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At Blacha Law Office, located in both Naperville and Joliet, our dedicated team specializes in delivering personalized legal counsel in family law and divorce. We understand the importance of efficiently navigating your legal matters, whether you're undergoing a divorce or expanding your family. Our commitment is to ensure that you are well-prepared to embark on a new chapter of your life with confidence and the best possible outcomes. We also handle various other legal issues, including probate, adoption, juvenile law and DCFS cases, and more.
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- KZKari ZiembaJul 10, 20205.0I would highly recommend Monika and her team at Blacha Law Office LLC for your legal needs. They were accessible, knowledgeable, efficient, honest, and caring throughout my experience. Top notch service from true experts in the field.
- AMAllison MorrisseyDec 11, 20195.0Working with the Blacha law office was a great experience . They made something I was so scared of doing so painless for my family.From day one after meeting with Jackie Desana I knew we were in the right hands. Jackie was straightforward and understanding ! Her opinions and knowledge of my situation made me feel at ease and I knew that not only was I but my daughter was in great hands . We were successful in our case and I couldn’t be happier ! I highly recommend Jackie !
- JPJeannie PezanNov 20, 20195.0Thank you for helping my kids and I through a painful and difficult process. Their office took care of me. Thanks again.
- CDcasey doodyOct 22, 20195.0I highly recommend Monika and her team! They were there for me every step of the way. I had a very complicated case to say the least. I was very discouraged by my situation and to be quite honest I thought there was no way out of it. Monika is extremely knowledgeable, a great communicator , and truly represents the best interest of her clients. I would highly recommend her services. Monika and her team gave me the personal attention that I needed. The team at Blacha Law offices went above and beyond to help me get my issues resolved. Reasonably well worth the investment for honest and stellar legal representation!
- JPJon PrzybylOct 17, 20195.0Peace is here, in large part thanks to Monika and her team! I got divorced young, and originally negotiated the process without an attorney. Earlier this year, my ex and I had a big flash point, and those weak negotiations began to crumble. Blacha Law helped us renegotiate and fix big problems from our original divorce. Having their representation during the process gave me a peace of mind that I could go on with each day and not have to stress about all the emotions involved with direct negotiation. Having a great lawyer is beyond worth it! Now on the other end of a favorable settlement I feel like a ton of bricks has been lifted off my shoulders. I would highly recommend this top notch team.
Frequently Asked Questions About Blacha Law Office, Ltd.
What locations do you serve?
The firm has offices in Joliet and Naperville. We serve clients in Will, DuPage, Cook, Kane and Kendall counties.
What practice areas do you handle?
We serve clients in a wide variety of matters, including family law and divorce, estate planning and probate, collaborative law and mediation, adoption and fertility law, family immigration and juvenile law.
Do you provide free consultations?
Yes, we provide free consultations. Contact our office at your earliest convenience, and we will be happy to arrange a consultation for you.
Why should I hire Blacha Law Office, LLC?
We provide personalized attention and effective representation in a wide range of legal matters. Our founding attorney, Monika Blacha, has a background in complex litigation dating back to 1999 and is a skilled mediator. We focus on divorce, child custody, post-decree litigation, estate administration, probate, and guardianship. Unlike some attorneys who may become less responsive over time, our team prioritizes your legal matters and keeps you informed throughout the process. We believe in offering personal attention every step of the way, ensuring that your case is handled with care. Additionally, our attorneys have received recognition for their outstanding legal service, including Super Lawyers and Avvo Clients' Choice Awards.
What are the grounds for divorce in Illinois?
Starting from January 1, 2016, Illinois operates as a "no-fault" state, which means the sole grounds for divorce are irreconcilable differences. Prior to this date, there were ten "fault" grounds for divorce, including reasons like adultery, physical cruelty, and mental cruelty. In a divorce case, a judge must establish that "efforts at reconciliation have failed" or that future attempts "would be impractical and not in the best interests of the family." To prove irreconcilable differences, one only needs to demonstrate that they have lived apart from their spouse continuously for a minimum of six months. It is possible for parties to share the same residence while leading separate lives.
How long must I reside in Illinois to file for divorce in the state?
At least one party involved in an Illinois divorce must have lived in the state for a minimum of 90 days before a judgment can be granted. You must also reside in the state for a minimum of 90 days before filing for divorce.
How is custody determined in divorce or the end of a nonmarital relationship?
While many people still use terms like "custody" and "visitation" in divorce, the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act was updated in 2016 to remove these terms. Instead, decisions about where minor children spend their time are now framed as the "allocation of parenting time and responsibility." This change aimed to reduce disputes and their intensity over the designation of the "custodial parent."
When determining parenting time and responsibility, Illinois courts prioritize the best interests of the child, ideally with the cooperation of the parents. It is expected that parents will negotiate in good faith to reach an agreement regarding parenting time and responsibility. Having a role in creating the agreement often results in better compliance.
If an agreement cannot be reached, and mediation is unsuccessful, the court will decide how to allocate parenting time and parenting responsibility (the latter involving significant decisions like education, medical care, and religious upbringing). Experts may be consulted, and a guardian ad litem may be appointed to represent the child in such situations.
What remedies are available if someone willfully violates an existing court order?
In contentious divorce cases, one party may feel unfairly treated and choose to ignore a court order. In some instances, a person may claim they lack the financial means to comply with a support order. Nevertheless, both parties have a legal obligation to follow all court-ordered decrees. A non-compliant spouse could be held in contempt of court. Seeking legal counsel from a family law attorney can help you take the necessary actions to enforce the order. If a person who is not complying with a court order cites financial hardship, they must file a formal petition to modify the existing order.
What distinguishes physical custody from legal custody?
Physical custody pertains to where the child resides, while legal custody involves decision-making regarding the child's upbringing. In cases of joint physical custody, the child divides their time between both households. On the other hand, joint legal custody grants both parents the authority to make decisions concerning the child's education, health, and religious practices.
What factors does the court examine to determine custody?
The court evaluates a multitude of factors with a focus on the child's best interests. These factors may encompass the children's ages and needs, the parent who has been the primary caregiver, parental work schedules, geographic proximity, the mental health and fitness of each parent, support from extended family, and any history of violence, abuse, or addiction. In contested custody proceedings, our legal team can assist you in presenting a compelling case.
Is it necessary for a judge to determine custody? If parents can reach agreements on physical custody, visitation, and legal custody (decision-making), the courts typically defer to these out-of-court arrangements.
What is the likelihood of one parent receiving full custody?
Illinois courts typically begin with the presumption that both parents will participate in raising the child. They rarely grant "full custody" (sole custody) unless one parent is found to be unfit. While it's common for one parent to be designated as the primary or majority parent, the other parent is usually granted regular visitation (parenting time) as well as shared legal custody.
What makes a parent unfit for custody?
Courts are hesitant to strip custody rights from parents. However, a parent may be considered unfit for physical custody due to abandonment, neglect, child abuse, domestic violence, substance abuse, severe mental health issues, or involvement in criminal activities. If a parent has demonstrated abusive or reckless behavior, the court may limit contact to supervised visitation.
Do mothers have greater rights than fathers?
No, gender does not factor into the criteria used by Illinois courts when determining custody. While it's true that mothers are more frequently granted primary custody, especially for younger children, this often reflects their role as the primary caregiver. Fathers have equal rights under the law but may require effective legal representation to assert these rights.
Can a father obtain sole custody or primary custody?
Absolutely. If the court determines that the father can provide a healthier and more stable environment or has been the primary caregiver, he may receive the majority of parenting time. As previously mentioned, sole custody is awarded to a father only if the court deems the mother unfit.
How is custody decided when parents were never married?
Marital status does not impact custody rights. An unmarried father can be granted primary or even sole custody. If the father was not involved in raising the child, he will need to establish paternity and file for visitation or supervised visitation before seeking a more significant parenting role.
Do children have a say in custody decisions?
The court considers the preferences of older children who express a desire to live with one parent, but this is just one factor in the decision-making process. Ultimately, the judge takes into account the child's age, maturity, and reasoning when making a determination.
What legal services does Blacha Law Office, Ltd. specialize in?
Blacha Law Office specializes in family law and divorce, including probate, adoption, juvenile law, and DCFS cases.
Where is Blacha Law Office, Ltd. located?
It is located at 54 North Ottawa Street, St #205, Joliet, IL 60432, United States.
What are the office hours of Blacha Law Office, Ltd.?
The office is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Which payment methods are accepted at Blacha Law Office, Ltd.?
They accept American Express, Cash, Check, Discover, MasterCard, and Visa.
How can I contact Blacha Law Office, Ltd.?
You can reach them by phone at +1 630-445-2355 or +1 630-283-1987.
Does Blacha Law Office, Ltd. have an online presence?
Yes, they have a website at https://www.napervilledivorcelawyer.com/, a LinkedIn page, Facebook page, Instagram handle (@monikablacha), and Twitter handle (@blachalawoffice).
How can nearby places help if I'm visiting Blacha Law Office, Ltd.?
Nearby places like United Way of Will County provide social services that may complement your legal needs, Pioneer Building offers professional services nearby, and Hammel Law Offices P.C. offers related legal counsel if you need additional expertise.
Are there other legal service providers near Blacha Law Office, Ltd. that I can consult?
Yes, nearby legal service providers include Pinkston Law Group, Mitchell Legal Solutions, and Kidris Law Offices, P.C., offering a variety of legal specialties.
What nearby places can I visit for support related to family law matters?
You can visit Henderson Law & Mediation Center or Flynn Parker-Ross and Associates LLC nearby, both offering services in divorce and family law that complement Blacha Law Office's services.
Are there any convenient nearby places for breaks or meals when visiting Blacha Law Office, Ltd.?
Yes, SUBWAY is nearby where you can grab a quick meal during your visit.