Naperville Attorney for Uncontested Divorce

Divorce Lawyer in DuPage County for Amicable or Simple Cases

Have you and your spouse come to the mutual conclusion that it is time to pursue a divorce? Have you grown apart and developed separate and different desires for the future? If this describes your situation, you probably still care about your spouse and want the best for him or her, even though you will no longer be married. With that in mind, you and your spouse might be able to work together to resolve the relevant issues of your divorce without leaving them for the court to decide. This type of divorce is known as an uncontested divorce.

My name is Attorney Matthew M. Williams. I am the principal attorney at the The Law Office of Matthew M. Williams, P.C., and I realize that any divorce is going to have its share of challenges—even an uncontested divorce. With more than 15 years of experience, I am equipped to help you and your spouse reach an agreement on all of the concerns related to your divorce so that you can focus on building your happier, healthier new life.

Understanding Uncontested Divorce in Illinois

Technically, a divorce is a specific type of civil lawsuit in which one spouse—the petitioner—files a petition with the court asking that the marital union be dissolved. The other spouse—the respondent—is expected to respond to the petition and subsequent summons. In a contested divorce, the two sides then begin preparing for battle. Each spouse is expected to make a financial disclosure and to draft a proposed parenting plan, if children are involved. From there, the spouses and their attorneys will each build a case designed to help them get what they want out of the divorce. Depending on the complexity and the number of issues to resolve, a contested divorce could take many months or even years to be finalized. The costs associated with the process can be astronomical, and the stress is often immeasurable for those involved.

The good news is that your divorce does not need to be this way, especially if you are able to have reasonable conversations with your spouse. This does not mean that you and your spouse see exactly eye-to-eye on every issue; it just means that you are capable of negotiating reasonably. In an uncontested divorce, at least one of you must still file the petition to dissolve the marriage. Instead of building a case against one another, however, you will sit down with your spouse and begin working out the details of your divorce. The goal is to reach a workable settlement agreement that you will present to the court for approval rather than arguing your case before the court and waiting for its decision.

What Does a Lawyer Do in an Uncontested Divorce?

If there are no arguments to be made in court, you might be wondering why you need a lawyer for your uncontested divorce. There are several reasons to hire an attorney, even if you and your spouse have already agreed on matters such as property and debt division, maintenance, parental responsibilities, parenting time, and child support. If you have not yet resolved your differences, I can help you come up with common-sense solutions that protect you, your spouse, and your children. I am trained in various methods of conflict resolution, which means that I can facilitate productive negotiations even in complex situations.

I can also assist you in ensuring that your agreement is compliant with all applicable divorce laws. Such laws in Illinois can be complicated and confusing, and a seemingly minor mistake could cause major delays in finalizing your divorce. Finally, I can identify and address potential concerns before they become serious problems. This will help make sure that your agreement provides a strong foundation for your post-divorce future.

If you and your spouse have already reached an agreement on the major issues related to your situation, I will prepare all of your necessary paperwork and file your uncontested divorce for a flat fee (plus court costs) of:

• $1,500 for a divorce that does not involve children
• $2,000 for a divorce that involves children

My flat rates and flexible payment plans are part of my commitment to you and your family. You deserve to have your interests fully protected at a price you can afford.

Schedule a Consultation Today

If you have additional questions about uncontested divorce, contact my office to get the answers. Call 630-409-8184 for a confidential consultation at the Law Office of Matthew M. Williams, P.C. today. I represent clients in Naperville, DuPage County, and the surrounding areas.