The Law Office Of Steven W. Perbix is an experienced firm of family law attorneys handling divorce litigation in Macon County, Illinois. Ideally, your divorce can be handled cost effectively and quickly in an uncontested manner. In our experience, however, many couples require legal assistance to guide them through the divorce process in Decatur, Illinois courts, especially where disagreements arise about custody, visitation, child support, spousal support, debt allocation, and property distribution.
Do I Need A Divorce Lawyer?
Divorces are emotionally charged and can lead to arguments, disputes, and bitterness between husband and wife, so many people need a qualified family law attorney in Illinois to handle their divorce litigation.
What Will My Total Cost Be?
If your divorce can be worked out on an uncontested basis, The Law Office Of Steven W. Perbix may be able to handle your divorce for a fair, fixed, flat fee plus the costs of litigation, which our lawyers will discuss with you up front at the initial consultation. But if your case is contested, then we will charge a reasonable hourly fee plus the costs and we will request a reasonable retainer to apply to those fees and costs, again discussed at your initial consultation. In a contested divorce, however, the total cost cannot be guaranteed at the outset although our lawyers strive to be efficient, honest, and cost effective even in contested cases.
When Will My Divorce Be Final?
In an uncontested case, perhaps the matter can be concluded within 90 to 180 days of the date the petition for dissolution is filed, but in our experience at The Law Office Of Steven W. Perbix, Macon County divorce cases can take 12 months or more to conclude if the matter is complex and the ability to work out agreements is difficult. Our lawyers strive for efficiency and timely resolution of all legal matters we handle, but recognize as well that the more contentious and complex the divorce case is, the longer it will take to finalize.
Child Support
The issue of child support is decided by the court if the parties cannot work out an agreement that is within the minimum statutory guidelines. You could be ordered to pay child support to your ex-spouse even if your child or children spend a substantial period of time in your home. We work hard to insure child support is properly set consistent with guidelines, but also want you to know that the court ultimately makes the decision if the parties cannot agree.
Child Custody
Whether the divorce action is in Macon County, Illinois or other counties in central Illinois, custody can be the most painful, heartbreaking, and difficult issue to address. Once a final custody award is made or agreed to in a settlement, the non-custodial or joint custodial parent usually cannot modify that award until at least 2 years have passed unless the court allows a motion to proceed within that time upon the necessary showing of endangerment.
Modifying custody further requires showing a substantial change in circumstances that justifies modification in the best interests of the child, by clear and convincing evidence, which is a very difficult burden to meet. If you want a straight-forward, honest appraisal of custody rights, call The Law Office Of Steven W. Perbix.
217-233-3000