Divorce & Family Law Attorney:
Bridgeview & Beyond
Strategic Advocacy for Your Assets, Your Children, and Your Future.
Guidance You Can Trust: Divorce is more than a legal filing; it is a total restructuring of your life. At Lofgren Legal, we provide the steady hand and aggressive representation needed to navigate the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act (IMDMA). Whether your case is a simple uncontested filing or a high-conflict battle, we protect what matters most.
Comprehensive Family Law Services
Illinois is a "No-Fault" divorce state, meaning you only need to cite "Irreconcilable Differences." However, the division of your life is anything but simple.
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Contested & Uncontested Divorce: From amicable settlements to complex litigation requiring trial experience.
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Allocation of Parental Responsibilities: Formerly known as "Child Custody." We focus on the Best Interests of the Child standard to secure your parenting time and decision-making rights.
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Equitable Distribution of Assets: Illinois is not a "50/50" state. We ensure a fair division of marital property, including homes, businesses, and retirement accounts.
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Spousal Maintenance (Alimony): Applying statutory formulas to determine fair support based on the duration of the marriage and earning capacity.
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Child Support: Ensuring calculations accurately reflect net income, healthcare costs, and the specific needs of your children.
The Divorce Process in Illinois
1
Petition for Dissolution
We file the initial documents in the county where you or your spouse resides (Cook, DuPage, or Will).
2
Service of Process & Response
Your spouse is formally notified and has 30 days to respond.
3
Financial Discovery
We exchange comprehensive financial affidavits to identify all marital and non-marital assets.
4
Mediation & Negotiation
Many Illinois courts require mediation for parenting issues. We advocate for you during these negotiations to reach a settlement.
5
Trial or Judgment
If an agreement is reached, we enter a Judgment for Dissolution of Marriage. If not, we take your case to trial to fight for a fair outcome.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Is Illinois a "Community Property" state?
A: No. Illinois is an "Equitable Distribution" state. This means the court divides marital property in a way that is fair, but not necessarily a perfect 50/50 split. The court considers each spouse's contribution to the family, their future earning potential, and the length of the marriage.
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Q: Will I lose my inheritance or property I owned before the marriage?
A: Generally, property acquired before the marriage, or via gift/inheritance during the marriage, is considered Non-Marital Property. However, if these assets were "commingled" (e.g., putting inheritance money into a joint bank account), they may be treated as marital property. We help you trace and protect your separate assets.
Q: How is "Maintenance" (Alimony) calculated in 2026?
A: Illinois uses a specific formula based on the gross income of both parties and the length of the marriage. For example, the duration of support increases the longer you were married. If a marriage lasted 20 years or more, the court may award permanent maintenance.
Children & Parenting Questions
Q: What is the "Best Interests of the Child" standard?
A: Under 750 ILCS 5/602.5, Illinois judges do not "pick a favorite parent." They look at factors like the child's wishes, the mental and physical health of all parties, and the ability of parents to cooperate to determine the best environment for the child.
Q: Can I move out of state with my child during or after a divorce?
A: This is called Relocation. In the Chicago area (Cook, DuPage, Will, etc.), you generally need court permission or the other parent's consent to move more than 25 miles from your current residence.
Q: Does "No-Fault" mean the judge won't hear about my spouse's cheating?
A: Correct. Illinois courts specifically exclude "marital misconduct" when deciding on property division or maintenance. However, if a spouse spent marital funds on an affair (vacations, gifts, etc.), we can file a claim for Dissipation of Assets to get that money back for you.