Family Law LawyerDuPage County

Navigating the complexities of family law in DuPage County, Illinois, can be a challenging journey, marked by emotional upheaval and significant transitions. Each family law attorney in DuPage County at Hanauer Law recognizes the intricacies of such legal issues and is dedicated to offering the support and expertise you require.

White Collar Offenses Banner - Image of Robert J. Hanauer

Compassionate Guidance for Your Legal Needs

At Hanauer Law, we handle family law matters with great care and are prepared to guide you with a balanced approach tailored to your unique situation. Your quest for a resolution that honors your needs and protects your interests is our priority, so we ensure that every decision is approached with clarity and purpose. We understand that family dynamics are profoundly personal and pledge to confidently uphold your rights with vigor and empathy, helping you embrace the future.

Understanding Family Law in DuPage County

Two staff of Hanauer Law working at a table.

Divorce Proceedings

In DuPage County, Illinois, the dissolution of marriage, commonly known as divorce, follows specific legal procedures. As someone considering or going through a divorce, you need to know that residency requirements and grounds for divorce must be met. Illinois is a no-fault state, which means that irreconcilable differences are the primary grounds for divorce, and neither party proves the other's fault. In addition to the state laws that govern a DuPage County divorce proceeding, there are local court rules specific to DuPage County, as set forth in Article 15 of the local rules for the Eighteenth Judicial Circuit. An experienced DuPage County attorney can navigate these rules to ensure the orderly progression of your case.

Child Custody and Support

Regarding child custody and support, Illinois law focuses on the best interests of the child or children involved. Decisions are made based on various factors, including, but not limited to:

The parent's wishes
The child's needs
The child's relationship with each parent

Child support calculations are determined using the "income-shares" model (adopted in 2017), which considers both parents' incomes, who pay for health insurance (and the cost for same), and the amount of time each parent spends with the child (namely, overnights). The income-shares model is intended to reflect the percentage of combined net income that parents living in the same household in this State ordinarily spend on their child. The support owed to a child includes the obligation to provide for the reasonable and necessary physical, mental, and emotional needs of the child.

Property Division

As for property division, DuPage County adheres to equitable distribution rules, meaning that marital property is not necessarily split 50/50 but is divided in a manner that the court deems fair. The court considers a range of factors, such as:

The duration of the marriage
Each spouse's economic circumstances
Any agreements between the spouses

Spousal Maintenance

Spousal maintenance, also known as alimony, may be granted to a spouse based on the need for financial support and the other spouse's ability to pay. This financial assistance is often paid by one spouse to another on an ongoing basis and is calculated under guidelines that consider the following:

The length of the marriage
The standard of living established during the marriage
The earning capacities and actual income of each spouse

Navigating the Legal System

Finding the Right Attorney

Your first step is to find an attorney who focuses on family law. Look for someone in DuPage County with a strong track record. The attorney should deeply understand local laws and have experience working within the county's court system. Consider these criteria:

Knowledge: Choose an attorney focusing on family law.
Experience: Seek someone familiar with DuPage County Family Court.
Reputation: Read reviews and ask for recommendations.

What sets us apart is that our firm's founder, Rob Hanauer, embodies the qualities and experience essential for providing exceptionally effective legal representation. Despite assembling a team of similarly dedicated lawyers, paralegals, and outstanding professionals, Rob remains committed to personally connecting with every individual seeking our assistance.

As a devoted husband, father, and former educator of business law and paralegal studies at a community college, he possesses both empathetic understanding and comprehensive legal experience. These qualities contribute to fostering a solid and comfortable attorney-client relationship. With his intrinsic competitive drive and passion for success, Rob's unique blend of authentic relatability and assertive courtroom presence is ideal for addressing family law matters.

The Court Process

Understanding each phase of the court process helps you know what to expect next. Here are the stages of a family law case in DuPage County:

1. Initial Filing

You or your attorney will file a petition or complaint to start the case.

2. Service of Process

The other party must be officially served with the legal papers.

3. Response

The other party can file an answer to your petition.

4. Discovery

Both parties exchange relevant information and documents.

5. Pre-Trial Motions

Request the court for specific rulings before the trial.

6. Mediation/Settlement

Efforts are made to settle the case outside court.

7. Trial

If no settlement is reached, the case will go to trial before a judge.

Legal Documentation

Proper documentation is crucial in family law proceedings. The primary documents you will encounter are:

Petitions/Complaints: Start the legal process.
Summons: Officially notify the other party of the lawsuit.
Motions: Request the court to take specific actions.
Orders: Formal decisions issued by the court.
Settlement Agreements: Document the terms of any agreement if a case is settled out of court.

Ensure you file all documents on time and keep copies of everything you submit or receive.

Hanauer Law is Here For You

When facing family-law challenges in DuPage County, Illinois, Hanauer Law provides tailored assistance to effectively meet your unique needs. Whether your case requires the subtlety of mediation or the decisiveness of litigation, Hanauer Law is equipped to advocate on your behalf.

Additionally, our firm upholds the principle that you deserve fair representation. You can count on Hanauer Law to diligently assess your legal position and articulate your needs in negotiations and court proceedings.

Experiencing family-law issues can be overwhelming; Hanauer Law is here to guide and support you every step of the way. Contact Hanauer Law today if you are looking for a committed advocate and family law lawyer in DuPage County.