Family law matters that involve things such as custody and support can put a significant strain on a family. As you go through the legal process to resolve such matters, you want the benefit of knowing that a skilled family law attorney will be advocating for your interests.
At The Law Office of Bradley R. Tengler, P.C. in Rockford, Illinois, we recognize the financial and emotional challenges that our clients face. We understand that the attorney you choose is a crucial step in getting the best outcome for your divorce, and we make it a priority to partner with our clients so we can fully understand their goals. Our Rockford divorce attorneys, custody lawyers, and family law attorneys are committed to providing highly individualized attention for clients as well as assertive advocacy.
If you’re in the Rockford, IL area, you want an attorney who can approach your divorce or family law matter with the attention and care it deserves. We handle a variety of family law issues ranging from defending and enforcing child support obligations to adoptions, awards for maintenance, disputes over the custody of a child, annulments, and even paternity matters.
A significant part of our practice is focused on divorce and family law matters. When working with our firm, you have the benefit of knowing that an experienced lawyer will be handling your situation. We represent clients in a wide range of matters, including:
There is no charge for your first consultation. Contact us today at 815-997-5200 to arrange an appointment. Find out why we are a trusted family law resource in Rockford.
Divorce can be straightforward or extremely complex, depending on the number of assets involved and other factors. Our divorce lawyer is adept at handling all kinds of divorce and will work hard to help you bring your marriage to a swift and equitable conclusion.
Whether spousal maintenance, also known as alimony, will be awarded depends on several factors and will impact the rest of your divorce. We will work to make sure your interests are protected when it comes to maintenance.
Child support is set by guidelines, but many other factors can influence an award. We will work to ensure that your children’s interests are represented.
Illinois no longer uses the term child custody. Now, parental responsibilities may be allocated between parents along with parenting time. We will explain how the new law works and advocate for what is in the best interests of you and your children.
Family law cases involve many sensitive and often emotional issues, so it helps to know what to expect before you take legal action. The following FAQs explain how Illinois courts handle key matters such as divorce, custody, and child support.
The length of a divorce case in Illinois depends on several factors, including whether the spouses agree on major issues. Uncontested divorces often conclude quickly, sometimes within a few months. Contested divorces often take longer because the court must resolve disputes about property, custody, or support. The state requires a six-month separation period if one spouse contests the divorce, but the separation period can include living separately under the same roof. Each case moves at its own pace based on the complexity of the disagreements and the local court’s schedule.
The term “allocation of parental responsibilities” has replaced “custody” in Illinois to better describe how parents share duties and rights. Allocation of parental responsibility cases determine how Illinois law divides decision-making for a child after parents separate. These family law cases address major issues like education, health care, religion, and extracurricular activities. The court can grant one parent full authority or require both to share decisions. The focus is always on the child’s best interests, and parents can reach agreements together or ask the court to decide.
Illinois uses the principle of equitable distribution to divide marital property in divorce cases. “Equitable” means “fair” but not necessarily equal. The court looks at each spouse’s income, contributions, and future needs to determine what is fair. Marital property generally includes assets and debts acquired during the marriage. Non-marital property, such as inheritances or assets owned before marriage, usually stays with the original owner. Judges consider how each spouse handled their financial responsibilities and whether either tried to hide or waste assets in property division decisions.
Illinois courts follow state guidelines to calculate child support. Payment amounts depend on both parents’ incomes and the number of overnights each parent spends with the child. Courts use an income-sharing model to estimate what the parents would spend if they lived together, then divide that responsibility between them accordingly. Judges can adjust the result if special circumstances exist, but parents cannot agree to a lower amount than the law allows without court approval.
Yes, Illinois allows grandparents to request visitation in limited situations. The court may grant it if a parent is deceased, missing, incompetent, or has been incarcerated for at least three months. Grandparents must show that denying visitation with them would harm the child’s well-being. The court weighs factors such as the existing grandparent-grandchild relationship, the child’s preferences, and any history of conflict.
Illinois courts decide custody, or “allocation of parental responsibilities,” based on the child’s best interests. Judges review many factors, including each parent’s relationship with the child, living arrangements, and ability to meet the child’s daily needs. They also consider the child’s wishes, the parents’ cooperation, and any history of abuse or neglect. The goal is to create a stable, supportive environment that promotes the child’s well-being, and no single factor determines the outcome. The court looks at the entire family situation before making a decision.
Yes. Illinois law allows parents to request changes when circumstances change substantially. A parent might seek a modification after a job loss, relocation, or change in the child’s needs. The court reviews evidence to confirm that the proposed modification would serve the child’s best interests before granting it. Parents can agree on new terms and ask the court to approve them, or one parent can file a motion if they disagree. Until a judge approves a modification, the existing order remains in effect.
Having a comprehensive understanding of the facts of a case helps us develop the most strategic approach to resolving the issue at hand. For family law matters, we attempt to resolve issues through mediation and negotiation. Reaching a resolution through mediation is in all parties’ best interests. We promote the use of counseling services and have resources available such as co-parenting classes. We will provide the information you and your family need to overcome the matter you are facing and move forward.
Initial consultations can be scheduled at your convenience. Our family law firm is in Rockford and we represent clients throughout Illinois. Please contact us at 815-997-5200 to arrange a free consultation.
Divorce Talk Radio provides support for people suffering from the effects of broken relationships. Here you will find legal information, therapeutic resources, and common ground with other individuals who have had similar experiences – and made it through. Just like you will.
