How to File for Divorce in Peoria IL?
A long and happy marriage, while ideal, isn’t always possible for every couple. As such, there are legal separation options for those who have grown apart or find fault in a marriage. And when asking how to file for divorce in Peoria IL, Brave Law Center, P.C. can provide you with the legal guidance you require. Count on our team to help you achieve the best possible outcome for your marriage dissolution.
The Process in Five Steps
Managing your divorce doesn’t have to be a complex process. With help from Brave Law, we can help you begin filing for divorce in five straightforward steps.
- Discuss Reason for Divorce – In Illinois, the “dissolution of marriage” falls under two major categories: fault-based or no-fault-based. For either, you have to meet specific requirements to begin the divorce process legally. In talking with your attorney, we will discuss the best option concerning your case.
- Fault-Based – You can file for divorce on the grounds that your spouse is the main reason for the separation. Such reasons include adultery, bigamy, impotence, felony convictions, mental or physical abuse, etc.
- No-Fault – Instead of placing blame on one spouse, you can file for a no-fault divorce. All required of a no-fault divorce is a statement that the marriage is “irretrievably broken.” Additionally, you must have lived separately for at least two years (or six months if you both consent to the divorce). However, living separately isn’t defined by living in different households.
- Settle on Type of Divorce – The reasoning behind your divorce might also decide how you plan to dissolve your marriage. For example, a no-fault marriage can lead to divorce mediation, allowing you to stay out of court. However, specific fault-based separations might qualify for an annulment (complete erasure of your marriage).
- Inventory Property & Finances – If it’s something you can agree on between you and your spouse, your next step should be to take an inventory of all marital and pre-marital assets and property. This can include credit card debt, real estate, bank accounts, etc. Additionally, your attorney can assist with this step.
- Adjust Legal Documents – Have you already begun the process of estate planning? While that’s great news, it also means you may need to make adjustments to your beneficiaries and wills during the divorce process. And when it comes to estate planning, Brave Law Center has you covered.
- Complete and File Divorce Documents – Finally, after all prep has been completed, it’s time to complete and file your divorce documents. Be sure to have your attorney proof and finalize any paperwork, ensuring everything is clear and concise for a judge to look over. After the filing is complete, a judge may require you to take additional steps to finalize a divorce. For example, you might need to complete mandatory divorce mediation or proceed to court. And in either scenario, Brave Law Center can be your legal guide.
Talk with Our Team
With a better understanding of how to file for divorce in Peoria IL, you can begin the separation process in full. And when you need legal assistance from local family law professionals, be sure to give the team at Brave Law Center, P.C. a call. You can contact us at 309-685-7900 to request a Request Reservation. Also, we are located at 330 NE Perry Ave, Peoria, IL 61603.
