When most people think about the law, they think in terms of one big container that captures everything related to the legal world. In truth, there are so many different types of laws, that it can make your head spin. Business law, criminal law, family law - each is a part of the legal make up of our country, but each is distinct and has professional dedicated solely to that particular type of law.

Illinois family law attorneys are specialists in what they do. They help families to get the best possible outcomes from their legal cases. However, you may be wondering what types of cases Illinois Family Lawyers would be required for. Here are some of the common family situations where these specialists really shine.

Divorce Cases
Chicago family lawyers are needed when the case at hand is one of divorce or separation. Divorces are very common, but to get the
best end results, you really need to enlist the help of these experts who understand all of the intricacies involved with a wide range of divorce types. No divorce is what you would call simple, but having the right lawyer certainly helps to keep things from being more complicated than they have to be.

Other Legal Scenarios
Some other cases where you absolutely need Illinois family lawyers are:

- Adoption Cases
- Child Custody Cases
- Prenuptial Agreements

These are just some of the legal areas where having a specialist works in your favor. A general law attorney usually isn't as well versed in all of the laws as they pertain to married couples and children. For that reason, it's your best bet to work with Illinois family law attorneys for family related legal circumstances.

 
A divorce or legal separation is the cessation of cohabitation of wife and husband either by mutual agreement or as a result of a court decree. Under the provisions of Chicago family Law, the legal separation or divorce petitions in Illinois can be classified into no-fault divorce petitions and fault divorce petitions. Following text briefly covers each type of legal separation.

Illinois No Fault Divorce
The Illinois no fault divorce is a straightforward type of legal separation. There are two simple grounds for filing a no-fault divorce petition in Illinois. The aforementioned two simple grounds of legal separation consist of…
1.    Both husband and wife have stopped cohabiting together under one roof for at least a period of two years and therefore want to go ahead and file a legal separation petition in the Illinois court
2.    Both the husband and the wife have developed differences that are impossible to reconcile resulting in irrecoverable collapse of the married life.

Illinois Fault Divorce
Illinois adult citizens can file a fault divorce petition in the Illinois court of law. The grounds of separation may consist of one or more of the following…
•    Adultery or Bigamy
•    Impotence or infection with a sexually transmitted disease
•    Willful abandonment by the party for a period of for 1 year or more
•    Habitual intoxication or drug addiction for at least 2 years or more
•    A deliberate, repeated, and excessive infliction of pain and suffering in any form including mental or physical cruelty
•    Imprisonment or conviction in a serious crime  
Unlike the no-fault divorce petition, a Chicago Divorce Lawyer would be necessary in a case of fault divorce on aforementioned grounds.
 


Contrary to what most people think, there are different types of lawyers. Some handle criminal cases like the defense attorneys and prosecutors seen in popular shows such as Boston Public and The Practice. Some handle more domestic and civil matters like the Illinois family law attorneys. In short, there are specific types of lawyers for specific types of cases. This segregation between types is done to achieve the following.

Mastery of a particular specialization
It is true that all lawyers are versed in the constitution. However, this is not the only requirement for them to become competent attorneys. Lawyers are asked to choose a particular field or specialization to focus on in order for them to become experts on almost everything related to that single specialized field – backgrounds, related cases, published materials and associated rulings. This makes them masters of a particular specialization much like how a cardiologist is an expert on the heart and how a pediatrician is an expert on children. After all, would you want a neurosurgeon to handle your heart transplant operation?

So, if you are going through a divorce or are facing Illinois child support issues, the best thing to do is to seek an Illinois Family Law attorney that specializes in Illinois Child Support and the laws surrounding it.
 
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Courts in Illinois child custody cases make their determination based on what is in “the best interests of the child.”  While Illinois law provides for the parents to devise their own child custody arrangements and judges generally prefer this, the court will step in when an agreement cannot be reached.

There are a variety of factors considered by the courts when deciding child custody.  These include the wishes of the parents, the wishes of the child, the child’s relationships with siblings, the child’s attachment to his home and community, the mental and physical health of those involved and also the possible presence of violence or abuse.  In addition, the willingness of each parent to encourage a close relationship with the other parent is a consideration.

Traditionally child custody is litigated in the state where the child currently resides and often in the same court as the divorce.  When a parent wants to move out of state however, things can become more difficult.  These are the situations where experienced child custody lawyers and judges are needed.  Regardless of your particular situation, it is crucial to have an attorney knowledgeable in Illinois child custody to help you navigate these difficult waters and make sure your child is best served by the legal system.
 
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There is a difference between an Illinois legal separation from a divorce.  The party that decides that they are “done” and is requesting a separation will need to file paperwork with the Courts specifically requesting the action.  This is the first step to having the status of your marriage legally changed.  A judge will then decide how all financial aspects of the separation will need to be resolved between the two parties.  One thing the judge takes in to consideration is debt.  Is there significant debt that needs to be taken care during the period of separation?  Who is responsible for what? Recently, it has been observed some people file for a separation because they need to file for bankruptcy!  Unfortunately, this is a byproduct of what this wretched economy is doing to us!

Technically speaking, a legal separation is just that, a separation which is a preparation for the actual divorce.  This gives both parties time to decide which items are not mutually binding and time to make the decisions that they otherwise had to do with their spouse.  If the couple is already on the outs and don’t want to look each other in the eye, then they have no option than to go their separate ways.

Sometimes a legal separation is what the couple needs to obtain a fresh outlook.  Things, life things tend to get wound very tight and affect your everyday responsibilities.  A break is just the medicine needed in some cases.  It is great in these times because a divorce is a painful event and should be avoided if possible.  If you are considering an Illinois legal separation, be wise and obtain representation from a well respected and experienced law firm.