When deciding that it is time for a divorce, many couples wish to speed up the process. Ending a marriage is not only an incredibly emotionally trying time, but it is also physically and financially difficult. Sometimes, divorces take months or years, which only increases the level of mental distress for both parties. There are many factors that can determine how long a divorce in Illinois will take, including the number of joint assets, children, and contested decisions. 

The Divorce Process

The process of getting a divorce may be different for every couple. There are many decisions to be made including how to divide assets or who will receive majority parenting time with the children. In Illinois, it is not necessary to provide the court with documentation of your spouse’s wrongdoings because of the state’s no-fault divorce laws. This means that despite infidelity, mistreatment, or other mistakes your partner made that led you to a divorce, Illinois is only interested in dissolving your marriage equitably and typically will not factor in those circumstances. 

Couples proceeding to divorce must:

The decision to end a marriage can be both emotionally and physically taxing. Between child custody, property division, and spousal support, divorce orders can be very complicated. But what happens when a spouse contests a divorce? In a contested divorce, complications increase and conflicts tend to escalate. If your spouse and you disagree about how to handle divorce issues like asset division and child concerns, reach out to an experienced divorce attorney for help exploring your next options. 

What is a Contested Divorce?

In the state of Illinois, a contested divorce is defined as any disagreement or unwillingness during the divorce process. This can include:

• Refusal to agree to divorce

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Divorce cases range in complexity. In some divorces, the spouses are able to agree about most if not all divorce issues. They spend little time in court and resolve the divorce relatively easily. Other divorce cases are wrought with conflict. The spouses are unable to reach agreements and the court must intervene. In cases like these, witnesses may provide insight into various aspects of the divorce.

Character Witnesses in a Joliet Divorce

Many divorce cases become “he said – she said” situations. Character witnesses may provide insight into a party’s personality or behavior in a divorce case. The information provided by the witnesses may help the judge reach a decision on the case. For example, a child’s teacher may testify about the parents’ involvement in their child’s education or interactions between the child and the parents. A neighbor may testify about the arguments he or she has witnessed between the parties.

Expert Witnesses in Family Law Cases

Character witnesses are usually laypersons who are providing personal accounts or opinions on the divorce dispute. Expert witnesses, on the other hand, are witnesses with particular qualifications or professional expertise. These individuals are asked to provide their professional opinion about the outcome of the case. Expert witnesses in a divorce may include:

Divorce involving older couples differs from traditional divorce in many ways. The legal, financial, personal, and familial issues divorcing spouses face are often unique to their stage in life. If you are thinking about ending your marriage and you are over the age of 50, you may be feeling overwhelmed and uncertain. These types of feelings are normal. After all, divorce is a huge decision. Learning about the challenges you may face during a “gray divorce” can help you prepare to tackle those challenges and create a brighter post-divorce future.

Getting Divorced When You are Retired or Close to Retirement

Divorce rates have skyrocketed among older couples in recent decades. Many spouses are simply unwilling to stay in an unfulfilling marriage during their golden years. Unfortunately, getting divorced near retirement age can present unique financial obstacles. In Illinois, courts divide marital property equitably. Retirement accounts, including pensions, 401(k)s, and IRAs are often classified as either fully or partially marital property. Both spouses are entitled to an equitable share of retirement funds that either spouse earned during the marriage.

Divorcing spouses may be able to negotiate an out-of-court property division agreement. Some spouses choose to split retirement funds while others assign the retirement account to one spouse and compensate the other spouse for his or her portion with other marital assets, such as the marital home. A divorce lawyer experienced in gray divorce issues can help you determine what option makes the most sense for you. If you were married for at least ten years, you may also be entitled to Social Security benefits through your soon-to-be ex-spouse.

Drug and alcohol addiction touches the lives of millions of people in Illinois and throughout the United States. If your spouse has a substance abuse problem, you know first-hand how impactful addiction can be on a family. Sadly, many marriages cannot survive the turbulence brought on by an addiction.

If you have decided to end your marriage and your spouse suffers from alcoholism or addiction, the road ahead may be bumpy. However, there are steps you can take to make the divorce process go as smoothly as possible.

Retain Experienced Legal Counsel

A spouse’s drug or alcohol addiction is sure to complicate any divorce. Nearly every aspect of the divorce process can be affected, including child custody, the division of marital assets and debts, and child support. Make sure to work with an attorney experienced in divorce cases involving substance abuse or addiction. Your lawyer will ensure that your rights are protected and act as your legal advocate throughout the divorce.