618-244-9544 mharvey@mlh-law.net

Divorce-An Overview

Divorce- An Overview

 

The Law Office of Harvey & Baker P.C.

 

Contemplating divorce is difficult. Whether or not you are sure you want to end your marriage, it helps to learn the basics of divorce law. Should you conclude that divorce is necessary, it is important to seek the assistance of an experienced family law attorney at Harvey & Baker, P.C. Law Firm in Mount Vernon, IL.

Grounds for divorce

A divorce is a judicial decree by which a valid marriage is dissolved. From a legal standpoint, the divorce process will divide the couple’s assets and debts; determine the future care and custody of their children; and give each person the legal right to marry someone else.

Every state has some form of “no-fault divorce,” but the laws vary a great deal from state to state. Generally, a divorce will be granted if one spouse states that the marriage has irretrievably broken down or the couple has irreconcilable differences. (Other residency and filing requirements must also be met.) This is different from the past, when only “fault divorces” were available. In a fault divorce, one spouse must allege a marital wrong like adultery or abuse in order to receive a divorce.

In some states, both fault and no-fault divorces are available. An experienced family law attorney can help you determine whether and how to pursue divorce.

Resolving issues during divorce

Before a divorce may be granted, five basic issues typically must be resolved. They are:

  • Alimony/spousal support
  • Property and debt division
  • Child custody
  • Visitation/parenting time
  • Child support

If the spouses can reach agreement on these issues, then the divorce is uncontested. If, however, the spouses cannot agree, the divorce is contested. The spouses may go to trial to resolve the issues. This usually means that a family court judge will make the final decisions. Alternatives to going to court include mediation, arbitration and collaborative divorce. Some courts may even order the spouses to attempt to resolve their differences through alternative dispute resolution:

  • Mediation. Mediation is an alternative to litigation that can be less expensive and less stressful for divorcing couples and their children. In the mediation process, the couple works with a trained mediator to reach agreement on contested issues.
  • Arbitration. Arbitration is more like court than mediation, but it can still be quicker and less expensive. Instead of using a judge to decide the outcome, the parties agree to use an arbitrator. Each spouse will have a separate attorney who will represent each spouse’s interests.
  • Collaborative divorce. Collaborative law is a relatively new divorce process that requires an up-front commitment to resolving disputes by negotiation, compromise and agreement. If either side decides to go to court, both attorneys are disqualified from representing their clients in the courtroom. The spouses find new attorneys and go to court.

Alimony, spousal support and maintenance

Alimony (also called spousal support or maintenance) is financial support that one spouse pays to another. The alimony can come in a lump sum, over a limited period of time or indefinitely. Because the laws vary from state to state, it is best to consult an attorney with questions about alimony. Factors that the court may consider in determining alimony include the length of the marriage and the ability of each spouse to earn a living.

Division of property in non-community property states

Courts in states that use the non-community property system typically make an equitable division of property between the divorcing spouses. Equitable means fair, rather than necessarily equal. The court makes the decision based on the circumstances of the divorce, the non-financial contributions to the marriage of each spouse and missed academic or career opportunities.

Speak to a divorce lawyer

Making the decision to end a marriage is difficult. Even so, it is in your best interest to approach the divorce process from a rational, businesslike perspective. Working with an experienced family law attorney from Law Office of Harvey & Baker P.C. in Mount Vernon, IL, will help you get through the process and begin your new life.

Contact the Law Office of Harvey & Baker P.C.

Mount Vernon, Illinois

The Law Office of Harvey & Baker P.C. work with families and individuals that are involved in family law matters. We provide comprehensive legal services for family law matters involving divorce, custody issues, adoption, spousal and child abuse, and modifications. Contact our family lawyers to arrange your initial consultation.

The Law Office of Harvey & Baker P.C. is comprised of dedicated and highly experienced family law attorneys. We work with families that are involved in contested and complicated divorce situation. We understand that going through a divorce is often a stressful situation. We offer a high-level of personal service to each of our clients.

CONTACT US

Harvey & Baker, P.C.
2029 Broadway
Mount Vernon, IL 62864
Phone: 618-244-9544
Fax: 618-244-9344

 

Areas Of Practice:

Family Law
Appellate Representation
Elder Abuse & Neglect
General Litigation
Medical Malpractice & Personal Injury
Mineral Litigation

 

Attorneys:

Morris Lane Harvey
Derek Baker
Chelbie A Mitchell
Kayli A. Van Houtin

 

Good
Based on 16 reviews
april flexter
april flexter
2020-10-26
Harvey & Baker, P.C. has represented me through a difficult time on my life. Their professionalism goes above and beyond all expectations I had. The staff is kind, curteous, professional, and knowledgeable. Everyone from the secretary, to para legals, to the attorneys make me feel confident I made the right decision when I chose a law firm. I would highly recommend Harvey & Baker, P.C. to anyone who needs legal representation. You will be highly satisfied with the quality of work they produce, the amount of time dedicated to your case, and their sensitivity to your individual needs.
Alexis Lux
Alexis Lux
2020-06-02
The team at this firm is amazing! They were all very professional, supportive, and helpful. Most of all honest! I would highly recommend them to anyone! Thank you for helping me!! Alexis Cooksey
Stephanie Nehrt
Stephanie Nehrt
2020-06-02
I highly recommend Harvey & Baker, P.C. to anyone seeking legal services. Harvey & Baker, P.C. are beyond knowledgeable, honest and will put your best interest first throughout the entirety of your case. During my legal services, they were there to answer my questions and advised me of all my options. Further, they provided me with legal statutes and legal research to show me the material supporting my position. I am very thankful for the services I received from Harvey & Baker, P.C.!!
Russell Fewkes
Russell Fewkes
2020-06-02
I Have had Harvey and Associates as my lawyers for over seventeen years and I am very pleased with them in every aspect, from their professionalism in their representing me to them keeping me informed on the status of my case. I VERY HIGHLY recommend them! I have the upmost respect and confidence in Lane, you will find no one better to represent you!
jessica cozzello
jessica cozzello
2020-06-02
They were always well prepared and up to date on everything to do with my case. I could tell they genuinely cared. They were very professional and knowledgeable. Would recommend them to anyone.

Harvey & Baker, P.C.

2029 Broadway
Mount Vernon, IL 62864
Phone: 618-244-9544
Fax: 618-244-9344

 

40+ Years Experience | Experienced Civil Litigators

Martindale-Hubbell – Preeminent Rating for over 20 years