Chicago LGBTQ Divorce Lawyers

Same-Sex Divorce in Chicago

Divorcing LGBTQ couples face the same emotional and financial challenges as all couples. On the legal front, LGBTQ marriages are legal in Illinois and in the rest of the country, so the divorce laws and procedures that apply to LGBTQ couples are identical to those that govern non-LGBTQ couples.

Additionally, LGBTQ couples face the same challenges in a divorce, including the emotional consequences, allocation of parenting responsibilities, and the division of property. Nevertheless, we understand that every family is different and the needs of the spouses that we represent will vary regardless of sexual orientation.

This is why our legal solutions are individually tailored and designed to bring about optimum outcomes. Nottage and Ward, LLP, family law attorneys are highly experienced in guiding all divorcing spouses, including those that are lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender through the divorce process successfully.

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Filing for Divorce

In Illinois, LGBTQ divorces begin when one spouse files a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage. Illinois is a no-fault state, meaning the reason for seeking the divorce is simply irreconcilable differences. The filing of the divorce petition with a court in the couple's county begins the divorce process and initiates the fact-gathering phase of the divorce.

This stage is crucial to getting a fair and equitable outcome in your divorce, as any determinations in the case are likely to be based on the information discovered during this phase.

Even if you file the petition yourself, consult with an experienced Chicago LGBTQ family law attorney immediately to ensure that the facts that are presented to the court accurately reflect the circumstances of your divorce and all of your needs.

If you have been served with a divorce petition it is vital that you immediately retain counsel to respond to the petition and to ensure that your rights are represented in the process.

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Dividing Marital Assets

At Nottage and Ward, LLP, our family law lawyers counsel LGBTQ clients the same way that we counsel our non-LGBTQ clients. Ideally, all of our clients would have pre- or post-marital agreements in place that were drafted by an attorney to protect their interests.

When such agreements do not exist, our goal is to aggressively pursue a financial and asset distribution strategy that best represents our client's interests in both the short term and the long term. Both marriage and divorce evoke strong emotions; our lawyers serve as the calm oasis of logic and reason while they work to assert and defend your interests.

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Fighting for Parenting Responsibilities

Child allocation issues in LGBTQ divorces can pose some unique challenges. Including the integration of surrogacy agreements, adoption proceedings, and other legal documents and agreements that govern the children and the marriage.

When it comes to your children, a lack of experience or knowledge can be detrimental. A law firm fluent in handling child issues for LGBTQ couples can be difference in getting allocation or failing to get allocation.

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Asserting Your Rights and Protecting Your Family

Our Chicago LGBTQ divorce lawyers have decades of experience aggressively defending the interests of our clients. Whether the best outcome of your case can be found in mediation, litigation, or negotiation, our attorneys will advise you on the best course of action.

Do not hesitate to contact us at (312) 332-2915 to schedule a consultation.

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Additional Information

• It Almost Lasted Forever
• FAQs About Same-Sex Divorce in Illinois
• New Illinois Law Makes Major Changes to Divorce Process