Top Peoria Divorce Law Firm
At Parker & Parker, we have a long history of helping clients through complex property division divorce trials. In recent years, however, our firm has chosen to limit the number of divorce cases we accept in order to focus on other areas of practice.
Most of our current dissolution cases come to us through referrals — from former clients, colleagues, and professionals who know our work and trust our approach. We are honored by that trust and remain available to assist select clients when a personal or professional referral has been made.
If you have been referred to our office or would like guidance on the next steps, please contact us. When appropriate, we are also glad to recommend other experienced family law attorneys whose practice is devoted to this area.
While we prefer to handle matters through an in person consultation here at the office, there are a few basic facts that occur in any given divorce case.
Filing a Petition for Dissolution
First, one spouse files a Petition for Dissolution alleging that grounds exist as reasons the marriage should be dissolved. It may be that your spouse has already completed this step and you have been served with paperwork. If this is the case, make sure you bring in the petition asking for a divorce when you come see us. We can then prepare an answer on your behalf, after which the case becomes active with both spouses participating until its conclusion.
After this initial commencement through the filing of a petition and an answer, the next step depends upon your circumstances.
Asset Valuation and Property Division
If all you have to do is decide matters of property, that being whatever assets and/or debt were acquired or incurred during the marriage, then typically your case will proceed quickly. Complex cases involving high-net worth marital estates may take longer. If spousal support (alimony) is appropriate, it will be included in the resolution of the financial matters in your divorce.
If you had children during your marriage, the court will deal with all children-related issues first, including parenting time schedules. In this case, the court will first encourage you to work out your differences. Many recent studies show that joint custody is often but not always the best possible situation in which you can raise your children. If you cannot come to agreements, however, the court will order you to attend mediation.
Parker & Parker can help advise you in the appointment of a mediator, which is a required step before the court allows you to litigate issues regarding your children. If after attending mediation, you still have been unable to work out a resolution with your spouse, then at that time Parker & Parker’s extensive experience in custody trials will become of great use to you.
Contact Us
Call 309-673-0069 or send an email message to schedule a consultation regarding your family law matter.