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Ending The Divorce Process – Divorce Settlements Vs Divorce Trials In Chicago Divorce Cases

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Not all marriages end in a happy, married-for-a-lifetime couple passing away peacefully together among family and friends at home while holding hands. In fact, in Chicago, and in the United States generally, it seems these days that more often than not, marriages end in the separation and divorce of the wedded couple, despite efforts to keep the marriage together. While divorce has become more and more common in Chicago over the years, the divorce process is still shrouded in mystery for many individuals and couples. Accordingly, when a married person realizes that their marriage is broken and cannot be fixed, it can be incredibly stressful and emotional to initiate the first steps of the divorce process, let alone go through the court process from start to finish. However, divorce does not always have to end in screaming matches, a lengthy, expensive, and heavily litigated court case, and two individuals who feel they were slighted by a judge’s ultimate decree. In fact, trial is not the only way that a couple can resolve a divorce, and many divorcing couples may consider the alternative: divorce settlement.

Divorce Settlements vs. Divorce Trials

A divorce settlement operates for the most part like any other settlement in a legal case. The parties come together to have a “meeting of the minds” on important issues, such as child custody and visitation, the division of assets, properties, and debts, any pet custody issues, and any other issues that must be resolved before the divorce is finalized. In the settlement context, the divorcing couple, along with their lawyers, may decide to engage in the mediation process, which is a private out-of-court negotiation process aimed at resolving complex disputes, such as divorce. In contrast, if a couple cannot agree to the specific terms of their divorce, they may need to litigate their divorce case and ultimately take the case to trial. In a trial, the parties present their cases, but the final decision is in the judge’s hands, not the couples’. Divorce trials can take time and can be costly, so often couples consider mediation and attempt to resolve their case without litigation. However, sometimes that is not possible, and the case must proceed through the formal court process.

Help with Divorce Mediation and Divorce Litigation in Chicago

Whether you and your soon-to-be-ex spouse plan to resolve your case through settlement, or you think that a full-blown trial will be necessary, it is important to speak to a Chicago divorce lawyer about your Chicago divorce case. A Chicago divorce lawyer can help you fully understand your legal rights and options, and can represent you and your interests in your Chicago divorce proceedings. The skilled and experienced Chicago divorce lawyers at Birnbaum Gelfman Sharma & Arnoux, LLC are here to help and offer a confidential consultation to learn about your divorce case. Contact the experienced Chicago divorce lawyers at Birnbaum Gelfman Sharma & Arnoux, LLC today and speak to a lawyer about your rights in your Chicago divorce case.

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