Learn How to File for Divorce in Fulton County IL
Brave Law specializes in family law, so we can help you learn how to file for a divorce in Fulton County IL. Getting a divorce takes a lot of you emotionally and mentally. If you and your spouse stop communicating and start fighting, you should seek an accomplished legal professional for assistance. Without the help of an attorney, you will find it difficult to decide important matters regarding you and your family. During the divorce process, child custody, support payments, the division of assets and allocating property are all matters that will get decided. Therefore, you need a skilled divorce attorney who can represent you to protect your best interests. Consequently, you should contact Brave Law. Our divorce attorneys can protect your parental rights and negotiate favorable terms for you.
With your future with your child, finances, and property up in the air, you need a legal representative you can depend on to fight for you. Therefore, you need to speak with Jason B. Netzley at Brave Law. Schedule a consultation now by emailing us at info@getbravelaw.com or by calling 309-228-9254.
What Are the Types of Divorce in Fulton County IL?
Before learning how to file for a divorce in Fulton County IL, you need to understand how divorce is defined in the Illinois legal system. Our state defines a divorce as a dissolution of a marriage. Furthermore, Illinois allows for two kinds of divorce:
- Fault Divorce – This is a divorce in which one spouse proves the other spouse engaged in some form of marital misconduct. Consequently, the necessary grounds for divorce are reached and the marriage should get dissolved.
- No-Fault Divorce – This is a divorce in which one spouse declares the marriage irretrievably broken. This sort of divorce does not require proof of a spouse engaging in marital misconduct.
In addition, Illinois has a few other requirements that Brave Law divorce attorneys can explain to you. For instance, an individual is required to live in the state for a minimum of 90 days before filing for divorce in Illinois. Consult with Brave Law divorce attorneys for all the assistance you need with a divorce in Fulton County IL.
Preparation of Divorce Forms
With the definition of divorce out of the way, now we can review how to file for divorce in Fulton County IL. The Illinois Legal Aid Online resource page makes many of the forms you need to file easily accessible. You must decide the type of divorce for which you want to file. The state Supreme Court publishes many of the standard divorce forms. Next, you will need to file a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage. Essentially, this written request states that you want to divorce your spouse. Fulton County also provides access to required local forms online. Brave Law divorce lawyers can help you prepare all of the forms properly.
Filing Divorce Paperwork
Filing divorce paperwork with the Fulton County Circuit Clerk is the next required step in how to file for divorce in Fulton County IL. The courthouse is located at 100 North Main Street in Lewistown IL. You should call the clerk’s office before attempting to file the paperwork. Make sure when you call to ask about the amount of the fee for filing the divorce. You will need to pay the fee when you file the paperwork. If you prefer, Brave Law divorce lawyers can prepare and file the divorce papers on your behalf. Consequently, you can save some of the time and hassle it takes by doing it yourself.
Serving Your Spouse with Divorce Papers
The penultimate step in how to file for divorce in Fulton County IL is getting the sheriff’s office or a process server to serve your spouse with the divorce paperwork. The court can also permit you to use an uninvolved third-party who is over 18 to deliver the forms. As far as “serving” a spouse, these means that you are providing your spouse with copies of the divorce paperwork you filed with the court. If the sheriff office delivers the paperwork, you should get proof of service paperwork that you should file with the court.
Finalizing the Divorce
Reaching an agreement on terms of the divorce is the final required step in how to file for divorce in Fulton County IL. If both parties mutually agree on division of assets, property, support payments, and child custody issues, this step in the process can go quickly. However, disagreements between the parties can complicate matters a great deal. If that happens, get Brave Law attorneys to represent you to negotiate favorable terms in the dissolution of your marriage.
Schedule a Consultation
Speak with Brave Law Center lawyers if you need any help in the process of how to file for divorce in Fulton County IL. We can draft legal documents, advise, and negotiate for you during the divorce. Give us a call today at 309-228-9254 to start getting the legal assistance you need. If you prefer, you can also contact us online to request a consultation. Our local office is located at 156 North Adams Street in Lewistown IL.
