Effectively Navigating Your Divorce

From matters of the heart to matters of the family, matters of the pocketbook and matters of the law, every aspect of divorce is complicated. When faced with all of this at once, it can feel as though you have been thrown into a labyrinth with no way to get out. It is easy to lose sight of the positive future that may lie ahead.

At Fawell & Fawell in Wheaton, Illinois, we can help you navigate the labyrinth of divorce to find the future you have dreamed of. Remember, this is not about an end. This is about a new beginning. As your attorneys, it is our role to help you make that beginning everything it can possibly be. Since we bring more than 30 years of family law experience to these matters, you can be confident in our ability to overcome challenges and pursue the outcome you want.

How Should Your Divorce Case Be Handled?

Every divorce is different. You have a unique situation, with one-of-a-kind challenges. A younger couple going through a divorce will be much different from one going through a gray divorce. You have your vision of the future, and it may not be like that of others going through a divorce. For that reason, it makes sense that the handling of your case be personalized. Our lawyers can provide the personal care and attention your case deserves.

Aggressive legal representation can increase the cost of your divorce by creating conflict where it never existed. Our style and approach minimize conflict while protecting your financial interests and your relationship with your children. Nonetheless, we will not let you be run over by opponents who will not play fair or who try to jeopardize what is important to you.

Simply put, we seek the best possible outcome in every case. This means we will advocate for a fair and enduring marital settlement agreement that protects you, your rights, your future, your finances and your children. Along the way, we will advise you on how to avoid the most common divorce mistakes.

The Impact Of Divorce

We handle all matters in contested and uncontested divorce:

Property division: Marital property will be divided equitably. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean 50-50. In long-term marriages, the court will try to equalize income and assets, including retirement accounts and pensions. Some of these assets, such as pets, are handled in a unique manner.
Parenting issues: From communicating with your children as you go through your divorce to setting the stage for parenting after divorce, we will assist with child custody, support and all other parenting issues.
Spousal support: In long-term marriages where one party is financially dependent on the other, the court may order alimony (known as maintenance) during the divorce and after. In 2015, Illinois adopted a new maintenance statute to establish consistency in maintenance awards. The formula provides for a deduction of 20 percent of the payee’s gross annual income from 30 percent of the payer’s gross annual income to arrive at the yearly maintenance award. It applies to combined gross household incomes under $250,000.