FAQs

Yes. Since 2016, Illinois recognizes only one ground for divorce, irreconcilable differences. You do not have to prove that either spouse did anything wrong. The court looks at whether the marriage has broken down and cannot be repaired, not at who was at fault.

It depends on how much the two sides agree. An uncontested divorce where both spouses agree on every issue can sometimes finish in a few months. A contested case involving disputes over property, support, or parenting can take a year or more. We work to resolve matters as efficiently as your situation allows.

The cost depends on how complex your case is and how much is contested. An agreed, uncontested divorce costs far less than a case that goes to trial. During your first consultation we explain your options and give you a clear picture of the likely fees before you commit to anything.

Yes. Because Illinois is a no-fault state, you do not need your spouse's agreement to end the marriage. If your spouse does not respond to the filing, the court can still move the case forward and enter a judgment.

Not always. Many Illinois divorces settle out of court through negotiation or mediation, with only a brief final hearing to enter the judgment. If key issues cannot be agreed, a judge decides them at trial. We aim to settle where it serves you and litigate when we must.

In an uncontested divorce, both spouses agree on all of the terms, including property, support, and parenting. In a contested divorce, one or more of those issues is in dispute and may require negotiation, mediation, or a court decision. Uncontested cases are usually faster and less expensive.

Illinois follows equitable distribution, which means marital property is divided fairly, though not always equally. The court weighs factors such as each spouse's contributions, the length of the marriage, and each person's economic circumstances. Property you owned before the marriage is generally treated as non-marital and stays with you.

No. Illinois is an equitable distribution state, not a community property state. Marital assets are split in a way the court considers fair based on the circumstances, rather than automatically divided down the middle.

It depends on the facts. The house may be sold and the proceeds divided, or one spouse may keep it and offset its value against other assets. The court considers who contributed to it, whether children will live there, and each spouse's ability to afford it. We help you weigh the practical and financial tradeoffs.

Both spouses are required to disclose their finances fully during an Illinois divorce. If we suspect assets are being concealed, we can use formal discovery tools, subpoenas, and financial records to uncover them. Hiding assets from the court can carry serious consequences for the spouse who does it.

For most couples, Illinois uses a statutory guideline formula. The guideline amount is 33.3 percent of the payer's net annual income minus 25 percent of the receiver's net annual income, and the maintenance plus the receiver's own net income cannot exceed 40 percent of the couple's combined net income. These guidelines apply when the spouses' combined gross income is under 500,000 dollars.

The duration is tied to the length of the marriage through a set of statutory percentages, so a longer marriage generally means a longer maintenance term. For marriages of 20 years or more, a court may order maintenance for a period equal to the length of the marriage or for an indefinite term. The exact figure depends on your specific facts.

Often, yes. Maintenance can usually be modified when there is a substantial change in circumstances, such as a significant income change or a job loss. It typically ends if the person receiving it remarries or begins living with a new partner on a continuing, conjugal basis. Some agreements limit or waive the right to modify, so the wording matters.

Illinois no longer uses the word custody. Instead, courts allocate parental responsibilities, which cover decision-making, and parenting time, which is the schedule with each parent. Every decision is guided by the best interests of the child, considering factors like each parent's involvement, the child's needs, and the family's routine.

Parenting time is the schedule that determines when the child is with each parent. Decision-making responsibility is the authority to make major choices about the child's education, health, religion, and activities. Parents may share these, or the court may allocate them based on the child's best interests.

Not without following Illinois relocation rules. For a parent in Will County and the other collar counties, a planned move of more than 25 miles counts as a relocation that requires written notice and, if the other parent objects, court approval. The court decides based on the child's best interests, so it is important to follow the process correctly.

Yes. Parenting arrangements can be modified when circumstances change and a change would serve the child's best interests. Some modifications, especially within the first two years, face a higher legal standard. We can advise whether your situation supports a change.

Illinois uses an income shares model. It combines both parents' net incomes, applies the state's official support guidelines from the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services, and factors in how much parenting time each parent has. The result reflects what the parents would have spent on the child together.

It can. Under Illinois law, a court can order parents to contribute to the college and educational expenses of a non-minor child, including tuition, housing, and related costs. This is decided separately from regular child support and depends on the parents' resources and the child's needs.

Yes. Child support can be reviewed and changed when there is a substantial change in circumstances, such as a shift in either parent's income or in the child's needs. We can help you request a modification or respond to one.

Your first meeting is a confidential conversation about your situation and your goals. Attorney Jeff McCarthy will listen to what you are facing, explain how Illinois law applies, and outline your realistic options and likely next steps. You leave with a clearer understanding of where you stand.

Yes. Inspired Law Group is built around direct, personal representation. You work with Jeff himself, not a rotating team of associates, so the person who knows your case is the person guiding it.

It depends on the type of matter. Some services are well suited to a flat fee, while others are billed hourly. We explain the fee structure clearly at the start, so there are no surprises and you understand the costs before moving forward.

Inspired Law Group is based in Lockport and serves clients throughout Will County and the surrounding Illinois communities. If you are unsure whether we cover your area or court, reach out and we will let you know.

You get direct access to an experienced attorney who handles your case personally, with more than 30 years of guidance behind him. We focus on clear communication, honest advice, and strong advocacy, so you always understand your options and feel supported through a difficult time.