File for Divorce in Illinois » (4TH)

Diana Brodman Summers received her JD from DePaul University College of Law and her undergraduate degree from Roosevelt University. She is an arbitrator for both the Cook and DuPage County mandatory arbitration programs and was recently appointed to the Liquor Commission for the City of Downers Grove. Ms. Summers is an active member of the Association of Trial Lawyers of America, the American Bar Association, the DuPage County Bar Association, and the Illinois State Bar Association.

Ms.

Going through a divorce is emotionally and financially challenging, but an understanding of how the process works and what forms you need to fill out can make it easier. File for Divorce in Illinois provides the latest information and necessary forms to ease your divorce process. See why File for Divorce in Illinois has been the #1 Illinois divorce manual for more than ten years.

Using Self-Help Law Books
Introduction
Chapter 1: Marriage and Divorce in Illinois
Marriage
Divorce
Psychological and Social Issues of Divorce
Counseling
Financial Aspect of Divorce
Chapter 2: Annulments and Legal Separations
Annulment
Legal Separation
Chapter 3: The Legal System
Research
County Circuit Courts
Ten Tips for Appearing in Court on a Divorce
Chapter 4: Attorneys
Needing an Attorney
Finding an Attorney
Attorney Checklist
Understanding Costs
What to Bring to Your First Meeting with an Attorney
Checklist of Documents Needed for the First Meeting
with an Attorney
Family Law Attorneys
Problems with Your Attorney
Chapter 5: Protecting Yourself and Your Children
Domestic Violence
Child Abuse
Chapter 6: Divorce Basics
Grounds
Contested
Uncontested
Collaborative Divorce
Divorce Mediation
Divorce Arbitration
Chapter 7: The Divorce Process
Steps to Getting a Divorce
Summons
Petition
Appearance and Agreement
Response to Your Petition
Divorce Trial
Disclosure Statements
Simplified Divorce
Chapter 8: Divorce Forms
In General-Circuit Courts
Forms on the Internet
Court Filing
Common Forms
Generic Forms
Checklists and Worksheets
Chapter 9: Marital Property
Marital Property
Rules of Thumb on Marital Assets
Chapter 10: Maintenance
Maintenance, Spousal Support, or Alimony
Terminating and Changing Maintenance
Chapter 11: Settlement Agreement
Marital Settlement Agreements
How Courts View Marital Settlement Agreements
Other Agreements that will Affect a Divorce
Chapter 12: Children and Divorce
Best Interest of the Child
Emotions
Children’s Bill of Rights
Paternity
Chapter 13: Child Custody
Custody Agreements
Factors Influencing Custody
Expected Custody Changes
Custody Laws
Types of Custody
Indiscretions of the Custodial Parent
Fathers and Child Custody
Custody Evaluations
Child Abduction
Counseling, Mediation, and Parenting Classes
Chapter 14: Child Visitation
The Court’s View
The Child’s Wishes
Joint Parenting Agreements
Visitation Factors
Things to Consider when Drafting a Visitation Schedule
Visitation Schedules
Changing Schedules
Common Misconceptions
Chapter 15: Child Support
How Child Support is Calculated
Factors Considered for Initial Support Order
Medical Insurance for the Children
Modification of Child Support
College Expenses
Support for Non-Minor Children
Enforcement of Child Support
Chapter 16: Grandparents’ Rights After Divorce
The Law Affecting Grandparent Visitation
Visitation
Custody
Grandparents Raising Grandchildren
Chapter 17: The Military Divorce
Selecting an Attorney
USFSPA
Survivor Benefit Plan Coverage
Chapter 18: Other Financial Matters to be Considered
Insurance
Taxes
Estate Planning
Pensions
Social Security
Chapter 19: Final Thoughts
Glossary
Appendix A: State of Illinois Judicial Circuit Courts
Appendix B: Illinois Statutes
Appendix C: Checklists and Worksheets
Appendix D: Generic Forms
Appendix E: Sample Agreements
Index