Downers Grove Divorce Attorney

Divorce Lawyers for Clients in Downers Grove, Illinois

We know all too well that the stresses of a divorce can keep you awake at night. As you transition out of married life, you might not know what your financial situation will look like, or whether or not you will be responsible for paying alimony. An experienced family law attorney can walk you through the process of getting a divorce from beginning to end, providing both counsel and representation at every juncture. The lawyers at Fawell & Fawell have handled hundreds of divorce cases since our firm's founding in 1984, giving every client individual attention. When you work with us, we will advocate for a solution in court that respects your unique circumstances.

Pre- and Postnuptial Agreements

Even if divorce is not on the horizon for you and your partner, you might want to consider signing a prenuptial or postnuptial agreement (sometimes referred to as a prenup or postnup). These binding documents allow you and your spouse to decide how you want to address financial issues in the event of divorce, which can save you both time and money by avoiding protracted litigation. The only difference between a prenuptial and a postnuptial agreement is timing, as the former is drafted before you have said your vows, and the latter is drafted after that point.

There are limits to these documents, however. While they can settle many financial issues including spousal support and property division, prenups and postnups cannot include specifications about matters related to child care such as custody or child support. In any divorce, the courts will put the needs of a child above any pre-existing agreement between you and your spouse.

LGBTQ+ Divorce

Same-sex divorces are handled similarly to their heterosexual counterparts in Illinois, though there may be some unique considerations. Our lawyers are prepared to help with property division in civil unions, custody disputes involving adopted children, and issues of discrimination in the legal system.

Post-Divorce Modifications

Any order of spousal support or child support will be made based on a judge's fair evaluation. That being said, the courts recognize that a stable income is not always a guarantee. In the event of a significant financial change, such as the loss of your job, you may be able to appeal for a post-divorce modification. To have a modification approved by a judge, you must supply proof of a significant change in your financial circumstances that would inhibit your ability to make the payments while supporting yourself. In other cases, your ex's income may have increased to a point where additional financial support is no longer needed.

A post-divorce modification can also include changes to child custody arrangements. However, approval for these modifications depends on the child's best interests above all else. A judge is unlikely to grant a custody modification if less than two years have passed since the finalized divorce or since the last modification unless denying the modification would put the child's well-being at risk. At Fawell & Fawell, our attorneys can advocate for you and your family's best interests in court, ensuring that your concerns are heard by a judge.

Get in Touch With a Downers Grove, IL Divorce Attorney

The challenges of a divorce can leave you feeling overwhelmed, but you do not have to face them alone. Fawell & Fawell is built on generations of legal experience, starting in 1984 when retired Chief Judge Bruce Fawell opened the firm to help clients with divorce and family law issues. Today, Attorney Alex Fawell serves as an active member of the DuPage County Bar Association, and he has personally handled hundreds of cases for clients in Downers Grove and beyond. To schedule a free consultation, call our offices at 630-871-2400 or contact us online.