Top Elgin, IL Family Law Lawyers Near You

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Elgin, IL Lawyers in Related Practice Areas

Adoption, Divorce, Father's Rights

Family Law Lawyers in Cities Near Elgin, IL

Chicago, Wheaton, Naperville, Crystal Lake, Arlington Heights

Elgin Family Law Information

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Lead Counsel Verified Attorneys In Elgin

Lead Counsel independently verifies Family Law attorneys in Elgin and checks their standing with Illinois bar associations.

Our Verification Process and Criteria
  • Ample Experience Attorneys must meet stringent qualifications and prove they practice in the area of law they’re verified in.
  • Good Standing Be in good standing with their bar associations and maintain a clean disciplinary record.
  • Annual Review Submit to an annual review to retain their Lead Counsel Verified status.
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Find a Family Law Attorney near Elgin

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What Are Family Law Issues?

There are many legal matters that are handled in family courts, such as child custody, child support, divorce, domestic violence, legal separation, marital agreements, domestic partnerships, alimony or spousal support, and adoption. Family law issues can be more complicated than other legal issues because the people may have to continue communicating or living with each other after the dispute is settled.

How Long Do I Have To Wait To Get a Divorce?

Different states have different waiting periods for divorce cases. The divorcing couple may have to be living separately for enough time before the court will enter an order of dissolution of marriage. Other states have no waiting period and either spouse can seek a divorce. There are other requirements for a divorce, including residency requirements. Talk to a divorce attorney for legal advice about how to get a divorce.

Will I Get Shared Custody?

Custody matters can include legal custody and physical custody. Legal custody involves making legal decisions for the child and how the child is raised. This includes decisions about the child’s education, health care, and religion. Physical custody is where the child lives. In many Illinois divorces, one parent will get physical custody and the other will have visitation rights.

How Much Will Child Support Cost in Illinois?

Child support is generally determined by Illinois child support guidelines. The amount of support and which parent pays support can be based on parenting time, parent’s income, additional support obligations, and the needs of the child.

Can a Lawyer Help With an Adoption?

An adoption attorney can help a family through the adoption process. For private adoptions or international adoptions, an adoption lawyer can help the prospective parents understand the process, the costs involved, options, and help avoid problems that may come up during adoption.

Should I Sign a Prenuptial Agreement?

Prenuptial agreements can be a very sensitive topic in marriage. Many couples do not like to discuss financial matters, which can later cause problems in the relationship. In some cases, a prenuptial agreement can help both spouses understand how their individual property will be treated if they separate. However, you should consult a family law attorney individually before signing a prenuptial agreement.

What Is Contempt of Court in Family Law Cases?

In family court, a judge can hold you in contempt of court if you fail to comply with any court orders. This could include refusing to follow your custody plan, failing to pay child support, or contacting a former spouse against court orders. If a family law judge finds you in contempt of court, it could mean fines, jail time, or even garnishing your wages to pay back child support.

How Does Family Court Resolve Disputes?

Family disputes can get complicated. In many cases, the best person to resolve a family dispute is the family members themselves, with the help of a mediator. Many family court issues are referred to a mediator, including child custody disputes. A mediator can help the people involved come up with their own plan. If the family cannot resolve their dispute, it may be left to the court to decide the legal issues.

How Can an Elgin Family Law Attorney Help?

An attorney can often resolve your individual legal issue more quickly and efficiently than trying to do it alone. A lawyer can help you navigate the legal system, while avoiding costly mistakes or procedural errors. When talking to a lawyer, you should seek out an attorney in a practice area most relevant to your issue and in your area.

What does family law mean?

Family law covers a broad spectrum of legal matters that have to do with families, and not all of them mean something terrible has happened. The term family law can refer to adoptions, divorce, child custody, paternity, child support, guardianships, prenuptial agreements, property division, and many other issues.

What does contempt of court mean in family law cases?

In family court, a judge can hold you in contempt of court if you fail to comply with any court orders. This could include refusing to follow your custody plan, failing to pay child support, or disparaging your ex when a judge orders you not to. Being in contempt of court could mean spending time behind bars or other penalties, such as garnishing your wages to pay back child support.

How do courts resolve family law disputes?

Courts generally like to resolve family law disputes by helping people like you and your ex find an amicable compromise. This allows people to continue to work together in the future, such as when it comes to making parenting decisions. If necessary, a judge may order you and your ex to meet with a mediator to find a solution. If you cannot agree, the judge may schedule a hearing to decide the matter, at which point you will have to comply with whatever the ruling is.

What sort of issues can I seek legal help with?

Specialized legal help is available for most legal issues. Each case is unique; seeking legal help is a smart first step toward understanding your legal situation and seeking the best path toward resolution for your case. An experienced lawyer understands the local laws surrounding your case and what your best legal options might be. More importantly, there are certain situations and circumstances – such as being charged with a crime – where you should always seek experienced legal help.

The Importance of a Good Consultation

The goal of an initial consultation is to find an attorney you are comfortable working with and someone who can help you understand your options under the law. Seek to understand the relevant legal experience the attorney brings to your case. While it is not realistic to expect an attorney to resolve your legal issue during an initial consultation, you should gain a level of comfort with his/her ability to do so. A good consultation can clarify issues, raise pertinent questions and considerations for your case, and help you make an informed decision towards resolving your legal issue.

Tips on Hiring an Experienced Lawyer with Family Law Cases

The more experienced a lawyer is in legal practice, the more likely he/she will be able to bring about a successful resolution to your issue. Since experience matters, lawyers who’ve been practicing law for many years (with a successful track record) tend to be in high demand. You should look for information about a lawyer’s experience and ask questions during the initial meeting. It’s a very good idea to ask the lawyer how many years he/she has been practicing law and the expected outcome of your case.

Common legal terms explained

Affidavit – A sworn written statement made under oath. An affidavit is meant to be a supporting document to the court assisting in the verification of certain facts. An affidavit may or may not require notarization.

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