Protecting Your Rights - Pursuing Your Best Interests

At Joerika Stitt Esquire, LLC, we understand that divorce can be a difficult and emotionally charged process. While we prioritize amicable solutions like mediation and collaborative divorce, we recognize that sometimes litigation is necessary to protect your rights and achieve a fair outcome.

When is Litigation Necessary?

Litigation may be the best option in situations such as:

  • High Conflict: When one or both spouses are unwilling to cooperate or negotiate in good faith.

  • Safety Concerns: When domestic violence, abuse, or threats require court intervention to ensure safety and protection.

  • Complex Financial Issues: When disputes arise over significant assets, hidden assets, or complex financial arrangements.

  • Child Custody Disputes: When parents cannot agree on custody or parenting time, requiring court intervention to determine the best interests of the child.

How We Can Help:

Our team is committed to providing skilled and compassionate representation in contested divorce cases. Here's how we can help:

  • Provide Strategic Guidance: We will explain your legal options, develop a strong case strategy, and guide you through every step of the litigation process.

  • Advocate for Your Rights: Our experienced legal team will tirelessly protect your rights and work towards achieving your goals.

  • Gather Evidence: We will conduct a thorough investigation, gather evidence, and prepare compelling arguments to present to the court.

  • Negotiate Settlements: Even in litigation, we will explore all opportunities for settlement to reach a fair resolution without the need for a trial.

  • Represent You in Court: If necessary, we will confidently represent you in court hearings and trials.

Our Experience:

Our firm's diverse background and experience uniquely qualify us to handle complex divorce litigation:

  • Legal Expertise: We possess a comprehensive understanding of divorce law and have extensive courtroom experience.

  • Social Work Foundation: Our background in social work provides valuable insights into family dynamics, conflict resolution, and the impact of divorce on children.

  • Domestic Violence Advocacy: We have a deep commitment to protecting survivors of domestic violence and ensuring their safety.

Our Approach:

We understand that litigation can be challenging. Our team is here to support you every step of the way, providing strategic guidance, strong advocacy, and unwavering dedication to achieving the best possible outcome for you and your family.

Call to Action:

Facing a contested divorce? Schedule a consultation today to discuss your legal options and how I can help you navigate this difficult time: www.joerika.com/appointments.

Experienced Litigator in Cook, Will, and Grundy Counties

I have a proven track record of representing clients in contested divorces across Cook, Will, and Grundy Counties. My experience spans from my time as a legal aid attorney to my current private practice, providing me with a deep understanding of the court systems and procedures in these jurisdictions.

Courtroom Advocacy

I am a skilled and confident litigator, prepared to advocate for your rights in court. I have extensive experience handling a wide range of contested divorce matters, including:

  • Allocation of Parental Responsibilities (Child Custody): I will fight to protect your relationship with your children and secure a parenting plan that serves their best interests.

  • Parenting Time (Visitation): I will work to ensure you have meaningful time with your children and that parenting time schedules are fair and workable.

  • Child Support: I will advocate for appropriate child support orders that meet your children's financial needs.

  • Maintenance (Alimony): I will present compelling arguments for or against spousal maintenance, depending on your circumstances.

  • Property Division: I will fight for a fair and equitable division of marital assets and debts.

  • Orders of Protection: I will represent you in obtaining or defending against Orders of Protection, prioritizing your safety and well-being.

Local Expertise

My familiarity with the judges, court personnel, and local rules in Cook, Will, and Grundy Counties gives me a distinct advantage in representing your interests effectively. I understand the nuances of each court system and can navigate the legal landscape efficiently.

If you are facing a contested divorce in Cook, Will, or Grundy County, I am here to provide skilled and compassionate legal advocacy. Contact me today to schedule a consultation and discuss your case: www.joerika.com/appointments.

FAQs

  • The duration of a divorce case varies significantly depending on several factors, including the complexity of the issues, the level of cooperation between the parties, and court scheduling. Simple cases might be resolved in a few months, while complex cases can take a year or more.

  • The cost of divorce litigation is influenced by factors such as attorney fees, court costs, expert witness fees, and the length of the proceedings. Contested divorces tend to be more expensive than uncontested or mediated divorces.

  • Illinois is a "no-fault" divorce state, meaning you don't need to prove fault to get a divorce. The most common ground for divorce is "irreconcilable differences," which essentially means the marriage has irretrievably broken down.

  • Illinois follows the principle of "equitable distribution," meaning marital property is divided fairly, but not necessarily equally. The court considers various factors, such as each spouse's contributions to the marriage, the length of the marriage, and each spouse's economic circumstances.

  • The court determines child custody based on the "best interests of the child." Factors considered include the child's wishes (if age-appropriate), each parent's relationship with the child, each parent's ability to provide a stable environment, and any history of abuse or neglect.

  • An Order of Protection is a court order that protects a person from abuse or harassment by a family or household member. It can include provisions such as prohibiting contact, granting exclusive possession of the home, and awarding temporary custody of children.

  • The court may award spousal maintenance based on factors such as the length of the marriage, each spouse's income and earning capacity, and their contributions to the marriage.

  • Discovery is the process of exchanging information between the parties in a lawsuit. It can include requests for documents, interrogatories (written questions), and depositions (oral testimony under oath).

  • If a divorce case goes to trial, both parties present evidence and testimony to the court. The judge then makes decisions on issues such as property division, child custody, and spousal maintenance.

  • Yes, you generally have the right to appeal a court's decision if you believe it was based on an error of law or fact.

  • A parenting plan is a detailed agreement that outlines how parents will share parenting time and responsibilities after divorce. It covers issues such as where the child will live, how holidays will be shared, and how major decisions will be made.

  • If circumstances change significantly after a divorce, you can petition the court to modify the divorce decree. This might involve changes to child custody, child support, or spousal maintenance.