Palatine Divorce & Family Law Firm

Divorce is one of the most traumatic events an individual can experience in their life. In addition to the emotional distress associated with the process, there are a number of legal implications of the decision as well. From property division and spousal support to sharing parental responsibilities, there are a number of considerations to which each party must come to term.

At the Law Office of Fedor Kozlov, P.C., we have a team of experienced and competent family law attorneys who have extensive experience in handling a diverse range of family law cases in Palatine. Our primary objective is to represent your best interests and help you achieve your desired outcome in a prompt and efficient manner.

Trusted Counsel for Family Law and Divorce in Palatine

The family law attorneys at the Law Office of Fedor Kozlov, P.C. are among the highly recommended lawyers in Palatine because of their in-depth knowledge of Illinois family law and their ability to handle each case with the utmost professionalism from start to finish. We not only provide you legal advice but also strive to make your experience of working with a family law attorney in Palatine as smooth and as painless as possible.

We provide legal assistance in the following areas of family law:

Frequently Asked Questions About Divorce In Illinois

What are the grounds for divorce in Illinois?

Illinois is a “no-fault” divorce state. The only required ground is irreconcilable differences, meaning the marriage has broken down beyond repair. There’s no need to prove fault, such as adultery or cruelty. If both spouses agree, the court can waive the six-month separation requirement.

How do I start the divorce process?

To begin, one spouse must file a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage in the circuit court of the county where either spouse resides. The other spouse is then served with the petition and has the opportunity to respond. The process may include temporary orders, discovery, settlement negotiations, and ultimately a final judgment.

How long does a divorce take in Illinois?

The timeline varies. Uncontested divorces can be finalized in a few months, while contested cases involving custody, property, or support may take a year or more. Factors such as court backlog, cooperation between parties, and the complexity of assets can affect the duration.

Do I need a lawyer to get divorced in Illinois?

While legal representation is not required, it is strongly recommended—especially if children, property, or spousal support are involved. Illinois courts provide self-help resources, but navigating legal procedures without guidance can be risky.

How is property divided in Illinois divorces?

Illinois follows the principle of “equitable distribution,” meaning marital property is divided fairly, but not necessarily equally. Marital assets include income, real estate, retirement accounts, and debts acquired during the marriage. Non-marital property, such as inheritances or assets owned before marriage, may be excluded.

What about spousal support (alimony)?

Spousal maintenance may be awarded based on factors like income disparity, the length of the marriage, health, and earning capacity. Illinois uses statutory guidelines to calculate support, but courts can deviate from these guidelines if justified. Maintenance can be temporary, fixed-term, or indefinite.

How is child custody determined?

Illinois uses the term “allocation of parental responsibilities” instead of custody. Courts consider the child’s best interests, including parental involvement, stability, and the child’s wishes (depending on age). Parenting time and decision-making authority are outlined in a Parenting Plan.

Can child support be ordered during divorce?

Yes. Child support is calculated using the income shares model, which considers both parents’ incomes and parenting time. Courts may also order contributions to health insurance, childcare, and extracurricular expenses. Support orders can be modified post-divorce if circumstances change.

What if my spouse lives in another state?

You can still file for divorce in Illinois if you meet the residency requirement (at least 90 days). Illinois courts can assert jurisdiction over out-of-state spouses for property division and support, especially if they have ties to Illinois. Service of process must comply with interstate rules.

Can we use mediation or collaborative divorce?

Yes. Illinois encourages alternative dispute resolution to reduce conflict and costs. Mediation is often required in custody disputes, and collaborative divorce allows both parties to work with attorneys and neutral professionals to reach a settlement outside of court.

What happens if we reconcile during the divorce?

You can pause or dismiss the divorce proceedings at any time before the final judgment. Courts may issue temporary orders that remain in effect until the case is resolved or withdrawn.

Get Advice From Competent Family Law Attorneys in Palatine

When you choose one of our family law attorneys to represent your case, we apply our deep experience and legal knowledge to protect your best interests and achieve your individual goals. From high net worth divorce to disputes regarding alimony, property division, and child custody, our attorneys have the experience and the ability required to handle a diverse range of cases related to family law.

If you are considering getting assistance from a family law attorney in Palatine, here are a few reasons you may want to work with the Law Office of Fedor Kozlov, P.C.

Experience — We have been handling family law cases and defending the rights of our clients for more than 15 years. This in-depth experience has contributed to our legal knowledge and insight, allowing us to represent your case in a more professional and effective manner.
Customized Strategies — Unlike other law firms, we do not adopt a one-size-fits-all approach to represent your case. Instead, we listen to your needs and concerns and develop a customized strategy that suits your unique situation and preferences.
Specialization — At the Law Office of Fedor Kozlov, P.C., we only practice family law. As a result, our attorneys have developed specialized expertise in a diverse range of family law cases and are able to provide you expert legal advice.

To schedule a consultation with one of our experienced Palatine family law attorneys, please contact us at 847.241.1299.