If you are considering filing for divorce in the Chicago area, having an experienced Chicago divorce lawyer on your side is important. Illinois divorce law can be complex, and the average person will have a very difficult time sorting through legal matters like the guidelines for calculating spousal maintenance or child support without professional guidance. When you are considering divorce, you should begin working on your case with an experienced divorce attorney near Chicago as soon as possible. An attorney at Arami Law can speak with you about your options.
Under the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act (IMDMA), divorce is a term that is also discussed as the “dissolution of marriage.” Divorce is a way of legally dissolving the relationship between spouses. Through the process, either the spouses or the court must determine the distribution of marital property, whether spousal maintenance is appropriate, and how parental responsibilities for children should be allocated.
Several years ago, revisions to the IMDMA eradicated the terms “child custody” and “visitation,” replacing them instead with the terms “parental responsibilities” and “parenting time.” The changes also replaced fault-based divorce and made Illinois what is known as a “no-fault” state. Accordingly, anyone who files for divorce does not have to prove that the other spouse is at fault. Instead, they can state that there are irreconcilable differences in the marriage for a “no-fault” divorce.
Sometimes, a family’s situation can change after a divorce is finalized. For instance, one of the spouses might get a raise at her job or might lose her job. Or one of the spouses might be offered a new job in a different state, necessitating that the parents revisit their allocation judgment. When there is a substantial change in circumstances, it may be possible to modify a court order with help from a divorce attorney near Chicago. If you are currently paying spousal maintenance and have lost your job, you may be able to seek a spousal support modification that takes into account your actual, current income. Likewise, if you pay spousal maintenance and your spouse recently got a new, high-paying job, the court may be able to revisit the spousal maintenance order to determine an appropriate amount, given the change in circumstances.
Similarly, when a divorce involves minor children, a substantial change in circumstances can mean that the parents need to reassess their parenting plan or the allocation judgment. In some situations, when both parents agree to an amendment or modification of the parenting plan, it may be possible to change the terms without asking the court to make a decision. Otherwise, the parent seeking a modification typically will need to prove that there has been a substantial change in circumstances as defined under the IMDMA.
Do you need assistance with your divorce case? A compassionate divorce attorney in Chicago can speak with you today about your case. Contact Arami Law to learn more about how we can help.
A Modern Legal Approach — Focused on You Clear Guidance. Strategic Results. Transparent Process.
At Arami Law Office, we combine compassionate counsel with strategic legal planning. Our attorneys listen, tailor a plan to your unique situation, and provide a clear roadmap — with honest expectations, transparent fees, and realistic timelines.