What happens after the judge signs the divorce decree in Illinois?

Once the judge overseeing your divorce case signs the divorce decree, the terms of the decree constitute legal obligations. A former spouse can’t simply decide not to comply with these obligations, at least not without risking severe penalties. The decree issued at the conclusion of divorce proceedings is intended to be a permanent resolution to the case. It legally dissolves the spouses’ marriage and establishes any terms by which the former spouses must abide, such as turning over property, paying support, and adhering to child custody and visitation rules. Despite its permanent intention, a divorce decree in Illinois may be altered if changes in one or both former spouses’ circumstances warrant modification. The legal process of changing a divorce decree is known as a post-decree proceeding.

What can you do when your ex-spouse does not comply with your divorce decree in Illinois?

Depending on the nature of the noncompliance, you may have different options for legal recourse against your former spouse. A Bannockburn post-decree proceedings lawyer at the Katz, Goldstein & Warren Law Firm can assist you in assessing your options and initiating proceedings through which you can hold your ex-spouse accountable. Whether the issue is non-payment of support, failing to adhere to child custody and visitation arrangements, or something else, we’re prepared to assist you in making things right.

Can a divorce decree be modified in Illinois?

If changes in circumstances necessitate modifications to the divorce decree, one former spouse can seek to adjust the terms of an order or agreement through a Petition for Modification. To get a divorce decree modified, you are going to need to make a strong argument, backed by evidence and documentation, for changing the decree. An experienced post decree modifications attorney in Lake County, IL, can assist you with pushing for changes that better reflect the current circumstances.

When can a divorce decree be modified?

In general, the length of time since the original divorce decree is not a factor in determining when the decree can be modified. Rather, the decree can be modified anytime changes in circumstances support such modification of the terms. It’s possible for one or both of the former spouses’ circumstances to change repeatedly over the years that follow the divorce. This possibility is especially likely in instances in which the former spouses share young children for whom they must follow child custody or visitation rules and when one spouse has been ordered to pay spousal or child support on a long-term basis. Although the intention of the divorce decree was to be permanent, it’s possible that the decree may need to be modified multiple times. Your post decree modifications attorney in Lake County, IL, can help you evaluate whether your current circumstances represent a change that would warrant modification of the divorce decree.

Bannockburn Post-Decree Proceedings Lawyer | Post Decree Modifications Attorney Lake County, IL

Post Decree Modifications Attorney in Lake County, IL Assisting with Legal Modifications in Bannockburn, Cook County, DuPage County, Will County, and Throughout Northeastern Illinois

With the finalization of a divorce, the former spouses can often breathe a sigh of relief that the legal matter is behind them at last. Yet in certain situations, such as those involving child custody, child support, or maintenance payments, spouses may not fully be able to go their separate ways. Disputes can still arise, especially when one of the former spouses fails to uphold the obligations established through the divorce proceedings.

When issues with your former spouse continue to cause you stress even after the divorce is over, you need the assistance of a knowledgeable Bannockburn post-decree proceedings lawyer. The experienced team at the Katz, Goldstein & Warren Law Firm is prepared to help you enforce or modify the provisions of your divorce proceedings. For a confidential initial consultation, contact us today.

Post-Decree Proceedings in Bannockburn, Illinois

In Illinois, the formal legal process of getting a divorce begins with a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage/Civil Union and ends with a Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage/Civil Union.

Depending on the circumstances, the disputes between the divorcing couple may be resolved through mediation, collaborative process, negotiated settlements, divorce litigation, or trial.

The Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage/Civil Union decree given by the judge formally dissolves all bonds of marriage recognized under Illinois state law and ends the divorce proceedings. Any further legal matters beyond the Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage/Civil Union constitute post-decree proceedings.

Certain matters involving post-decree behavior of one or both spouses may have serious legal consequences not only within the realm of family law but potentially through civil or criminal penalties, as well. It’s in your best interests to consult a seasoned Bannockburn post-decree proceedings lawyer promptly to help you address these issues.

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Situations That Necessitate Post-Decree Proceedings

A variety of issues may arise after the dissolution of the marriage or civil union. Examples of issues with which a post decree modifications attorney in Lake County, IL, can assist you include:

Failure of one spouse to pay child support as ordered or agreed upon
Failure of one spouse to pay spousal maintenance (alimony) payments as ordered or agreed upon
Denial of visitation rights, or the custodial parent refusing to allow the non-custodial parent the parenting time ordered or agreed upon
Failure of one spouse to turn over property to the other as awarded or agreed upon
Changes in circumstances affecting one spouse’s ability to pay child support
Changes in circumstances affecting child custody

The goal of resolving divorce disputes and finalizing the legal proceedings is to end the legal process so that both former spouses can move forward with their lives. However, life after divorce doesn’t always proceed according to plan, especially when the former spouses share any ongoing financial, property, or parenting obligations. While the majority of the family discord may have been laid to rest during the process of divorce, post decree is an area of law designed to deal with changing circumstances or non-compliance with court rulings subsequent to the divorce.

Holding Former Spouses Accountable

Your former spouse agreed to or was ordered to take some action—whether it pertains to turning over property or assets, paying child support or spousal maintenance, or following child custody and visitation arrangements—and now they aren’t meeting these obligations.

You don’t have to just accept their failure to comply with the terms of the divorce. You can take action to compel them to uphold their responsibilities.

Noncompliance with an original divorce decree can lead to contempt of court proceedings. As your Bannockburn post-decree proceedings lawyer, we can request legal action, such as:

Garnishing wages to recover unpaid support payments
Garnishing bank accounts to recover unpaid support payments
Requesting an order for the offending party to appear in court for a hearing

Consequences that may arise from noncompliance with the original divorce decree are serious. During a court hearing, the judge may order time in jail or impose fines to enforce the former spouse’s compliance with previous court rulings.

Revising Orders and Agreements When Circumstances Change

Suppose your circumstances have changed since the divorce in a way that makes you unable to comply with the original divorce agreement or judgment. You may be able to have these terms modified, but it’s essential that you take swift action. Otherwise, failing to comply with the obligations established under the divorce decree could lead to your wages or bank account being garnished, having to pay fines, or even being sentenced to jail time.

Life circumstances often justify post-decree modifications. Some examples of the types of circumstances that may be grounds for modification of rulings regarding spousal maintenance, child support, or visitation include:

Losing a job
Remarrying
Moving to another location
Receiving an inheritance

Depending on the specific facts, any one of these changing circumstances may affect earlier rendered judgments. Your post decree modifications attorney in Lake County, IL, can assist you in the process of seeking changes to formal judgments or agreements.

Post-Decree Property Division Modifications

In Illinois, courts generally will not modify rulings regarding property division after the divorce has been finalized. However, there are exceptions. Namely, if there is evidence that the original decree was based on incorrect information, the court may allow the initiation of proceedings to correct the information.

Suppose one spouse is determined to have intentionally failed to disclose their full financial picture in an attempt to hide assets from their spouse. These deceptive actions aren’t just unfair to you. They’re also illegal. For violations of full financial disclosure with the intention of concealing assets, the court may find it appropriate to impose severe penalties.

How the Katz, Goldstein & Warren Law Firm Can Help with Post-Divorce Issues

At the Katz, Goldstein & Warren Law Firm, we’re prepared to support our clients with their family law matters even after their divorce rulings or settlements are finalized. We encourage our clients to keep us apprised of any issues with their former spouse that ensue after divorce, and we’re ready to step in to protect their interests at any time.

Thorough Case Preparation

Whether you’re pushing to hold your ex-spouse accountable for noncompliance or seeking changes to the divorce decree that reflect your current circumstances, you need to present a strong case backed by the facts. We approach each post-decree proceeding by gathering all of the facts and using them to fight for our clients’ best interests.

Proven Results

You can count on a Bannockburn post-decree proceedings lawyer at the Katz, Goldstein & Warren Law Firm to focus on securing beneficial results for clients in post-decree proceedings. We have a long history of achieving favorable outcomes for our clients in all areas of family law practice. Together, we can address the post-decree issues that interfere with your life after divorce.

Why Choose the Katz, Goldstein & Warren Law Firm?

Who you choose to assist with your post-decree proceedings matters. Here’s why you want your case in the hands of the Katz, Goldstein & Warren Law Firm:

Decades of experience: Trust your post-decree disputes to one of the leading family law firms in Northeastern Illinois. The Katz, Goldstein & Warren Law Firm has assisted families all over the region throughout the divorce process and beyond for more than 25 years.
A commitment to your best interests: The outcome of your post-divorce proceedings affects your entire family and your future. We’re dedicated to achieving results for you.
A compassionate approach: We understand how much post-decree issues can interfere with your life, and we’re here to help. Throughout the process of the post-decree proceedings, we’re prepared to answer your questions, provide support, and pursue the outcome that’s fair to you.

Contact a Bannockburn Post-Decree Proceedings Lawyer Today at the Katz, Goldstein & Warren Law Firm for an Initial Consultation

Matters like noncompliance and pressing reasons for decree modification are almost as serious as the divorce proceedings themselves. After all, what good is resolving disputes over property, support payments, and custody and visitation if spouses won’t or can’t uphold these obligations? The sooner you retain a Bannockburn post-decree proceedings lawyer, the sooner we can intervene and begin the legal process of pushing for accountability or changes to the divorce judgment.

For help from a post decree modifications attorney in Lake County, IL, contact the Katz, Goldstein & Warren Law Firm online or call us today.

Bannockburn Post-Decree Proceedings Lawyer