Uncontested and Contested Divorce
As an attorney who has handled divorce cases for many years, I am convinced that couples who work together to create an amicable settlement agreement are happier and better adjusted at the end of the marriage dissolution process. That said, some couples, for understandable reasons, are not able to reach settlement. They require the intervention of the court during the divorce process, and will likely have their issues decided by a family court judge at the conclusion of a full hearing. In such a situation, you need an aggressive advocate who is experienced in developing a case for trial.
I'm Susan Butler, a family law attorney serving clients in Peoria and Tazewell counties in Central Illinois. The law school I attended focused on training trial lawyers and the practical education needed to create attorney advocates, as opposed to dealing exclusively with theory. I like to try cases and have had a great deal of success doing so. If the issue is important to you and we are not able to reach a negotiated settlement, I will advocate for you aggressively in court.
Understanding Your Goals in Divorce
No two people have the same issues or concerns in divorce. As your lawyer, it is important for me to understand you and your concerns, along with the special facts and circumstances of your situation, in order for me to become an effective advocate for you. The issues you may be concerned about include:
- A child custody and visitation agreement that preserves your relationship with your children
- Obtaining child support and other financial support
- Asserting your rights as a father
- Concern about having to pay maintenance or how to receive maintenance payments
- Accusations of domestic violence or being falsely accused of domestic abuse
- Division of marital property, including pension plans, family-owned businesses and other complex property
People who are going through a divorce often feel emotionally exhausted, and are often anxious to have the process move quickly. It is my job to be objective and to work with you in order to understand where you are coming from. If there are emotional difficulties which are preventing you from making the best decisions in your case, it is my job to make sure we work from an objective point of view, always keeping your priorities intact. My goal as your lawyer is to help you make decisions from a source of strength.
Legal separation: Illinois offers legal separation as an alternative to divorce for couples who want to live apart. For some people, religious reasons or the need to maintain group medical insurance make a legal separation more desirable than a divorce.
Divorce Consultation
To arrange a consultation with attorney Susan Butler or attorney Kelly Giraudo, call 309-938-4204 or complete the contact form on this site.
