Serving Lake County · McHenry County · Cook County · Kane County · DuPage County Area Residents
In my divorce practice, I frequently encounter individuals who are unsure how best to approach the process of obtaining a divorce. Many clients want to move forward as amicably as possible, but they also want to be certain their rights and interests are protected.
As I explain to my clients, there are four ways to resolve a divorce in Illinois. The following are the basic differences between these four approaches:
- Divorce litigation: In a litigated divorce case, the attorneys for the two parties negotiate and argue for their desired outcomes before a judge, who ultimately decides all of the contested issues if the parties are unable to reach an agreement.
- Collaborative Law: In a Collaborative Law divorce, each spouse is represented by a collaboratively trained lawyer, and everyone agrees to work together to negotiate a settlement.
- Divorce mediation: In divorce mediation, the two parties meet with a neutral mediator who works with them to settle their differences and reach a tentative settlement. The parties then bring their mediated agreement to an attorney or attorneys for the preparation of all of the necessary documents to obtain the divorce.
- Informal negotiation: Spouses who are able to negotiate the terms of their divorce between themselves can have an uncontested divorce.
Factors to consider when choosing the right approach to your divorce include your spouse's cooperation level, your level of trust in your spouse, your desire to maintain a good co-parenting relationship with your spouse, and the expense associated with each approach.
Barrington Divorce Mediation, Collaboration, Negotiation and Litigation Lawyer
I am experienced at all of these approaches to divorce. I am prepared to aggressively protect my clients' rights in court, but I also frequently assist clients through Collaborative Law and mediation, and I can ensure that an uncontested divorce is done correctly and goes smoothly.
To discuss the best way to resolve your divorce case, telephone my firm, Law Offices of Alexandra M. Goddard, at 847.382.3995, or send me an e-mail to schedule a consultation meeting with me, attorney Alexandra M. Goddard. Evening and weekend appointments are available.
