Chicago Contested Divorce Attorney

What You Need to Know About Taking Your Chicago Divorce to Trial.

The golden rule of any legal dispute is it’s always cheaper to settle. But settling doesn’t always produce a fair result, so the parties may need to weigh the additional costs against the potential benefits of going to trial. At Arami Law, we encourage our clients to have clear goals for any litigation and to be realistic about their attainability. Our trial experience allows us to predict with reasonable accuracy how a judge is likely to rule on many issues. We provide accurate assessments so you can make an informed decision about how to proceed. That said, there are times when a trial is necessary to obtain a just resolution. You can trust us to litigate your case aggressively, with the utmost preparation and the full application of our courtroom skills.

What is involved in a contested divorce?

A contested divorce means that the spouses have not reached an agreement on one or more of the issues necessary for a final divorce settlement. The most frequently litigated family law issues are child custody and property distribution. When issues are held over for trial, there is a wait of about six months for a court date. During this time, the attorneys prepare for trial, which may involve the following:

• Financial statements — During the Illinois divorce process, the parties are required to complete a full financial disclosure. We may use the discovery process to determine whether a spouse is hiding assets that should be considered marital property.
• Witnesses — Your attorney deposes you, your spouse, and any witnesses for either side under oath and preserves the testimony for trial. Witness credibility is a major issue in contested matters. For example, in child custody disputes, witnesses who credibly recount abuse or conduct detrimental to the child’s health and welfare can heavily influence the court.
• Experts — For property disputes, it may be necessary to consult forensic accountants or financial analysts to obtain accurate valuations of financial instruments and real estate holdings. Lawyers also often work with child psychologists to bolster or refute the findings of the court-appointed evaluator.
• Guardian ad litem — The court may appoint someone to conduct an independent evaluation of a child and return an opinion regarding what would be in the youngster’s best interest.

A trial can last one day or several days before the judge renders a decision. This depends on the number of issues and their complexity.

For capable representation in your contested divorce, contact our Chicago attorney

When selecting a divorce attorney, it is important to choose someone who is capable of going to trial if litigation becomes necessary. For reliable courtroom representation, contact Arami Law today to schedule a consultation. Our firm serves clients in the Loop, in the suburbs, and throughout the entire Chicagoland area.