Chicago Attorneys Who Handle Religious Divorce

Are You in Need of a Chicago Religious Divorce Attorney?

Religious traditions play a central role in a lot of marriages, and religion may be an important consideration when a marriage ends. For many couples in Chicago, a civil divorce alone is not enough. Religious law, custom, and community expectations may require additional steps to formally recognize the end of a marriage.

At Nottage and Ward, LLP, we understand that divorce is not always just a legal matter; for many couples, it’s a deeply personal and spiritual journey. We are here to help clients manage the complexities of religious divorce alongside their legal proceedings, to help ensure that both legal and faith-based concerns are handled with sensitivity and respect.

Whether you need a civil divorce that aligns with your faith requirements, or if you’re looking for guidance on how to approach religious dissolution in tandem with legal proceedings, Nottage and Ward, LLP offers compassionate support.

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Why Choose Us Over Other Chicago Religious Divorce Lawyers?

Not all divorces are the same. When religious obligations or community standards are part of your marriage, a standard divorce may not be sufficient to fully resolve the relationship in a way that honors your beliefs and responsibilities. Whether you are Jewish and require a "get," Muslim and need a talaq or khula process acknowledged, or a Catholic seeking annulment, you need a lawyer who respects your faith and understands how it intersects with civil law.

Nottage and Ward, LLP provides experienced legal counsel to individuals navigating divorce with strong religious components. Our Chicago divorce lawyers can advise you on how to complete your legal obligations through the court while also respecting and working within the framework of your religious tradition. Our goal is to support you through every stage of this process, legally, emotionally, and spiritually.

Here's why so many people have come to trust our firm:

• Over 35 Years of Family Law Experience – Our firm was founded in 1988 and has decades of experience handling complex and sensitive divorce cases.
• Client-Centered Approach – We listen first and tailor our legal strategies to meet each client's unique religious and personal needs.
• Listed in the Martindale-Hubbell Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers – Based on skills, ethics, and professional experience.
• Cultural and Religious Sensitivity – We handle cases involving Jewish, Muslim, Catholic, Protestant, Eastern Orthodox, and Mormon clients with discretion and respect.
• Known for Defending Clients with Sensitivity and Strength – Our approach combines legal skill with emotional intelligence.
• Tailored Solutions for Complex Situations – We create individualized plans that integrate legal requirements with religious expectations.
• High-Level Experience with Same-Sex and Interfaith Divorce – We understand the added complexity these cases can bring.

Need a Divorce That Honors Your Faith?

Our attorneys understand the intersection of civil and religious divorce. Contact Nottage and Ward, LLP today at (312) 332-2915 for trusted legal support.

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How an Experienced Chicago Religious Divorce Attorney Can Help

Navigating a divorce that involves religious components requires a legal advocate who can do more than file court documents. You need an attorney who can bridge two systems: the civil court system and the traditions or formal procedures of your faith.

Bridging Two Systems

A religious divorce is not a substitute for a legal divorce. You will still need to go through the court system to dissolve your marriage legally, divide property, determine maintenance, and establish parenting responsibilities.

We understand that many faiths have their own processes to formally end a marriage within the religious community. Our attorneys help clients understand where civil law ends and religious obligations begin. We work to ensure that the outcomes in court do not conflict with or undermine what you may need to complete religiously.

Understanding Nuances of Faith

Religious traditions vary not only between faiths, but often within them. For example, in Orthodox and Conservative Judaism, securing a get (religious divorce) is required before either spouse can remarry in the faith. Followers of Reform Judaism may also wish to seek a get.

In Islam, the steps for talaq (husband-initiated divorce) or khula (wife-initiated divorce) vary depending on the denomination and country of origin. Catholics often pursue an annulment after civil divorce to allow for remarriage within the Church.

Understanding these differences is critical to achieving a resolution that is respectful, complete, and acceptable to both the civil courts and the religious community. Our legal team works with clients to navigate the specific expectations of their tradition.

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Liaising With Religious Leaders

We understand that religious divorce often involves communication with rabbis, imams, priests, elders, or other spiritual authorities. Our lawyers can collaborate with your religious leaders to ensure that the legal proceedings support, or at least do not hinder, the faith-based aspects of your divorce. We can also provide letters, court documents, or settlement agreements as needed to assist in the religious process.

Balancing Faith With Illinois Divorce Law

Let us guide you through your divorce with respect for both your legal and religious obligations. Call Nottage and Ward, LLP at (312) 332-2915 to schedule a consultation.

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A Religious Divorce Is Separate from a Legal Divorce

This is one of the most important points to understand: a religious divorce does not replace a civil divorce, and vice versa. If you only complete a religious divorce, your marriage is still legally valid under Illinois law. Only a court-issued judgment of dissolution legally ends your marriage and gives you the right to divide assets, seek spousal maintenance, and allocate parental responsibilities.

On the other hand, many individuals of faith will not consider themselves fully divorced until the religious process is complete. For some, this affects their ability to remarry or maintain good standing within their community. Our attorneys respect this dual framework and are committed to helping you complete both legal and religious obligations with integrity.

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We Work With a Range of Faith Traditions

At Nottage and Ward, LLP, we have experience supporting clients from a variety of religious backgrounds. We understand that the needs of each faith are unique, and we approach each case with careful attention to your beliefs and community standards.

Catholicism

Catholic clients often seek annulments through the Church following a civil divorce. While we do not conduct the annulment process itself, we can help by preparing relevant court documents and supporting you with information or statements required by your diocese. We also ensure that property settlements and parenting plans align with what is expected in Church processes.

Protestantism

Protestant denominations vary widely in their approach to divorce. Some require counseling, pastoral involvement, or reconciliation attempts. We respect these frameworks and can work alongside your church leadership to ensure that your legal steps are informed by your religious commitments.

Eastern Orthodox

Eastern Orthodox Christians often require a spiritual divorce or ecclesiastical divorce granted by a bishop. This process is handled separately from the civil court case but can be emotionally and socially significant. We assist clients in managing these parallel processes smoothly.

Judaism

In certain Jewish denominations or movements, a get is essential to complete a divorce within the faith. Without it, a spouse may become an agunah or chained spouse, unable to remarry. We help ensure the civil process is structured in a way that facilitates this religious step, and we can include the get as part of the settlement agreement if needed.

Islam

Islamic divorce may involve a talaq (initiated by the husband) or a khula (initiated by the wife and often requiring consent from the husband or imam). We assist clients in navigating both the religious and legal aspects of these processes and can provide language or documentation for religious authorities if needed.

Mormonism

Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints may seek a cancellation of sealing through the Church in addition to a legal divorce. While this is a spiritual process, we can assist with coordinating the timing and requirements to avoid unnecessary stress or confusion.

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Compassionate Guidance Through Faith-Informed Divorce

At Nottage and Ward, LLP, we understand that religious divorce involves more than paperwork; it involves family, community, and personal values. We work hard to ensure that your civil divorce is handled with excellence, while also supporting you in fulfilling any religious obligations important to you.

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What Clients Are Saying About Us

She has continuously looked out for my best interests-Anonymous (5-Star Avvo Review)

Leslie has been the strongest representation I could ask for in a very complicated emotional matter. She has continuously looked out for my best interests & the best interest of my son. Always prompt in getting back to me & keeping me well informed.

I cannot recommend this firm enough-Alissa R. (5-Star Yelp Review)

Jeff Knipmeyer handled my case with total professionalism and negotiated a great settlement, all within a quick time frame. I cannot recommend this firm enough for your family legal needs. It’s tough enough to have to go through a divorce, but If you are looking for an attorney who knows the law and is working in your best interests, you found it.

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Speak With a Trusted Chicago Religious Divorce Attorney Today

If you are facing divorce and your faith plays a strong role in that process, we are here to help. The attorneys at Nottage and Ward, LLP combine decades of family law experience with a respectful approach to faith-based concerns. We work closely with you to ensure your divorce meets legal standards and religious expectations.

Call us today at (312) 332-2915 to schedule a consultation. Let us help you move forward in a manner that’s respectful to your religious concerns.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is a religious divorce?

A religious divorce refers to the process of ending a marriage according to the laws or customs of a particular faith tradition. This is separate from a civil divorce, which is handled through the court system.

Do I still need a legal divorce if I get a religious one?

Yes. A religious divorce does not end your marriage under Illinois law. To be legally divorced, you must obtain a judgment of dissolution through the court system.

Can your firm help with both the legal and religious aspects of divorce?

We focus on the legal side of divorce but are experienced in helping clients coordinate their legal case with their faith-based requirements. We work closely with religious leaders and provide documentation to support your religious process when needed.

How does a religious divorce differ from a civil divorce?

A civil divorce deals with legal matters like property division, spousal maintenance, and parental responsibilities. A religious divorce may involve spiritual practices, religious court proceedings, or community obligations that are not recognized by civil law.

Does your firm work with all faith traditions?

Yes. We have experience working with clients from a variety of religious backgrounds, including Catholic, Jewish, Muslim, Protestant, Eastern Orthodox, and Mormon traditions. We approach each case with respect for your beliefs and practices.

What if my spouse won’t cooperate with the religious divorce?

In some faiths, such as Judaism or Islam, the cooperation of both spouses is often required. While we cannot enforce religious rulings, we can help structure your legal divorce in ways that encourage or support compliance with religious obligations.

Can you help with obtaining a get, talaq, or annulment?

We do not issue religious divorces ourselves, but we support clients by working with their religious authorities. We can help ensure the legal process does not conflict with the steps needed to obtain a get, talaq, annulment, or other religious resolution.

Do religious divorces affect custody or property decisions?

Not directly. Civil courts make decisions about property and parenting based on Illinois law, not religious law. However, if both parties agree, faith-based considerations can sometimes be reflected in the settlement terms.

What role do religious leaders play in the divorce process?

Religious leaders may guide you through the spiritual or procedural aspects of your faith’s divorce process. We often coordinate with them to make sure that legal outcomes align with religious expectations, when appropriate.

Why should I choose a family law firm with experience in religious divorce?

Religious divorce often involves sensitive, personal concerns that overlap with legal obligations. A firm like Nottage and Ward, LLP understands how to bridge the legal system and your faith tradition with professionalism and care.

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Meet Our Divorce Lawyers in Chicago

Leslie Fineberg

Leslie Fineberg is a founding partner at Nottage and Ward, LLP, bringing over three decades of focused experience in family law. Known for her strategic thinking and compassionate counsel, Leslie represents clients in complex divorce cases involving high net worth assets, business valuations, parental responsibility, and same-sex family matters. She approaches each case with a commitment to resolving disputes in a way that minimizes emotional and financial strain while fiercely protecting her clients’ rights.

Leslie is recognized for her work on cases that require sensitivity to religious, cultural, or personal values. Her thoughtful, detail-oriented style and her ability to navigate high-conflict situations make her a trusted advocate for individuals facing some of life’s most challenging transitions.

With a reputation for excellence in the Chicago legal community, Leslie continues to lead with integrity, discretion, and a deep respect for the personal nature of family law. Her dedication to achieving fair, meaningful results has earned the trust of both her clients and her peers.

Jeffrey Knipmeyer

Jeffrey Knipmeyer is the Managing Partner at Nottage and Ward, LLP, where he focuses exclusively on family law with a commitment to providing strong, practical representation for clients navigating complex divorce and custody matters. With decades of experience, Jeff has earned a reputation for balancing strategic legal insight with an empathetic, client-first approach, especially in high-asset divorce, allocation of parental responsibilities, and cases involving religious or cultural considerations.

Jeff is known for his ability to resolve difficult issues efficiently while remaining sensitive to the deeply personal nature of family law disputes. He believes that effective representation means offering clients clear communication, personalized strategies, and steadfast support through every phase of the legal process.

Respected by peers and clients alike, Jeff brings a calm, thoughtful presence to emotionally charged situations, advocating for solutions that protect both legal rights and long-term well-being. Whether in negotiation or litigation, he is committed to achieving results that serve the best interests of the individuals and families he represents.

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Additional Information

• Divorce and Child Custody When It Comes to Religion