Family Law Attorney Near Me

Family Law Attorney Near Me

No one really wants to need a family law attorney near you when it comes to family matters. However, representation from one is often necessary and your best interests. There are many reasons why it might be beneficial to secure the representation of family law lawyers near you and many different circumstances in which you might need legal counsel.

Why You Might Need a Family Law Attorney Near You

Divorce: The most common reason to need a family law attorney is for divorce proceedings. With roughly half of all marriages ending in divorce, this is a large part of an attorney’s job if they focus on family law. If you are going through a divorce, a family law attorney can:

• Help you complete and file court documentation.
• Represent you in any hearings or in front of the judge.
• Ensure that you meet applicable deadlines.
• Assist with negotiating a fair divorce settlement.
• Draft parenting time (child custody and visitation) and parental responsibility (child support) agreements.
• File for modifications of your parental agreements.
• Ensure the equitable division of assets and debts.
• Help determine if spousal support is appropriate and, if so, calculate the amounts.

Pre-and post-nuptial agreements: These days, pre- and post-nuptial agreements are more popular than ever, as they should be. When entering into a legal marriage, it’s essential to protect your assets and your future—even if you genuinely believe you will be together. This type of agreement can serve as a sort of insurance policy. If you are already married, you can still draft a post-nuptial agreement. Reach out to an experienced family law lawyer near you to learn more.

Modifications: Family courts issue parental responsibility and parenting time orders with the expectation that they are permanent. However, there can be situations that warrant changes to these orders. You can’t ask the court for modifications to the orders unless there is a substantial and long-lasting reason for them to do so. It’s typically okay to ask for a modification if:

• One parent gets a new job.
• One parent has a significant increase or decrease in income.
• One parent or the child receives a serious or permanent medical diagnosis.
• One parent’s family situation changes—for example, they have a new baby, or a child from another relationship is now an adult for whom they don’t owe child support.
• The needs or sometimes desires of the child have changed.

An attorney can help you know when it is appropriate to request a modification and help you through the process.

Adoptions: Adoptions are usually an exciting family matter, but they must be handled with care. If something isn’t completed or a deadline is missed, there could be delays in the process. There are many different types of adoptions, including:

• Stepparent/Stepchild adoptions
• International adoptions
• Open adoptions
• Foster child adoptions
• Adoptions of family members
• Newborn adoptions

Our family law attorneys can help with the adoption process, no matter what adoption you consider. We are well-versed in the Illinois adoption process, including any deadlines or requirements you need to know about. 

Seek Help from Family Law Attorneys Near You

Suppose you are dealing with any one of these family issues. In that case, it’s time to seek help from an experienced family law lawyer near you. Contact Andrea Heckman Law today to schedule a case consultation for your family matter.