Plainfield, IL Divorce Lawyers

Supportive Divorce Attorneys Advocating for Clients in Plainfield, Illinois

A divorce might be one of the most complicated legal issues you will ever have to address in court. Your priorities might directly conflict with your spouse's, which can lead to protracted arguments and possible litigation. To ensure that you are fairly represented, consider reaching out to a Plainfield, IL divorce lawyer.

At Fay & Farrow, our attorneys draw on decades of legal experience and in-depth knowledge of Illinois family law procedures to support clients in need. Established in 1979, our firm has served as a source of guidance and counsel for clients throughout Chicagoland, so you can trust us to serve your needs from the beginning of your case to the end.

Common Reasons for Contested Divorces in Illinois

Contested divorces in Illinois often arise when spouses cannot agree on key issues that shape their future. In divorces with children, disputes may arise over the allocation of decision-making responsibility or parenting time.

Financial disagreements take many forms. One spouse may claim the other hid assets or misrepresented income, while arguments over debt division can stall negotiations. Retirement accounts and business interests frequently become points of conflict when valuations differ. Spouses may also contend over spousal maintenance, with one party insisting support is essential to maintain a reasonable standard of living and the other arguing it is unnecessary. When these disagreements persist, Illinois courts step in to resolve them based on state statutes and the specifics of each marriage.

What Responsibilities Do Parents Have in a Plainfield Divorce?

Parents in Plainfield face a dual obligation of safeguarding the well-being of their children and upholding their legal duties under Illinois law. Both parents must share decision-making responsibility for education, health care, and religious upbringing unless the court awards decision-making authority to one parent.

Parenting time schedules aim to ensure children benefit from regular contact with each parent. Financial responsibilities include contributing to child support, calculated according to state guidelines that consider each parent's income and the needs of the children.

Both parents must cooperate to exchange information about school progress, medical appointments, and extracurricular activities. Courts expect parents to communicate respectfully and promptly on matters concerning their children, since a cooperative approach typically serves the child's best interests.

What Happens to the Marital Home in a Divorce?

The marital home often represents both emotional attachment and significant financial value. In Illinois, the court treats the family residence as part of the marital estate subject to equitable division.

Spouses can negotiate to sell the home and divide the proceeds, or one spouse may buy out the other's interest based on a fair market valuation. Where children are involved, the custodial parent sometimes retains the home to provide stability, with the noncustodial spouse reimbursing their share over time.

If neither option is feasible, parties may agree to a deferred sale, allowing one spouse to remain in the home until a specified future date. Throughout this process, our attorneys help clients weigh tax implications, refinancing requirements, and potential impacts on child support or maintenance before finalizing an agreement or seeking court intervention.

Contact a Plainfield, IL Divorce Attorney Today

When your marriage faces complex challenges, you need skilled guidance and dedicated advocacy. At Fay & Farrow, our attorneys understand the emotional and financial stakes of divorce in Plainfield, IL. We listen carefully to your concerns, explain your rights under Illinois law, and develop a strategy tailored to your unique situation. Whether your main concerns revolve around finances, family, or another pertinent issue, our firm is ready to discuss your case. Call 630-961-0060 or contact our Plainfield divorce attorneys to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward a clear path forward.