Though uncontested divorces are typically more straightforward than contested ones, anyone going through an uncontested divorce should strongly consider retaining the services of a knowledgeable Peoria County uncontested divorce lawyer who is familiar with divorces of all types and who can adjust accordingly if the uncontested divorce turns contested. Contact Butler, Giraudo & Meister, P.C. today to learn more about uncontested divorces and how our legal team can help you.
Do I Need a Peoria County Uncontested Divorce Lawyer?
Divorce is something that no one wants to think about. However, if you are ready to go through the process and you believe you and your spouse can agree on the terms of your divorce, you should reach out to an experienced Peoria County uncontested divorce lawyer today.
Issues to be Resolved in an Uncontested Divorce
For a couple to finalize an uncontested divorce, they will have to agree on all divorce-related issues, including that of child custody, child support, spousal maintenance, property (and debt) division, and more. Oftentimes, spouses are capable of agreeing on all of the aforementioned issues, however, since all of these terms have such significant implications, it is easy to see how an uncontested divorce could quickly turn into a contested one. Disagreeing on even one aspect of your divorce is enough for a divorce to become contested. This is why it is so important you hire an experienced Peoria divorce lawyer to guide you through the process.
Joint Simplified Dissolutions in Illinois
Couples in Illinois who meet certain criteria are allowed to file what is known as a joint simplified dissolution. This is essentially a quicker uncontested divorce. As long as you and your spouse can agree on all terms of your divorce and you meet the following qualifications, you should be allowed to file a joint simplified dissolution.
- You and your spouse have been married for less than 8 years
- You both agree to waive alimony
- You both meet the residency requirements
- You don’t have children with your spouse and you aren’t expecting to have any
- You’ve lived separate and apart from one another for at least six months
- You are not a homeowner and you have less than $10,000 in jointly-owned marital property
- You and your spouse each earn less than $20,000 per year and make less than $35,000 combined per year
The Uncontested Divorce Process in Illinois
The first step of an uncontested divorce that does not involve a joint simplified dissolution is filing the uncontested divorce forms and one spouse serving the other divorce papers. You will then have the forms filed with a clerk at your local courthouse and you will pay a filing fee. You and your spouse will then have to complete a form from the Bureau of Vital Statistics. From here, you will attend the final divorce hearing, wherein a judge will evaluate your settlement, ask you for a brief testimony, and, finally, the judge will sign your divorce order, finalizing your divorce.
Contact a Peoria County Uncontested Divorce Lawyer
Whether you need assistance with an uncontested divorce or your divorce recently turned contested, our experienced legal team is here to help. Contact Butler, Giraudo & Meister, P.C. to schedule your initial consultation with our legal team.
