Divorce

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Hoffman Estates Divorce Attorney 

Experienced Divorce Lawyer Serving Cook County, Illinois

Divorce can be legally complex, emotionally charged, and financially demanding for many individuals. Having to endure prolonged courtroom disputes can only add to the burden that comes along with the legal process of ending a marriage. At the Law Firm of Caryl Jacobs Gabe, Ltd. in Cook County, our Hoffman Estates divorce attorney is wholeheartedly committed to providing the effective legal advocacy that is expected and needed by separating couples.

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How Are Assets Split in a Divorce in Illinois?

The state of Illinois says that all marital property must be divided fairly and equitably if both spouses cannot come to an agreement. This does not mean a split down the middle. There is a variety of factors that must be examined by the Illinois courthouse before dispersing the assets. If you any questions about the specifics of how your assets may be divided, contact our experienced Hoffman Estates divorce attorney today.

Factors the Court May Take Into Consideration Include:


  • What each spouse contributed to the marriage during its duration
  • What the value of the property is
  • Are there children involved and how will it affect them
  • The age, health, and occupation of each spouse
  • The length of the marriage
  • The earning power and potential finances of each spouse
  • The tax fallout due to asset division

It is important to remember that couples who draft a valid prenuptial agreement prior to the marriage must adhere to the terms written. A judge will utilize this as a guideline. 

Give us a call or contact us online to speak with our Hoffman Estates divorce attorney and learn more. 

Is Illinois a No Fault Divorce State?

Starting in 2016, Illinois become a no-fault divorce state, meaning that no one has to be at fault for a married couple to file for divorce. Prior to 2016, a couple could file for divorce based on both no-fault and fault grounds. Now, there only needs to be proof of “irreconcilable differences” and that the marriage has no hope of repair.

How to File for Divorce in Illinois 

To file for divorce in Illinois, divorce residency requirements dictate that at least one of the spouses needs to be an Illinois resident for 90 days or more.

A Couple of Other Stipulations Include:


  • Spouses are required to live separately (even if in the same household) for 6 months before filing for divorce
  • The 6-month requirement can be waived if the divorce is uncontested between the spouses

An alternative to divorce in Illinois is legal separation. This allows a spouse to request financial support when living apart from the other spouse if the court has granted a legal separation.

Understanding the Different Types of Divorce

When going through a divorce, it's important to understand the different types of divorce and how they may impact your specific situation. Our experienced Hoffman Estates divorce attorney can provide guidance and representation for various types of divorce, including:

  • Contested divorce: When spouses cannot agree on issues such as property division, child custody, and support, a contested divorce may be necessary.
  • Uncontested divorce: If both spouses can agree on all aspects of the divorce, including division of assets and child custody, an uncontested divorce may be a simpler and less costly option.
  • Collaborative divorce: This approach involves both spouses and their attorneys working together to reach a mutually beneficial agreement, often through mediation and negotiation.
  • Mediated divorce: A mediator helps spouses communicate and negotiate to reach a settlement outside of court, which can be a more amicable and cost-effective option.

Our Illinois divorce attorney is well-versed in handling various types of divorce matters and can provide tailored legal advice to help you navigate the complexities of the divorce process.

Hoffman Estates Divorce Attorney Representing Men & Women Throughout the Suburbs of Chicago

Divorcing couples will need to make important decisions pertaining to their children, finances, and property, but our divorce lawyers in Hoffman Estates and Palatine can help you through the decision-making process from beginning to end. Because divorce will have a long-lasting impact on your family, it is important to determine if divorce is right for you and your unique situation. If so, we can help you make informed choices and keep you focused on the long-term.

Types of Divorce Matters Our Illinois Attorney Handles Include:


No matter where you are in the process of your divorce, it can be hard on every party involved – especially any minor children. Through this emotionally complicated period of your life, you will need to speak with a Cook County lawyer who can provide you with reliable counsel, compassionate representation, and aggressive advocacy so you can begin to move forward with your life.

Discuss Your Case with an Experienced Hoffman Estates Divorce Attorney Today

As an experienced trial lawyer, Caryl Jacobs Gabe has personally handled countless family law matters throughout Barrington, Barrington Hills, Bloomingdale, and Hoffman Estates. Our Hoffman Estates divorce attorney knows the amount of commitment, preparation, and effort that will be needed to bring about a successful resolution in your divorce case and works tirelessly to provide clients with the exceptional legal counsel they deserve.

Why Clients Trust the Law Firm of Caryl Jacobs Gabe, Ltd.:


  • Personal attention for every client
  • One-on-one consultations
  • Aggressive, effective counsel for complex divorce cases
  • More than 40 years of trial experience
  • Accept all major credit cards for payment
  • Flat fee for uncontested divorces (plus court costs)

We are known throughout Schaumburg,  Hoffman Estates, and the suburbs of Chicago for providing clients and their families with knowledgeable legal guidance. We are genuinely committed to protecting the well-being of our clients and are devoted to providing individualized attention. Our Hoffman Estates divorce attorney is prepared to help you, too. 

Contact the Law Firm of Caryl Jacobs Gabe, Ltd. for a free consultation with our Hoffman Estates divorce attorney. We want to hear more about your unique situation and challenges. Give us a call at (847) 278-2851 today.

Illinois Divorce FAQ

How long does it take to get a divorce in Illinois?

The duration of a divorce process in Illinois can vary depending on the complexity of the case, the level of cooperation between the spouses, and the court's schedule. Generally, an uncontested divorce may take a few months, while a contested divorce can take much longer.

Can I get a divorce if my spouse lives in a different state?

Yes, you can still file for divorce even if your spouse lives in a different state. However, there may be additional legal considerations and procedures that need to be followed, so it's advisable to consult with an experienced divorce attorney to understand the specific requirements.

What are the grounds for divorce?

In Illinois, the only ground for divorce is irreconcilable differences, which means that the marriage has broken down to the point where reconciliation is not possible. Fault-based grounds for divorce, such as adultery or cruelty, are no longer recognized.

What are the residency requirements for filing for divorce in Illinois?

To file for divorce in Illinois, at least one spouse must have been a resident of Illinois for 90 days or more. Additionally, the couple must have lived separately for at least 6 months, unless the divorce is uncontested and the 6-month requirement is waived.

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