Chicago Divorce Attorneys

Are You in Need of a Divorce Attorney in Chicago?

Not every separation starts in court, but nearly every divorce can benefit from experienced legal counsel. If you are considering divorce or have already been served with divorce papers, it is important to understand your rights and obligations under Illinois law.

You may need a divorce attorney if:

• You and your spouse own property, investments, or a business
• You have children and need to establish parental responsibilities
• You expect disputes over maintenance (alimony) or asset division
• You signed a prenuptial or postnuptial agreement
• You are in a same-sex marriage and face unique legal concerns

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Why Choose Us Over Other Divorce Attorneys?

There are many divorce lawyers in Chicago, but few combine deep experience with the tailored, thoughtful service we provide. At Nottage and Ward, we do not take a one-size-fits-all approach. Here’s what makes us different:

• Focused Practice: We practice exclusively in family law, allowing us to stay ahead of legal developments and strategies.
• Decades of Experience: Founded in 1988, we have over 35 years of experience handling complex and high-asset divorce cases.
• Discretion and Privacy: We understand the importance of confidentiality, especially for high-profile individuals or business owners.
• LGBTQ+ Advocacy: We have extensive experience representing same-sex couples in divorce, allocation of parental responsibilities, and dissolution of civil unions.
• Sensitivity + Strength: Our approach balances compassionate client service with assertive legal representation when needed.

Protect Your Future With the Right Legal Guidance

Whether you're facing a high-asset divorce or parenting time dispute, our attorneys can help you plan a clear, informed path forward.

Call (312) 332-2915 to speak with a Chicago family law attorney today.

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Divorce Laws in Chicago

Divorce in Chicago is governed by Illinois state law, specifically the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act (IMDMA). Below are some key legal points to understand:

No-Fault Divorce

Illinois is a no-fault divorce state, which means that neither party needs to prove wrongdoing to seek a divorce. The only required ground is that "irreconcilable differences" have caused an irretrievable breakdown of the marriage.

Residency Requirements

To file for divorce in Illinois, one of the spouses must have resided in the state for at least 90 days before filing.

Property Division

Illinois follows the principle of equitable distribution, which means marital property is divided fairly, though not always equally. Factors considered include the length of the marriage, each spouse's contributions, and their financial circumstances.

Maintenance (formerly Alimony)

Courts may award maintenance based on the income and needs of both parties, the standard of living established during the marriage, and each person’s earning capacity. Spousal maintenance is not automatic and varies significantly case by case.

Parental Responsibilities and Parenting Time

If children are involved, the court will allocate decision-making responsibilities (education, healthcare, religion, etc.) and establish a parenting time schedule based on the child's best interests. Illinois no longer uses the term "custody."

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How a Chicago Divorce Lawyer Can Help

While it may be tempting to try to navigate divorce on your own, especially if it begins amicably, the legal and financial consequences of uninformed decisions can be lasting. A qualified divorce attorney serves as your guide, advocate, and protector.

At Nottage and Ward, LLP, we help our clients by:

• Explaining your rights and responsibilities under Illinois law
• Identifying and valuing marital vs. non-marital assets
• Advocating for fair maintenance and property division
• Developing parenting plans that support your child's well-being
• Negotiating settlement agreements that prevent future disputes
• Litigating complex or high-conflict matters in court when necessary

We also work with financial professionals, business valuation experts, and forensic accountants to ensure that every detail is accounted for—especially in cases involving professional practices, stock options, and real estate portfolios.

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Preparing for Divorce

A successful Illinois divorce requires preparation on three levels: emotional, financial, and legal. Before you initiate a divorce:

1. Get your documents in order. This means making copies of important financial documents and keeping them in a secure place (not in your house, car, or anywhere else your spouse has access). Both you and your spouse will need access to financial documents when your case is filed. Critical financial papers include tax returns, insurance policies, bank statements, investment accounts, salaries, and benefit or retirement program information. Keep your documents secure. Obtain a safe address for your personal mail.
2. Track your expenses. Keep an accounting of all expenses, especially your children's expenses. There are simple computer bookkeeping programs that can assist you here. Save receipts. While still married and living together with your spouse, it is advisable to save all of the receipts for major purchases and prepare an inventory of all of the property and assets acquired during the marriage. Keep a current inventory of your safe deposit box.
3. Review and establish credit. If you do not have it already, establish your own personal credit history (gasoline credit cards, department stores, and national credit cards such as Visa, MasterCard, etc.). Review your credit report and your spouse’s credit history.
4. Be prepared to open a bank account in your name. Choose a bank that is separate from where you hold a joint account or where your spouse does business.
5. Do not commingle marital and non-marital property. Any property you or your spouse had before you got married, or property that you inherited or received as a gift during your marriage, is non-marital property. Keep all non-marital property separate from the marital estate. Do not put non-marital property into joint names with your spouse and do not use your non-marital money to pay for family expenses or purchases, or to pay down debts.
6. Don't quit your job. Do not quit or leave your job if you are employed. It is important to maintain and secure your financial independence and earn enough to maintain assets such as your home.
7. Don't sign any papers. Do not sign any documents, contracts, promissory notes, deeds, mortgages, etc., if your spouse requests you to do so. The consequences of signing any documents or papers may be irreparable and highly prejudicial to your legal and financial rights upon a divorce.

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Are There Other Options for Ending a Marriage?

There are a few alternatives in the state of Illinois. Ending a marriage does not necessarily mean going to trial anymore; particularly, because spouses are required to attend mediation for child allocation-related issues and concerns, and may be ordered to try mediation to resolve the equitable division of assets.

• Mediation: Couples may choose mediation to negotiate various issues and come to an agreement in a non-adversarial way. Mediation involves spouses meeting with a neutral mediator to sort out any disputes involving division of assets, finances, and child allocation and parenting time rights. Mediation can be conducted with, or without, the participation of the attorneys.
• Collaborative Divorce: If a couple can reach an agreement on most divorce-related issues, but still need help negotiating other matters, the spouses can bring in their attorneys to arrange the final details of the divorce settlement. This option also requires that each spouse agree that the case will not go to court and that each party will cooperate and make a sincere effort to negotiate in good faith.
• Legal Separation: Unlike traditional divorce, a legal separation will allow the spouses to address the same legal issues, such as division of assets and child allocation, but remain legally married. The couple will have the opportunity to live apart and divide responsibilities without officially ending the relationship. However, neither spouse can remarry after a legal separation. For either spouse to remarry, they have to legally divorce.

Experienced Counsel for Complex Divorce Matters

From property division to parenting plans, Nottage and Ward, LLP handles high-stakes divorces with strength and discretion. Reach out at (312) 332-2915 for a consultation today.

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Contested vs. Uncontested Divorce

Contested divorces occur when one or both spouses have unresolved issues that will require a third party to settle. Typically, these issues include allocation of parenting time, child and spousal support, and the division of property. If an agreement cannot be reached between the two parties, the case will proceed to trial to be heard in front of a judge.

Uncontested divorces are a much quicker and less expensive way to end a marriage. They require both spouses to come to an agreement on all relevant issues. A judgment and other necessary documents must be drawn up so they can be officially filed with the court.

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Post-Decree Modifications

Even after a divorce is finalized, there is potential for the process to continue. Because life circumstances and needs often change, it might be necessary to seek a post-decree modification to a divorce settlement. This usually happens when one party encounters a significant increase or decrease to his or her income, which could be the result of a remarriage, job loss, job promotion, or medical condition. It is also common when one of the parents is requesting child relocation, a change in allocation of parental responsibility, or an adjustment to the current parenting time.

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Reasons to Call a Chicago Divorce Attorney Right Away

The earlier you speak to a divorce attorney, the more control you have over the outcome. Many critical decisions are made early in the process, often before paperwork is filed or court hearings are scheduled.

Here are five reasons to contact Nottage and Ward, LLP as soon as possible:

1. Preserve Evidence: Financial documents, communication records, and other assets can become harder to access over time. Acting quickly ensures you're fully prepared.
2. Protect Assets: We can help prevent a spouse from hiding or misusing marital funds during the separation process.
3. Plan Strategically: The decisions you make now about parenting time, finances, and living arrangements can affect your case long-term.
4. Reduce Conflict: An attorney can help guide conversations and negotiations before they escalate into full-blown legal battles.
5. Avoid Mistakes: Even simple paperwork errors can delay your case or affect the division of property. Early legal guidance helps you avoid costly missteps.

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What People Are Saying About Us

I am thankful that I had Jeffrey on my side- Lonnie (5-Star Avvo Review)

Terrific, aggressive attorney. Jeffrey is a force in the courtroom. Period. If you want an attorney who will aggressively and successfully advocate for you, then this is the attorney for you. I am thankful that I had Jeffrey on my side and not against me.

An experienced and knowledgeable attorney - Gil (5-Star Avvo Review)

An experienced and knowledgeable attorney for divorces. After a very frustrating experience with another attorney on my divorce, I shifted to the firm of Nottage and Ward, LLP, and ended up working with their attorney, Jeff Knipmeyer, to represent me. He was very knowledgeable, well-organized, and tough when he needed to be in order to move the case forward. His experience in contested divorces was very helpful to me at an extremely difficult time. I especially appreciated the fact that he did not sugarcoat the situation and was very straightforward with me about what to expect, and what I needed to do.

When the Stakes Are High, Choose a Firm That Understands

Nottage and Ward, LLP has decades of experience guiding clients through divorce. Contact us today at (312) 332-2915 to protect your family and your future.

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Chicago Divorce FAQs

How long do I need to live in Illinois before I can file for divorce?

To file for divorce in Illinois, either you or your spouse must have lived in the state for at least 90 days before filing.

Do I need a reason to file for divorce in Illinois?

No. Illinois is a no-fault divorce state. The only legal ground for divorce is “irreconcilable differences,” which means the marriage has broken down beyond repair.

What’s the difference between marital and non-marital property?

Marital property includes most assets and debts acquired during the marriage, regardless of whose name is on the title. Non-marital property may include assets owned before the marriage, inheritances, or gifts specifically given to one spouse.

How is property divided in an Illinois divorce?

Illinois uses equitable distribution, meaning marital assets are divided fairly—but not always equally. The court considers factors such as each spouse’s contributions, income, earning potential, and needs.

What if my spouse and I disagree about our parenting plan?

If you can’t reach agreement on how to allocate parental responsibilities or parenting time, the court will make a decision based on the best interests of the child. Our firm has significant experience handling parenting disputes and developing comprehensive parenting plans.

What should I do if my spouse is hiding assets?

Concealed assets are not uncommon in high-net-worth divorces. Our attorneys work with forensic accountants and financial professionals to uncover hidden income, bank accounts, or business holdings and ensure fair distribution.

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Meet Our Attorneys

Jeffrey Knipmeyer

Jeffrey Knipmeyer is the managing partner of Nottage and Ward, LLP, where he focuses exclusively on complex family law matters. With more than 25 years of legal experience, Jeff has represented business owners, professionals, and high-net-worth individuals in divorce proceedings involving intricate financial portfolios, closely held businesses, and sensitive parenting disputes.

Jeffrey Knipmeyer is licensed to practice law in Illinois.

Leslie Fineberg

Leslie Fineberg is a partner at Nottage and Ward, LLP and has devoted her legal career exclusively to family law. With over 30 years of experience, Leslie represents clients in complex divorce proceedings involving the division of significant assets, business interests, and retirement accounts. She also handles disputes involving the allocation of parental responsibilities and parenting time.

Leslie Fineberg is licensed to practice law in Illinois.

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Additional Information

• Why Celebrity Divorces Are Often Filed in Private: Can You Seal Yours in Illinois?
• Second (or Third) Marriage? How to Keep the Peace (and the House)
• No-Fault Divorce in Illinois
• Should I Get a Divorce During the Holidays?