Will County, IL Black Divorce Lawyers

Black Attorneys Helping With Property Division, Spousal Support, Child Custody, and More in Will County, Illinois

Regardless of your situation, the end of your marriage is likely to be difficult. If you and your spouse have experienced a great deal of conflict, you may be worried about how complicated your divorce will be. Even if you are currently getting along and are in agreement about how your separation should be handled, you will still need to make sure a variety of legal and financial issues will be addressed correctly.

At Jordan Steele & Associates, LLC, we understand what you are going through, and we know about the unique concerns that may affect you as a member of the Black community. Our attorneys have the experience needed to address your legal concerns, and we can provide the support you need to protect your rights, your financial interests, and your relationship with your children.

Property Division in an Illinois Divorce

As you take steps to separate your life and your finances from your spouse, you will need to address multiple types of assets and debts. During the property division process, it is important to distinguish between marital and non-marital property. Marital property generally includes assets and debts that you and/or your spouse acquired during your marriage, while non-marital property refers to assets that either of you owned before getting married. Our lawyers can help you analyze your financial situation and negotiate agreements that will meet your needs.

When dividing marital property, we can help you understand the factors that may play a role in the decisions you make, including:

• Length of the Marriage: If you have been married for many years, you and your spouse may have accumulated substantial assets. More time may be needed to gain a full understanding of everything you own, the value of different assets, and the potential solutions to any disputes that may arise.
• Contributions of Each Spouse: Various types of contributions to the marriage and family may be considered when determining how property should be divided. For example, if you have done a significant amount of work improving your family's home, you may believe that you should be able to maintain ownership of this asset.
• Economic Circumstances: The financial situation of each spouse should be considered. Depending on each party's earning capacity and their future financial needs, assets may be allocated in a way that benefits both of you.
• Health and Age: Each party's physical and mental health may be considered to determine who will be able to manage certain property and how assets may be divided in a way that will help both parties maintain financial independence.
• Prior Agreements: If you have a prenuptial or postnuptial agreement in place, the terms of the agreement may dictate how property will be divided.

Types of property that you may need to address include real estate, bank and investment accounts, family businesses, retirement funds, personal property such as vehicles and furniture, and outstanding debts. Our attorneys will work with you to negotiate an agreement that will meet your needs, or we can advocate on your behalf in court to ensure that your financial interests will be protected.

Spousal Support

To ensure that both you and your spouse can maintain financial stability, spousal support may be awarded. This form of support is also known as spousal maintenance or alimony. The court may consider multiple factors when determining the need for support, including the amount of time you were married, each party's financial needs, the income you and your spouse currently earn and your respective earning capacities, and sacrifices or contributions you and your spouse have made during your marriage.

Examples of situations where spousal support may be awarded include:

• A spouse has stayed home for many years to care for children and therefore has a limited work history.
• A spouse earns an income that is significantly lower than the other spouse's.
• A spouse has health challenges that limit their earning potential or have led to additional ongoing expenses.

If spousal support is awarded, the duration and amount of support will typically be determined based on state guidelines. Our lawyers can help you determine whether you or your spouse may qualify to receive spousal maintenance. We will advocate for solutions that will allow you to maintain financial stability after your divorce is complete.

Child-Related Issues to Address During a Divorce

If you and your spouse have children, some of the most important aspects of your divorce will be related to child custody. Our attorneys can help you negotiate a parenting plan that will serve the best interests of your children. We can address concerns related to:

• Allocation of Parental Responsibilities: This is also known as legal custody, and it will determine which parent will have the right to make major decisions regarding the child's education, health care, religious upbringing, or other issues. Depending on your situation, you and your spouse may share decision-making responsibilities, or one parent may have primary responsibility.
• Parenting Time: As you address the physical custody of your children, you will need to establish a schedule detailing when your children will spend time with each parent. Options may include alternating weekends, split weeks, or extended time with one parent during holidays and vacations.
• Child Support: Both parents will be required to contribute toward the costs of raising your children. Child support is calculated based on both parents' incomes. Adjustments may be made to address additional expenses, including medical care, education, and extracurricular activities.

Contact Our Will County Black Divorce Attorneys

At Jordan Steele & Associates, LLC, we provide representation for Black spouses who are going through divorce, helping them resolve their legal issues and complete their cases successfully. Contact our Will County divorce lawyers for Black families by calling 872-314-0080 and scheduling a free consultation.