Evanston Divorce Attorneys

KHK Family Law & Divorce Attorneys is a multilingual firm with neary 70 years of combined experience, offering guidance through divorce proceedings in Illinois. We serve diverse clients through every stage of the divorce process to minimize stress and take care of what is important to you.

Key Takeaways:

• Illinois state law does not require spousal consent to file, only a notification afterwards. Our attorneys are here to help you understand your options and the steps you must take throughout the entire process.
• Having an attorney can help reduce stress and streamline the process, regardless of the type of divorce.
• Our Evanston divorce attorneys emphasize a personal focus to advocate based on what matters most to you and your family.

Divorce is one of the hardest transitions you can go through in life, not only because of the emotional toll but also because every decision you make during this process will have major implications on the next phase of your life.

That’s why it is so important to have a knowledgeable, dedicated legal team on your side who understands divorce law and can guide you through the process strategically in order to accomplish the best outcome.

At KHK Family Law & Divorce Attorneys, we have neary 70 years of combined experience and a proven track record helping alleviate the stress of the divorce process. Call our Evanston divorce attorneys today to schedule a free, confidential consultation and learn more about your next steps.

What Is Divorce Like in Illinois?

In Illinois, you do not need your spouse’s consent to file for divorce. Being a “no-fault” divorce state means you simply state “irreconcilable differences” and do not have to prove fault. The process of divorce follows these basic steps:

• File a petition for divorce in the county you reside.
• Notify your spouse. This can be done by hiring a sheriff to serve the documents either in person or by mail.
• Negotiations begin regarding division of assets, including property, debt, custody, and spousal or child support if applicable.
• Come to an agreement. If you agree on all terms, or you can work to come to an agreement through mediation or negotiation, you can settle without a court hearing. If you cannot agree, a judge will get involved and a trial may be scheduled.
• Finalize the divorce by coming to an agreement with or without involving the courts. In Illinois, there is a mandatory 6-month waiting period from the date of separation until the divorce is filed, which can include living under the same roof without being intimate for six months.

If there are children involved, this process requires more careful consideration. Preparing and planning for custody arrangements and child support requires understanding the family dynamic and how it will be impacted by any agreements. Our team, strengthened by Attorney Matthew Katz’s many degrees (including a Master’s in Social Work from the University of Chicago), approaches each case with care and a genuine desire to understand each individual’s needs in order to ensure a smooth transition for the entire family.
Our highly knowledgeable Evanston divorce attorneys assist you in the process by filing necessary petitions with the clerk of the court, negotiating on your behalf if appropriate (or representing you in court if your divorce needs to be decided by a judge), and working to ensure the division of assets and resolution of other issues is fair.

How Should I File?

There are two different kinds of divorce in Illinois, both requiring negotiations and close attention to the laws related to the proceedings.

• Uncontested Divorce – The most expeditious of the two, this is when both parties agree or can work to agree on all terms, including division of assets. To apply for this, you must complete the form and make sure you qualify. The length of the marriage, retirement benefits, and fair market value of property are all considered, among other requirements. This type of divorce is legally called Joint Simplified Dissolution, and results in a petition that outlines all terms agreed upon.
• Contested Divorce – If no agreement can be reached, the court gets involved to decide the issues. Also called a Dissolution of Marriage, this is finalized typically 30 days after the final hearing.

Divorce can seem complex, but working with one of our attorneys at KHK Family Law & Divorce Attorneys helps you to understand your options to decide what is right for you.

Do I Really Need Evanston Divorce Attorneys?

Even if you and your spouse agree on some terms, our dedicated team of Evanston divorce attorneys can review your case and help you determine which type of divorce is best suited for you.

The divorce process can be complicated, with a lot of paperwork to complete and important decisions at every turn. Our Evanston divorce attorneys will work with you to file the necessary paperwork and negotiate on your behalf, to help you reach a fair agreement that is tailored to you. Drawing from years of practice, our team at KHK Family Law & Divorce Attorneys will help prevent you from making common mistakes that can impact you for years to come.

When children are involved, the stakes are even higher. Child support and custody arrangements need to be carefully considered. Our team will help you decide what is best for your family, including the financial and physical decisions and keeping your best interests at heart. From custody arrangements to child and spousal support, let us use our years of knowledge to help make the transition as easy as possible for your family.

Why Choose Us?

Our team of Evanston divorce attorneys are trained and educated in Illinois law and as well as psychology-related fields and share a collective experience of neary 70 years, meaning we have a deep understanding of family dynamics and how they are impacted by the process of divorce.

Matthew A. Katz, Esq., MSW, MBA, Esq., MSW, MBA, MDiv, brings a lengthy educational background to the team, including three masters degrees, and significant work on two PhDs, one in philosophy and another in social work. He also has a degree and practice in psychotherapy, all tools which he uses to better understand and advise his clients. Kulek brings over 40 years of knowledge and wisdom to the team, advising on cases to bring a deep sense of wisdom and perspective

Bringing a depth of knowledge gained through years of dedicated learning, we can assist families in multiple languages. We are fluent in English, Spanish, Macedonian and Hebrew,, to make the process as comfortable, personable, and stress-free as possible.

Our legal team is committed to learning about your family and what you value most, then serve as your strongest advocate throughout the divorce process.