Deerfield LGBTQ Divorce Lawyer
Deciding to divorce or end a civil union is never easy, and it can be infinitely harder when your lawyer does not understand some of the more nuanced aspects of an LGBTQ divorce. Even when you know deep down that ending a marriage is for the best, the process tends to be emotionally exhausting and legally confusing. Our dedicated Deerfield, IL, LGBTQ divorce lawyer at Merel Family Law understands how stressful this can be and is here to help. If you are thinking of ending your marriage or civil union, or are already in the process of doing this and have questions, we are here to talk. Contact us today to find out how we can start helping you.
LGBTQ Divorce Lawyer Deerfield, IL
Divorcing LGBTQ couples in Illinois have to follow the same legal processes that heterosexual couples do when they are divorcing, but there are issues that are unique to LGBTQ divorces that not all family law lawyers in Illinois are familiar with. Examples of the complexities that may be specific to your divorce and LGBTQ family law are, establishing parental rights, especially if one parent is a biological parent and the other is not; when a civil union was established before the Illinois Religious Freedom Protection and Civil Union Act becoming law in 2011; when marriage was established between a couple before the Religious Freedom and Marriage Fairness Act that took effect on June 1, 2014; or when a same-sex couple purchased property and/or attained assets before the legalization of same-sex civil unions and marriages. Our firm understands and is experienced with helping LGBTQ couples end their marriages and civil unions efficiently and with the compassion, high-level service, and respect they deserve.
Illinois is a no-fault divorce state. This means that the spouse who files for divorce does not have to prove fault or wrongdoing in the marriage. They only have to claim an irretrievable breakdown in the marriage, also referred to as having irreconcilable differences. To file for divorce in Illinois, at least one spouse needs to have been residing in the state for at least 90 days prior to filing. While hiring a Deerfield LGBTQ divorce lawyer is not required for legally separating and divorcing LGBTQ couples, it is recommended that they at least discuss their situation with a lawyer who is licensed in Illinois law and experienced with the specific issues that divorcing LGBTQ couples face. If you are thinking of divorce or legal separation and want to discuss your options, we are available to talk.
Why Experience Matters In LGBTQ Divorce Cases
Having an experienced divorce lawyer on your side from the onset of your divorce or legal separation process will help make the process more efficient and less time-consuming than if you were to try to do this on your own. Having a divorce lawyer who is experienced with legal issues specific to the LGBTQ community can do this, plus it can provide you with the understanding, compassion, and respect that you deserve. When you hire a Deerfield LGBTQ divorce lawyer from our team of family law lawyers, you can rest assured knowing that your law firm:
- Has 16+ years of experience helping the LGBTQ community with their family law needs
- Is a BBB Accredited Business
- Is listed in Expertise.com’s Best Divorce Lawyers in Chicago, 2023
- Is recognized in the U.S. News & World Report in their Best Lawyers, Best Law Firms, 2023 edition
- Is recognized as being in the Nation’s Top One Percent in 2023 by the National Association of Distinguished Counsel (NADC)
If you need help with an LGBTQ divorce or other family law matter, contact Merel Family Law today.
