Divorce Attorney in Edwardsville, Illinois

In Illinois, divorce is among the available options to end your marriage legally. Filing for divorce often involves delicate emotions, and the decisions you make can have significant long-term ramifications for your family, assets, finances, and future relationships. To avoid making irrevocable mistakes, getting experienced guidance and representation from a knowledgeable Illinois family law attorney is crucial.

At Hawkins Law Office, P.C., we are committed to offering personalized legal counsel and reliable advocacy to clients in family law and divorce-related matters. Our skilled attorney is available to discuss your unique circumstances, enlighten you about the marital dissolution process, and explore your possible legal options. Also, we can help resolve matters of alimony, asset division, child custody, child support, and parenting time as efficiently as possible.

Hawkins Law Office, P.C. proudly serves clients across Edwardsville, Illinois, and the surrounding communities of Belleville, Hillsboro, Jerseyville, Carlinville, Vandalia, and Greenville. Call us today to schedule an initial consultation.

Divorce in Illinois

Divorce, also referred to as dissolution of marriage, can be described as the process of terminating a marriage legally. In order to get a divorce in Illinois, one of the spouses must have lived in The Prairie State for at least 90 days prior to filing. Divorce in Illinois may either be contested or uncontested. 

Contested Divorce

In a contested divorce, the spouses are not able to agree on one or more important terms of the divorce settlement. The Illinois court may be called upon to help settle such divorce matters. During the divorce hearing, the presiding judge will allow both spouses – or their representatives – to present their cases and issue a final judgment through a divorce order. A knowledgeable divorce attorney can help present your case meticulously and improve your possibilities of achieving the most favorable outcome.

Uncontested Divorce

In an uncontested divorce, both spouses are able to mutually agree on the crucial terms of the divorce settlement, including spousal support, property division, child custody, child support, and visitation schedules. Upon resolving all divorce matters, the agreed-upon terms will be documented and filed with the Illinois family courts to be officially approved. A skilled family law attorney can help protect your best interests and keep the conversation productive.

Grounds for Divorce in Illinois

Illinois is a "no-fault" divorce state. Under state laws, the family courts will not require the spouse filing the divorce petition to prove that the other party's bad actions caused the divorce or marriage breakdown. The acceptable grounds for a no-fault divorce in Illinois include:

• Irreconcilable differences

• Living separately and apart continuously for at least six months

An experienced attorney can review your unique circumstances and enlighten you about how long your divorce case might take.

How Long Does a Divorce Take?

Divorce is usually a complex and demanding process. In Illinois, there is no mandatory waiting period for an uncontested divorce, provided that either you or your spouse meets the residency requirements. Conversely, there is a waiting period of six months for a contested divorce.

Generally, it can take anywhere from two months to one year to finalize a divorce in Illinois. Each divorce is unique with a variety of factors that will determine how long the process takes. An experienced Illinois divorce lawyer can help complete your forms, file documentation, and walk you through every phase of the divorce process from start to finish.

Work With a Knowledgeable
Family Law Attorney

Filing a divorce petition in Illinois usually involves several complexities. Trying to negotiate a fair divorce settlement with your soon-to-be ex-spouse, dividing marital property, and establishing post-divorce arrangements can make the entire divorce proceedings even more stressful. Therefore, when contemplating filing for divorce, consulting with a knowledgeable family law attorney is imperative to protect your legal rights and to help simplify the divorce process.

At Hawkins Law Office, P.C., we have devoted our careers to offering experienced legal services and guiding individuals and families through the complexities of the divorce process. Our trusted attorney will work meticulously with all parties involved to settle divorce-related matters – such as division of assets, alimony, child custody, support, and visitation schedules – amicably. As your legal counsel, we will fight diligently to protect your family's best interests. Divorce is a difficult time that no one should have to go through alone. Let us help make your transition as seamless as possible. 

Divorce Attorney Serving Edwardsville, Illinois

If you are thinking about filing for divorce or have just been served with divorce papers, contact Hawkins Law Office, P.C. today to schedule a simple consultation. Our dedicated attorney can offer you the reliable advocacy and detailed legal counsel you need to navigate crucial decisions in your divorce proceedings. We're proud to serve individuals and families across Edwardsville, Belleville, Hillsboro, Jerseyville, Carlinville, Vandalia, and Greenville, Illinois.