Divorce Law

Divorce is one of the most challenging legal and emotional experiences a person can face. At the Illinois Balanced and Restorative Justice Project (IBARJI), we provide compassionate and knowledgeable legal support to help individuals navigate the complexities of divorce while prioritizing fairness, cooperation, and long-term solutions. Our approach aligns with restorative justice principles, ensuring that the divorce process minimizes conflict and fosters amicable resolutions whenever possible.

If you are considering a divorce or are already in the process, our team at IBARJI is here to protect your rights and advocate for your best interests.

Understanding Divorce Law in Illinois

Divorce law governs the legal dissolution of a marriage. In Illinois, divorces are no-fault, meaning that neither spouse must prove wrongdoing to obtain a divorce. Instead, one party must demonstrate irreconcilable differences, showing that the marriage has broken down beyond repair.

There are two main types of divorce:

Uncontested Divorce – When both spouses agree on all terms, including property division, child custody, and support.
Contested Divorce – When disputes arise that require legal intervention to resolve.

At IBARJI, we handle both uncontested and contested divorces, ensuring that our clients receive fair and just outcomes that promote long-term stability.

Our Divorce Law Services

At IBARJI, we provide comprehensive legal services to guide you through every step of the divorce process. Whether your case is straightforward or complex, we ensure that your rights are protected while striving for a peaceful resolution whenever possible.

1. Filing for Divorce

The divorce process begins with one spouse filing a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage in the appropriate Illinois court. We assist clients in:

✅ Preparing and Filing Divorce Petitions – Ensuring that all necessary documents are correctly completed and submitted.
✅ Serving Divorce Papers – Legally notifying the other spouse of the divorce filing.
✅ Responding to a Divorce Petition – If you were served divorce papers, we help you respond appropriately to protect your rights.

We ensure that the filing process is handled efficiently, reducing delays and unnecessary legal complications.

2. Division of Marital Property and Debts

One of the most contentious aspects of divorce is dividing assets and debts. Illinois follows equitable distribution laws, meaning that marital property is divided fairly—but not necessarily equally.

Our legal team helps clients:

✅ Identify Marital and Non-Marital Property – Determining which assets belong to the marital estate.
✅ Negotiate Property Division Agreements – Working toward a fair division of homes, bank accounts, investments, and personal property.
✅ Debt Allocation – Ensuring that debts are fairly assigned based on financial contributions and responsibilities.
✅ Business and Retirement Asset Division – Handling complex property issues involving business ownership and retirement accounts.

We strive for equitable settlements that protect our clients’ financial interests and long-term security.

3. Spousal Support (Alimony)

Spousal support, also known as alimony, is financial assistance paid by one spouse to the other after divorce. Illinois courts determine alimony based on:

✅ Each spouse’s income and financial resources
✅ Length of the marriage
✅ Contributions made to the marriage (e.g., homemaking, childcare, supporting a spouse’s education)
✅ Standard of living established during the marriage

We advocate for fair spousal support arrangements, whether you are seeking support or being asked to pay.

4. Child Custody and Visitation Rights

When children are involved, custody and visitation become top priorities. Illinois law recognizes two types of custody:

✅ Legal Custody – The right to make decisions about the child’s upbringing, including education and healthcare.
✅ Physical Custody – Where the child will primarily reside.

Our legal team helps parents:

Negotiate Custody Agreements – Encouraging co-parenting arrangements that serve the child’s best interests.
Create Parenting Plans – Developing schedules and responsibilities that support both parents’ roles in the child’s life.
Modify Custody Orders – If circumstances change, we assist in legally modifying custody agreements.

We prioritize child-centered solutions that promote stability, cooperation, and well-being.

5. Child Support

Illinois child support laws ensure that children receive financial support from both parents after divorce. We assist with:

✅ Calculating Child Support Payments – Ensuring compliance with Illinois guidelines based on income and parenting time.
✅ Child Support Enforcement – Helping enforce court-ordered support payments.
✅ Child Support Modifications – Assisting with changes due to financial hardship or changes in custody.

We work to achieve fair child support agreements that meet the child’s needs while considering both parents’ financial situations.

6. Mediation and Conflict Resolution

Divorce litigation can be stressful and expensive. Whenever possible, we encourage mediation to help couples reach agreements outside of court. Mediation offers:

✅ Lower Costs – Avoiding lengthy and costly court battles.
✅ Less Emotional Strain – Reducing conflict and hostility.
✅ Greater Control – Allowing spouses to make their own decisions rather than a judge.

Our trained mediators facilitate productive discussions, helping couples find common ground and mutually beneficial solutions.

7. Domestic Violence and Protective Orders

If domestic violence is a factor in your divorce, we take swift action to protect you and your loved ones. We assist with:

✅ Emergency Orders of Protection – Immediate legal protection against an abusive spouse.
✅ Restraining Orders – Court-ordered restrictions to prevent contact or harassment.
✅ Legal Representation in Domestic Violence Cases – Advocacy in court to ensure your safety.

We take domestic violence cases seriously and provide compassionate legal support to those in need.

8. Post-Divorce Modifications

Life changes, and so do circumstances after a divorce. We help clients modify existing divorce agreements, including:

✅ Child Custody and Support Modifications – Adjusting agreements based on new financial or living situations.
✅ Spousal Support Adjustments – Modifying alimony payments due to changes in employment or income.
✅ Relocation Requests – Assisting with legal requirements if a parent wishes to move with a child.

We ensure that modifications align with Illinois laws while prioritizing fairness and the best interests of all parties.

Why Choose IBARJI for Divorce Law Services?

At IBARJI, we approach divorce cases with a commitment to fairness, compassion, and restorative justice. Here’s why you should choose us:

✅ Experienced Legal Team – Skilled attorneys with extensive knowledge of Illinois divorce law.
✅ Restorative Justice Approach – Prioritizing peaceful resolutions and cooperative settlements.
✅ Personalized Legal Strategies – Tailoring our approach to your unique situation.
✅ Strong Advocacy in Court – When litigation is necessary, we provide aggressive legal representation.
✅ Mediation Services – Offering an alternative to stressful court battles.

Contact IBARJI for Divorce Law Assistance

Going through a divorce is difficult, but you don’t have to face it alone. At IBARJI, we are dedicated to helping individuals and families navigate divorce with dignity, fairness, and long-term security.

📞 Call Us: +1 412-581-6739
📧 Email Us: info@ibarji.org

Let us guide you through the divorce process with care, legal expertise, and a commitment to your future. Contact us today for a consultation.