Joliet, IL Divorce Attorneys

Skilled Divorce Attorneys Representing Clients in Joliet, Illinois

Getting a divorce in Illinois takes a lot of effort, and if you try to rush the process, it could end up hurting you in the long term. During these intense proceedings, it helps to have a professional at your side who can advise you of your rights. With the help of a Joliet, Illinois divorce lawyer, you can work toward an outcome that prioritizes your well-being.

If you are unsure about how to proceed at the end of your marriage, you can rely on Fay & Farrow to provide you with top-notch representation and counsel. Since our firm was first established in 1979, we have assisted numerous clients with difficult issues of family law. You need only look at our testimonials to see the people we have personally helped over the years.

How a Prenuptial or Postnuptial Decree Can Affect Your Divorce

A prenuptial or postnuptial agreement is a contract between spouses that defines how assets, debts, and support matters will be handled in the event of a divorce. In Joliet, Illinois, these agreements help spouses establish clear expectations before conflict arises.

When a prenuptial agreement addresses property division, it can limit disputes by specifying which assets each spouse keeps and how joint debts are allocated. Similarly, a postnuptial agreement—entered into during the marriage—can update or expand on those terms if financial circumstances change.

Courts in Illinois generally enforce these decrees when they are fair, executed voluntarily, and fully disclose each spouse's financial situation. Having a valid agreement in place can reduce uncertainty, shorten negotiations, and lower legal fees by removing contested issues from the courtroom.

Complex Assets in a Joliet Divorce

Divorces involving significant or tangled holdings require careful analysis to ensure nothing is overlooked. Common examples include:

• Business interests, from family-owned ventures to professional practices
• Real estate holdings, whether primary residences, rental properties, or undeveloped land
• Retirement accounts and pension plans, which may require specialized valuation
• Investments, such as stock portfolios, trusts, and limited-liability company interests

In collaboration with valuation professionals and forensic accountants, our attorneys can help you develop a comprehensive inventory of assets and liabilities. This thorough approach helps you negotiate from an informed position or present precise evidence if your case proceeds to trial.

Assigning Parenting Time and Decision-Making Responsibility in a Divorce

Divorces can become immensely complicated when children are involved. Illinois separates custody rights into two areas known as decision-making responsibility and parenting time. Decision-making responsibility governs major life choices (typically concerning schooling, medical care, religion, and extracurriculars), while parenting time governs who will take care of the child throughout the year and when scheduled visits will take place.

Sometimes, parents agree about these arrangements. Other times, a child's best interests are not immediately clear. In those cases, courts consider factors such as each parent's ability to cooperate, the child's emotional bonds, school and community ties, and any history of safety concerns. When the record shows conflicting evidence, judges may order custody evaluations or appoint guardians ad litem to investigate and recommend solutions. Attorney Mark Farrow is certified to act as a Child's Representative in custody cases, giving him the authority to stand up for your child's best interests.

Whether through negotiation, mediation, or litigation, our team can help you gather relevant documentation for your case, including school records, medical reports, and expert assessments. We advocate for arrangements designed to promote stability, minimize conflict, and support healthy co-parenting.

Contact a Joliet Divorce Attorney Today

At Fay & Farrow, we believe every client deserves attentive support and clear guidance tailored to their situation. Our attorneys will review your circumstances, explain your rights under Illinois law, and map out a practical strategy moving forward. We stand by your side at each stage, offering compassionate representation and vigorous advocacy. Call 630-961-0060 or contact our Joliet, IL divorce attorneys to set up a free consultation.