illinois, courts award maintenance when one spouse lacks sufficient property or income to meet reasonable needs, and the other possesses the ability to pay. In Hinsdale, where families build lives around historic neighborhoods and strong community ties, the decision to seek or oppose support carries deep emotional weight.

Judges evaluate factors such as each partner's age and health, the duration of the marriage, and any impairment of earning capacity due to marital roles. This is sometimes observed in marriages where one spouse paused a career to raise children or manage the household.

Illinois law imposes guidelines for spouses responsible for paying support. Maintenance generally cannot exceed 30 percent of the payer's net income or 40 percent when combined with the recipient's net income. Tax returns, expert testimony on standard of living, and documentation of household contributions can strengthen your case in an alimony petition, showing your financial need.

How Is Property Divided in Illinois Divorces?

Illinois follows the principle of equitable distribution, meaning courts divide marital assets and debts fairly, though not always equally. In a community like Hinsdale, equity may encompass a family home on Maple Street, retirement accounts amassed through decades of work, and treasured heirlooms passed down through generations. Separate property—including assets owned before marriage, gifts, and inheritances—remains with the original owner, unless commingled.

Tracing the origin of an asset becomes especially critical when investments, business interests, or spousal benefits intertwine. In complex cases, financial professionals can uncover hidden value and allocate debts tied to lines of credit or mortgages. By getting a clear idea of all assets in the marriage, spouses in Hinsdale can negotiate settlements that align with Illinois law.

Who Gets Custody in a Hinsdale, IL Divorce?

Illinois focuses on the best interests of the child in matters of child custody. There are two components to custody, known as "allocation of parental responsibilities" (deciding who makes major decisions) and "parenting time" (the schedule for where the child lives). The law starts with the idea that both parents share rights and duties.

Courts look at factors such as:

• Each parent's ability to provide a stable home, including housing and school support
• The child's relationship with each parent and other people involved in their care
• The child's preferences, if they are mature enough to express them
• The mental and physical health of each parent

If parents agree on a parenting plan, the judge usually approves it. A plan shows when each parent has the child, how to handle holidays and school breaks, and how parents communicate. If parents cannot agree, the court steps in and sets the plan.

Contact a Hinsdale, Illinois Divorce Attorney

Handling support, property division, and custody in Hinsdale can feel overwhelming. At Fay & Farrow, we can explain your options, help collect financial records, and work with you on a fair plan. Call us at 630-961-0060 or contact our Hinsdale divorce lawyers to arrange a free consultation.