Solving Uncertainty and Heartache with Chicago Contested Divorce Lawyers
The names and scenarios in this article have been altered to maintain attorney-client privilege. This story illustrates the types of matters our Chicago contested divorce lawyers handle but for privacy reasons we never discuss case outcomes.
Elizabeth is a 33-year-old pharmacist living in Chicago, Illinois. She is currently going through a contested divorce with her soon-to-be ex-husband who is seeking favorable rulings on child custody and division of assets. This contentious legal battle has taken an emotional toll on Elizabeth. Fortunately, she has Attorney Alexandra Isroff of Sterling Lawyers guiding her through the local court process and negotiating firmly on her behalf.
With extensive courtroom and trial experience, Attorney Alexandra Isroff is a seasoned litigator in family law cases throughout Cook County. Known for her tenacious yet compassionate approach, Attorney Isroff makes clients feel heard while leveraging her knowledge to protect their rights and interests during divorce proceedings.
Elizabeth works long hours as a pharmacist at the local CVS to provide for her 8-year-old son Timothy. But her favorite part of each day is coming home to her energetic and imaginative son. Recently separated, Elizabeth now rents a small two-bedroom apartment where she and Timothy live.
While Elizabeth's ex was not an absent father, his investment banking career kept him on the road for weeks at a time. This put the bulk of child-rearing duties on Elizabeth over the years. Now heading for divorce, her ex is claiming that Elizabeth's hectic work schedule makes him the more stable parent for custody purposes. He is also pursuing an unequal division of assets in his favor.
Elizabeth is distraught at the prospect of losing primary custody of Timothy. She carries immense mom guilt about working long hours while trying to maximize their limited quality time together. The claims on the marital estate are also frustrating given the many years Elizabeth sacrificed her career for childcare while her ex traveled for work.
This contentious divorce comes at a challenging time financially for Elizabeth as well. With a modest pharmacist salary and rent payments, the extensive legal fees and court costs have been an added source of strain. And the convoluted Cook County family court system is unfamiliar to her. She needs an ally.
When Elizabeth first sat down with Attorney Isroff, she immediately felt heard and supported. Here was a knowledgeable family law attorney who showed genuine empathy while also exuding confidence and poise. This provided reassurance that Attorney Isroff could guide Elizabeth through the local court process and vigorously defend her interests.
Drawing on her breadth of experience, Attorney Isroff outlined realistic expectations and various pathways forward. She conducted exhaustive fact gathering about Elizabeth's parenting routine, finances, and marriage history to build the strongest case possible. Attorney Isroff's questioning was meticulous yet also mindful of Elizabeth's emotional state.
Attorney Isroff explained that in Cook County, custody decisions weigh the child's best interests above all else. Arguments based solely on what is fair to each parent face longer odds. As such, Attorney Isroff advised Elizabeth to highlight her efforts as the hands-on caregiver while also utilizing aftercare programs and documenting Timothy's routine. This showcased her commitment to parenting.
For the asset division, Attorney Isroff guided Elizabeth to inventory valuables and compile financial statements. This provided proof of what Elizabeth was entitled to receive. Attorney Isroff also coached Elizabeth to stay calm and constructive during the legal battle, as emotional reactions could undermine her position. With Attorney Isroff's counsel, Elizabeth built a compelling divorce case.
Local Court Procedures: Below are the key steps that attorneys use for a contested divorce:
- File the initial divorce petition
- Submit to conciliation counseling
- Initiate discovery and information exchange
- Review settlement proposal
- Arrange for witness depositions
- Attend pretrial conferences
- Request temporary orders
- Prepare for trial
- Represent client in court
- Ensure adherence to final orders
While outcomes are never guaranteed, having a knowledgeable and compassionate litigator like Attorney Isroff substantially improved Elizabeth's chances of a just ruling. With Attorney Isroff in her corner, Elizabeth could enter the courtroom with confidence knowing all possible options were explored. When your family's future is at stake, there are no do-overs if things go awry. With Attorney Ali Isroff, Elizabeth knew she had created the strongest possible case.
The names and scenarios in this article have been altered to maintain attorney-client privilege. This story illustrates the types of matters our attorneys handle but for privacy reasons we never discuss case outcomes.