Chicago Divorce Attorney

What your Chicago divorce lawyer will expect of you.

No one goes into a marriage thinking that it will eventually end in divorce. Unfortunately, marriages do not always have a happy ending, which can often be devastating – emotionally, financially and physically.

Divorce is a very private and emotionally charged matter that affects your entire family. If you are facing a divorce, you deserve personal representation from a Chicago divorce attorney that understands how challenging this time is in your life. You need to be comfortable with your attorney and confident in their abilities.

Whether you are looking at a simple uncontested divorce or complicated battle with an unreasonable spouse, you need to remember that divorce is a two way street. We can act as a mediator in an amicable divorce or as an aggressive litigator who will fight to ensure that your interests are protected. Whatever your situation may be, there are several things that your Chicago divorce attorney will expect of you.

Always communicate truthfully with your lawyer

There is no such thing as a perfect case, and no one leads a perfect life. No matter how hard it may be, you need to be truthful and make your lawyer aware of any “skeletons in your closet”. It is always better for your lawyer to find out everything about the challenges they will face from you in the privacy of their office, rather than from your spouse or spouse’s attorney in a crowded courtroom.

Follow your lawyer’s advice

You hired the best Chicago divorce attorney because you felt they were an expert in their field and the best for your case. Your lawyer offers you the benefit of their education and years of experience, an outside third party perspective, a cool, level head and the experiences of other clients who have faced exactly what you are going through. While they can never guarantee a favorable outcome, your divorce lawyer can suggest approaches that might help guide you around the pitfalls that are common to Chicago divorce cases.

Be a model client – calm, organized, prepared, respectful and courteous

Your lawyer is hoping that you will be a model client; calm, competent, and well prepared. Model clients have the ability to control their emotions, are organized, work together with their attorney to achieve their goals and are willing to listen to advice and guidance.

At a time in your life when you might be least able to maintain your composure, it has never been more important that you do so. Even spouses who never fought during their marriage can find themselves frustrated and out of control during an emotionally changed divorce case. You can’t control your spouse’s actions, but you can, and must, manage your own emotions and remain in control of yourself and your conduct.

Pay attention to details and stay in touch with your lawyer

You must stay involved in your case and be an active partner for your legal team. Open, read and respond promptly to whatever your attorney sends you. Return their phone calls promptly and keep them up to date on developments that may affect your case.

Give your lawyer what they ask for.

As your case progresses, your lawyer will ask you for a variety of information and documents or you may be required to provide them to your spouse’s attorney as part of the litigation process. Be prompt and diligent in responding to these requests and discuss any concerns or questions with your attorney early as possible.

Follow court orders.

Unless your lawyer tells you otherwise, always follow court orders. Failure to do so can result in penalties that range from frustrating to debilitating, depending on the nature of the violation.

Pay your attorney promptly

Your divorce attorney will expect to be paid on time and in full. If your financial situation is tenuous and progressively getting worse, talk to your attorney immediately. They may be able to structure a payment plan that reduces or defers the financial burden on you. Additionally, if your former spouse has liquidated a bank account, leaving you financially challenged, you should tell your attorney immediately. They may be able to file a motion asking the court to grant temporary orders for items such as child or spousal support, child custody, control of assets and payment of your attorney’s fees.

A couple final thought to consider:

  • Everything is not an emergency – Lawyers are not on call 24 hours a day
  • Your lawyer is your legal representative – not a psychologist
  • This is not Television – don’t expect your lawyer to do something just because you saw it on TV
  • Your lawyer didn’t create the system – and they cannot change the system

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