Divorce Attorneys In Lake County Who Prioritize Your Needs
Deciding to end a marriage can bring significant emotional and financial challenges. With over 50 years of combined experience, we provide the steady guidance and advocacy you need to face the legal system in Illinois. Whether your situation is a straightforward mutual agreement or a high-conflict dispute, at Shyama S. Parikh, P.C., we represent your interests with the passion and precision you deserve.
Every marriage is unique, and the legal process to dissolve it should reflect your specific circumstances. We categorize divorce into three primary paths: agreed divorce, contested divorce and publication divorce. This way, we can ensure you receive the level of intervention and support necessary for your case.
Quick and Cost-Effective Agreed Divorce Solutions
An agreed divorce is the quickest and least expensive way to get divorced. In these cases, the spouses reach their own agreement regarding allocation of parental responsibilities, parenting time, child support, asset and debt division, maintenance, and other relevant matters.
We are frequently retained by one spouse to draft the necessary legal documents and appear in court to finalize the matter. While the other spouse may choose to retain their own counsel for review, it is not a requirement. We have completed agreed divorces in as little as two weeks and for a flat fee. This is an ideal path for families who wish to maintain a positive working relationship, avoid the stress of prolonged litigation and take advantage of the cost-effective process.
Experienced Representation for Your Contested Divorce
A contested divorce occurs when parties cannot agree on one or more issues. This process begins when we file a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage and arrange for personal service on the other spouse. If your spouse participates, either personally or through an attorney, we begin the process of negotiation and discovery.
Discovery involves the formal request for financial information and relevant documents. In Lake County, if no agreement regarding children is reached early in the process, the court will often order mediation. If mediation does not result in a settlement, the court may appoint a Guardian ad Litem or a Child Representative. Founding attorney Shyama S. Parikh is a court-approved Mediator, Guardian ad Litem and Child Representative, who offers you deep insight into how these roles influence a case.
She is also appointed as a Parenting Coordinator in cases, post-judgment, where there is a high level of conflict. If an agreement cannot be reached through negotiations, we advocate tenaciously through pretrial conferences with your Judge and, if necessary, a full trial to resolve your case.
Publication Divorce As An Alternative If Your Spouse Cannot Be Located
In cases where a spouse cannot be located after diligent efforts, a publication divorce may be the only option. This process requires filing a petition and an affidavit detailing the search efforts made. We then publish a notice in a local newspaper for three consecutive weeks to obtain jurisdiction to proceed without personal service.
Once the deadline in the publication notices passes, we can file to hold your spouse in default. If granted, we can move for a final hearing to complete the divorce and enter a Judgment for Dissolution of Marriage. It is important to note that because the court does have personal jurisdiction over the missing spouse, the relief granted in these cases can be limited. We guide you through these specific procedural requirements to ensure your marriage is legally dissolved even when the other party is absent.
Contact A Lake County Divorce Attorney Today
We are committed to educating you about your rights and protecting your future from beginning to end. To start your divorce process, call Shyama S. Parikh, P.C., at 847-557-1517 or contact us via email to schedule your free 30-minute consultation. We are ready to help you move forward with confidence.
