Frequently Asked Questions

When going through a divorce, most people don’t know what to expect. From the length of the divorce to the cost and everything in between, there are many unknowns. Relax. This is why it is important to have a seasoned Chicago divorce lawyer representing you. With proper guidance and counsel from the attorneys at Taradash Given, P.C., you will get through this. Below is a list of Frequently Asked Questions from people such as yourself.

  1. What are the Grounds for my Divorce?
  2. How Long Will my Case Take?
  3. What is Marital Property?
  4. How Will Marital Property be Divided?
  5. How is Debt Divided?
  6. What is Custody?
  7. What is Mediation?

1. What are the Grounds for my Divorce?

In Illinois, the most common grounds alleged in a divorce proceeding are “irreconcilable differences.” In a nutshell, “irreconcilable differences” means that the marriage is broken and it can’t be fixed. It wasn’t my fault, it wasn’t her fault, the marriage simply didn’t work.

Other grounds, such as mental cruelty and adultery, do exist but they are not as used as frequently. Discuss your situation with one of our attorneys to see how best to proceed.

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2. How Long Will my Case Take?

Filing for divorce is an emotional experience. Most people have never filed for divorce and they don’t know what to expect. Most cases are concluded in six months to a year. Your particular case, however, may be more complex and have issues which will cause it to take longer. Talk with your attorney so you can get a better understanding of how long you can expect your case to wrap up.

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3. What is Marital Property?

For the most part, marital property is all property a couple acquires after the marriage. Regardless of how property is titled, if it was acquired after you said “I do,” it probably is marital. The two major exceptions are gifts and inheritances.

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4. How Will Marital Property be Divided?

Courts divide marital property in an “equitable” fashion. This does not mean equal or 50/50. There are several factors a court must consider when dividing property, including the length of the marriage and the income of the parties.

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5. How is Debt Divided?

As with property division, courts will divide marital debt (debt which was incurred after the marriage) in an “equitable” fashion. Again, this does not mean equal or 50/50. There are many factors for the court to consider. Discuss this issue with your lawyer.

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6. What is Custody?

Custody is the right to make the “major” decisions in your child’s life. The 3 major decision areas are health care, medical and religion. If you and your soon to be ex can discuss the major issues effectively, then joint custody is probably going to be ordered. If, however, you and your ex can’t communicate effectively, then there should be an award of sole custody, whereby one parent makes those decisions.

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7. What is Mediation?

If there are issues regarding custody and/or visitation, the judge will send you and your spouse to mediation. Mediation is simply a process whereby you sit down with a neutral 3rd party (the mediator) and try to reach an agreement regarding the custody and/or visitation issues. If you are not able to reach an agreement, then those issues will be decided by the judge.

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If you have questions or concerns regarding the divorce process, make sure you are dealing with a competent and experienced Chicago divorce attorney. The family law firm of Taradash Given, P.C. has the experience you need to successfully guide you through the divorce system. Click here, or call (312) 775-1020 for a free, no hassle consultation.

Not Happy With Your Attorney?

It happens every day. Clients going through a divorce, or any family law matter, change lawyers during their case. It’s simply a fact of life. Sometimes the lawyer just doesn’t get the intricacies of divorce court or, perhaps, the client and the lawyer just don’t get along.

Frequently Asked Questions

When going through a divorce, most people don’t know what to expect. From the length of the divorce to the cost and everything in between, there are many unknowns. Relax. This is why it is important to have a seasoned Chicago divorce lawyer representing you.

Client Reviews

Excellent lawyer and a good human being - He was fast, he was empathetic, he was sure about what he was doing, got me my divorce very quickly while I was stuck with another lawyer for 6 months. Very courteous and doesn't try to bluff you.

Sid

Dean helped me through one of the worst times of my life. I married my best friend and we had three kids together. After things began to turn for the worst she sought a divorce and began threatening to withhold my children from me. She then kicked me out of our home. This became a nasty divorce and...

Peter

In addition to knowing his stuff, Dean was very supportive during a process that was emotionally difficult. He listened and helped me every step of the way in the divorce process. Dean was very responsive and everything was handled very professionally. Highly recommend.

Angi M.

By far this is the best experience I’ve had! They were considerate of my feelings and misfortune due to my injuries! They always got back to me on the progress of my claim! I would recommend them highly if your looking for a good legal team! Thank you Steve for all your hard work and what you did...

Kimberly W.

I want to express my appreciation for the exceptional work done by Morgan at Taradash Given P.C. She worked day and night negotiating with my former spouse and was a true advocate. Her commitment and dedication to my case did not go unnoticed and I am very grateful for her efforts. Additionally...

Ashley M.

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