Best Divorce Lawyers in Waukegan

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Waukegan, Illinois?

  The non-emergency phone number for the Waukegan Police Department is 847-360-9000.

• Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Waukegan, Illinois?

  Individuals who wish to obtain a copy of a police report may do so by visiting the Waukegan Police Department's Records Division, which is situated at 101 N West St, Waukegan, IL 60085. In-person requests incur a fee of $5, while mail-in requests require a fee of $10.

• What is the quickest way to get divorced in Waukegan?

  If you and your spouse can come to an agreement on all financial and child-related matters, the swiftest way to obtain a divorce is to seek the services of a lawyer who will prepare your agreements and arrange for your case to be concluded with the court. Once both parties have reached a mutual understanding, this process can be accomplished in as little as a month, or even sooner.

• In Waukegan, is it possible for your child to choose which parent he or she resides with following a divorce?

  No. In determining a child's custody in Waukegan, the decision lies with the court or the parents, not the child. However, as the child grows older, their preferences are given greater consideration, and a Guardian ad Litem appointed by the court usually takes these preferences into account. The Guardian ad Litem meets with both parties and the child to discuss the case and then gives his or her recommendations to the court.

• Can you and your spouse hire the same lawyer in Waukegan for your divorce proceedings?

  In Waukegan, a single lawyer cannot represent both parties in a divorce case. A lawyer hired by one party is also not permitted to offer legal advice to the other side. If both parties reach a consensus on the divorce terms, including the allocation of assets and liabilities, one party may hire an attorney to handle document preparation, while the other may choose to retain their own lawyer or represent themselves.

• How is child support calculated in Waukegan?

  The court uses a mathematical formula that is defined by statute, commonly known as a state law, to determine how much child support should be paid in Waukegan. Parental net income and the number of dependents are usually the first factors considered, along with how much time each parent spends with the child. Even with joint custody, child support payments may still be required. Additionally, the cost of child care and medical insurance and the potential for a parent to deliberately avoid child support by being unemployed or underemployed are also factored in by the court.

• Could infidelity affect alimony payments in a Waukegan divorce?

  In the past, committing adultery was a valid reason for divorce in Waukegan, and proving it in court could provide financial benefits to the non-cheating partner. However, the current implementation of no-fault divorce means that infidelity is no longer taken into consideration when granting divorce or determining spousal support. Although the court may occasionally consider factors linked to infidelity when determining spousal support, generally, being cheated on does not necessarily lead to receiving more alimony.