Seek Guidance and Support from Peoria Divorce Attorneys
No matter the reason for seeking separation from your spouse, you have a right to a fair and straightforward process. However, without assistance from professionals in family law, a positive resolution to your divorce can be challenging to reach. Thankfully, Stephens Fiddes McGill & Associates, P.C. can provide the guidance and support you need to achieve a successful separation. From negotiations to representation in court, count on Stephens Fiddes McGill & Associates and our Peoria divorce attorneys.
Divorce Concerns an Attorney Can Help Resolve
There’s nothing simple about filing for divorce. Even an amicable separation can require legal assistance to ensure property and assets are correctly accounted for and evenly distributed. Thankfully, with the Stephens Fiddes McGill & Associates legal team, you can avoid or resolve issues like:
- Incomplete Financial Disclosures – Proper financial disclosure is critical to divorce proceedings. Often, parties neglect or intentionally withhold assets, investments, or liabilities, leading to an unfair distribution or settlement. An attorney can ensure a full and fair accounting of all parties’ finances.
- Children’s Considerations – Custody, visitation rights, and child support can complicate divorce proceedings. However, the interests of the children must always be prioritized, and an experienced attorney can help navigate these sensitive matters.
- Fair Distribution of Assets – The equitable distribution of marital assets is often contentious. Legal guidance can help ensure a fair division, considering factors such as the length of the marriage, the contribution of each party, and the future financial needs of both parties.
- Debt Allocation – Often overlooked, the fair and equitable distribution of marital debt is as important as the distribution of assets. This includes mortgages, credit card debt, loans, and other financial obligations accrued during the marriage. A knowledgeable attorney can assist in determining who is responsible for these debts post-divorce.
- Spousal Support or Alimony – The issue of spousal support, also known as alimony, can often be challenging to negotiate. A skilled attorney can provide valuable advice and representation, whether seeking to establish, challenge, or modify alimony.
- Retirement Benefits – Determining how to split retirement benefits can be complex. An attorney can guide you through the legal intricacies to ensure a fair division of these assets.
- Tax Consequences – Divorce can have substantial tax implications. Professional legal guidance can help minimize adverse effects and ensure you are well-prepared for your next tax filing.
What Roles Does Your Attorney Play?
As much that’s involved in divorce proceedings, Stephens Fiddes McGill & Associates can be with you every step of the way. From initial filing to final negotiations, our experienced divorce attorneys are intimately familiar with Illinois family law and provide legal advice and guidance that ensures your case is as straightforward and stress-free as possible. As such, our attorneys take on such tasks as:
- Document Preparation and Filing
- One of the primary roles of your attorney is to prepare all necessary legal documents and ensure they are correctly filed. This includes the initial divorce petition, financial affidavits, and any motions required throughout the process. Proper preparation and filing of these documents are critical to ensuring the legality of your divorce proceedings.
- Negotiation
- Attorneys also play a crucial role in facilitating negotiations between the divorcing parties. Whether it’s negotiating the division of assets, child custody agreements, or spousal support, your attorney will advocate for your best interests, striving to reach the most favorable agreement for you and all involved parties.
- Representation in Court
- If negotiations fail and your divorce case goes to trial, our attorney serves as your representative in court. We will present your case, defend your rights, and argue on your behalf, utilizing our expertise in Illinois family law to navigate the complexities of the courtroom and strive for a positive outcome to your case.
Handle All Your Family Law Issues and More
In addition to divorce, Stephens Fiddes McGill & Associates can assist with family law cases involving child custody, child support, adoptions, paternity and domestic violence. Otherwise, if your legal concerns extend beyond family law, Central Illinois residents know they can count on our team for additional legal services involving:
- Bankruptcy
- Criminal Law
- Personal Injury
- Probate
- Real Estate
- Social Security Disability
- Traffic Law
- Workers’ Compensation
Stephens Fiddes McGill & Associates, P.C. can provide affordable, experienced legal services, whether contending with divorce, other family law matters, or additional legal concerns. To request a free case evaluation, reach out by calling 309-637-5297 or email info@sfmlegal.com.