Search Site
Menu
FAQs

FAQs for Family Law in Illinois

Answers from a knowledgeable North Shore attorney

Client education is important to us at the Law Offices of Paul Chatzky because we believe that well-informed clients are able to take a more active and helpful role in their cases. We understand how complicated the law can be and are dedicated to providing answers to your questions so that you, our client, can be a partner in your case. We’re pleased to offer answers here to some of the most frequently asked questions we receive regarding divorce or family law. If you have other questions or need more information about how our firm can help, please contact us at your convenience.

Family law

Call our North Shore offices for answers to your legal questions

Whether you are facing marital conflicts or legal family matters, call the Law Offices of Paul Chatzky for answers to your specific questions and concerns. We will listen to you and assess your situation to determine the next appropriate steps. Contact our offices today at 847-416-1646 or online. We are located minutes from the Skokie Courthouse.


Family law

I live in Illinois, but my husband lives in another state. Can I still file for divorce?

As long as one spouse is a resident of this state, you can file a petition for dissolution of marriage.

What are grounds for divorce?

By amendment effective January 1, 2016, fault-based grounds for dissolution of marriage were abolished in Illinois. Pursuant to applicable statute, the court shall enter a judgment of dissolution of marriage when at the time the action was commenced one of the spouses was a resident of the State (of Illinois) or was stationed in the State (of Illinois) while a member of the armed services, and the residence or military presence had been maintained for 90 days next preceding the commencement of the action or the making of the following finding: Irreconcilable differences have caused the irretrievable breakdown of the marriage and that efforts at reconciliation have failed or that future attempts at reconciliation would be impracticable and not in the best interests of the family.

Do I need to hire a lawyer to get a divorce?

The state does not require a lawyer to file for divorce. You may submit a petition for dissolution of your marriage. You and your spouse may also draw up documents for separation of assets/property. However, it is prudent to hire an attorney at least to review these documents so you are protected. An experienced family attorney can help you navigate the divorce process and courts, ensuring that all paperwork is filed properly and processes are complete.

Back to top

 

Paul Chatzky Attorney Photo
Paul Chatzky
Founder

Born in Havana, Cuba, Paul Chatzky is fluent in Spanish and English, enabling him to effectively represent a wider range of individuals and families. He is AV® Preeminent™ Peer Review Rated by Martindale-Hubbell®, and is listed among Illinois Super Lawyers, which is a reflection of his high ethical standards and exceptional legal knowledge. As a…

Deborah E. Chatzky Attorney Photo
Deborah E. Chatzky
Paralegal

Prior to joining the firm as a paralegal, Debbie was employed by major banking institutions as a loan processor and as an executive secretary. Debbie was also employed as an administrative assistant for the Board of Jewish Education. Having majored in Sociology, Debbie graduated from the University of Florida in 1980. Debbie completed her studies…

Client Reviews
  • lawyers
    5.0/5.0

    Paul Chatzky is well educated, knows in and outs in terms of law, keeps everything under control, responds to emails, returns phone calls almost immediately. Very professional and extremely detail-oriented lawyer. Highly recommended.

    Read more

    Client

  • lawyers
    5.0/5.0

    Mr. Chatzky is very responsive, ethical and effective. I’m extremely happy with the service and I would highly recommend this law office to anyone seeking legal help

    Read more

    Client

  • lawyers
    5.0/5.0

    Mr. Chatzky is truly superb at his job. His knowledge base is profound, and he approached my situation with honesty and integrity. I knew immediately that he had every intention to obtain the best outcome for me and that he had thought of every possi...

    Read more

    Client

  • lawyers
    5.0/5.0

    I highly recommend Paul Chatzky as a high capable and honest attorney who genuinely cares about his clients and is highly committed to supporting their best interests. He lived up to the high expectations that I had and was willing as hard as me to m...

    Read more

    Client

  • lawyers
    5.0/5.0

    Paul Chatzky is always very responsive, professional, and a pleasure to work with.

    Read more

    Client

See all reviews
AWARDS
Contact us

Quick Contact Form