Trusted Peoria Divorce Lawyer Serving Peoria County
Going through a divorce is one of the most stressful events a person can face. It brings uncertainty about your finances, your living situation, and most importantly, your time with your children. If you are considering ending your marriage, or if you have already been served with papers, you do not have to navigate this difficult path alone.
At Sullivan’s & Shick, we provide compassionate and strong legal representation for clients throughout Peoria, Illinois. We understand that every family is unique. Whether you are looking for an amicable separation or facing a complex battle over assets, our goal is to protect your rights and help you move forward with confidence.
Types of Divorce We Handle in Illinois
No two divorces are exactly alike. In Illinois, the approach we take depends largely on how much you and your spouse agree on. We handle both main types of divorce cases.
Uncontested Divorce
An Uncontested Divorce is often the fastest and most cost-effective way to end a marriage. This happens when both spouses agree on all major issues, including child custody, support, and property division. Even if you agree, it is smart to have a lawyer review your settlement agreement to ensure you haven’t missed anything important.
Contested Divorce
A Contested Divorce occurs when spouses cannot agree on one or more key issues. This does not always mean a screaming match in a courtroom. Often, it means we must go through negotiation, mediation, or the Discovery Process to gather facts before a judge makes the final decision. We are prepared to advocate for you at every step of this process.
Child Custody and Parenting Plans
For parents, the well-being of their children is usually the top priority. Illinois law no longer uses the term “custody” in the traditional sense. Instead, we focus on the allocation of parental responsibilities and parenting time.
When creating a Parenting Plan, the court looks at the “best interests of the child.” This legal document outlines:
- Decision Making: Who makes major decisions about education, healthcare, and religion.
- Parenting Time: The schedule for when the child stays with each parent.
We help you negotiate a plan that works for your real life while protecting your relationship with your children.
Understanding Child Support
Child Support in Illinois is calculated using an “income shares” model. This means the court looks at the net income of both parents and the amount of time the child spends with each parent. We can help you run the numbers so you know what to expect, whether you are paying support or receiving it.
Property Division and Spousal Maintenance
Dividing a life you built together is complicated. Illinois is an “equitable distribution” state. This means Marital Property is divided fairly, but not always 50/50. The court looks at many factors, including the length of the marriage and the economic circumstances of each spouse.
We assist with dividing:
- Real estate and the family home
- Retirement accounts and pensions
- Business interests
- Debts and loans
We also look for issues like the Dissipation of Assets, which happens if a spouse wastes marital money on things unrelated to the marriage (like gambling or spending on a new partner) right before the divorce.
Spousal Maintenance (Alimony)
Spousal Maintenance, formerly known as alimony, is not guaranteed in every case. It is generally awarded to help a lower-earning spouse maintain a standard of living similar to what they had during the marriage. We can explain the current guidelines and help you understand if maintenance applies to your situation.
The Divorce Process in Peoria County
Knowing what to expect can reduce your anxiety. While every case is different, the general timeline follows these steps:
- Filing the Petition: One spouse files paperwork with the Peoria County Circuit Court.
- Service: The other spouse is officially notified.
- Temporary Orders: If needed, we can ask the court for Temporary Orders to set rules for custody, support, or who lives in the house while the case is ongoing.
- Discovery and Negotiation: Both sides exchange financial information and try to reach a settlement.
- Trial: If an agreement cannot be reached, the judge will hear evidence and make a final ruling.
Under the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act, the only ground for divorce is “irreconcilable differences.” This is a “no-fault” system, meaning you do not need to prove your spouse did something wrong (like adultery) to get divorced.
Sullivan Shick
Why Choose a Local Peoria Divorce Attorney?
Family law is complex, and local experience matters. Choosing a firm familiar with the Peoria area offers distinct advantages:
Avoiding Mistakes:
Frequently Asked Questions
The cost varies significantly based on whether the divorce is contested or uncontested. An uncontested divorce with few assets is generally affordable. A contested divorce involving trial and complex assets will cost more due to the hours of legal work required. We provide transparent fee structures during your consultation.
In an uncontested divorce, both spouses agree on all issues (custody, support, property) before going to court. In a contested divorce, they disagree on one or more issues, requiring negotiation, mediation, or a judge's ruling to resolve the dispute.
Custody (parental responsibilities) is determined based on the "best interests of the child." The court considers factors like the child's wishes, the parents' wishes, the child's adjustment to home and school, and the mental and physical health of all involved.
There is no set time. An uncontested divorce can sometimes be finalized in a few months. A complicated contested divorce can take a year or more depending on the court's schedule and the willingness of parties to cooperate.
While you are not legally required to have a lawyer, it is highly recommended. A lawyer ensures your paperwork is filed correctly and that the settlement agreement is fair and legally binding, preventing future problems.
Illinois is a "no-fault" divorce state. The only ground required is "irreconcilable differences," meaning the marriage has broken down and cannot be fixed.
Illinois uses "equitable distribution." This means marital property is divided fairly, though not necessarily equally. The court looks at each spouse's contribution, the duration of the marriage, and economic circumstances.
Yes. You can petition the court for Temporary Orders regarding child support, spousal maintenance, and custody to ensure stability while the divorce is being finalized.
Factors include the length of the marriage, the standard of living established during the marriage, the age and health of both parties, and the income and earning capacity of each spouse.
Common mistakes include hiding assets, using children as messengers, posting about the case on social media, and signing settlement agreements without legal review.
Get the Legal Support You Need
Divorce is a major life transition, but it is also the first step toward a new chapter. You need a legal team that will handle the details so you can focus on healing and rebuilding. At Sullivan’s & Shick, we are ready to listen to your story and fight for your future.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation with an experienced Peoria divorce lawyer. Let us help you protect what matters most.
CONTACT US
(480) 284-2644
(623) 915-0944