Chicago Divorce Lawyer
Chicago Divorce Lawyer
Many people living in the Chicago area carry misconceptions about the divorce process and what it entails. A divorce is the formal end of a marriage contract, but it is also a legal process of dividing the couple’s property and determining custody of their children.
If you are planning to divorce in the near future, or if your spouse has recently filed a divorce petition our Chicago divorce attorneys can help, contact us today.
Understanding the intricacies of divorce can be daunting, which is why it is crucial to have knowledgeable legal guidance. During divorce proceedings, issues such as division of assets and debts, determination of spousal support, and the future arrangements for any children involved are carefully scrutinized. These elements warrant specific attention as they directly impact the lives of both parties post-divorce. Proper legal representation from a dedicated divorce attorney in Chicago can provide clarity on issues that often appear complex and overwhelming.
For many, the emotional strain involved in a divorce can be alleviated by ensuring that all personal and familial matters are addressed with sensitivity. Johnson O’Keefe is dedicated to providing legal guidance that not only focuses on the legal aspects but also considers the emotional well-being of the individuals involved. This approach assists in making the transition as smooth as possible for all parties involved, particularly when children are part of the picture.
Our Attorneys
Meet Your Legal Team

Myles S. Johnson
MEMBER

Genet T. Johnson
MEMBER

Shannon M. O'Keefe
CHIEF OPERATIONS OFFICER, MEMBER

Taylor K. Brice
MANAGING PARTNER, MEMBER

Jessica Lasky
DOAD, MANAGING PARTNER, MEMBER

Anne E. Hinds
MANAGING PARTNER, MEMBER

Myron L. Latney Jr.
MANAGING PARTNER, MEMBER
Why Hire A Chicago Divorce Attorney?
It’s possible to settle some aspects of your divorce privately with your spouse, and it’s common for divorcing spouses to spend time discussing their respective goals and expectations for their divorces before filing a petition. However, it is also possible for divorcing spouses to be unable to agree on anything, and the thought of negotiating mutually acceptable terms can seem impossible in these situations. Regardless of how easy or difficult you expect your divorce to be, investing in reliable legal counsel from a divorce lawyer in Chicago is a wise choice that can pay off tremendously in multiple ways.
When most people imagine divorce, they think of emotional arguments in the courtroom and impersonal judges delivering final rulings without regard for the personal dynamics at play in the legal matters. Johnson O’Keefe helps Chicago, IL, area clients navigate complex divorce situations. We will help you identify the most contentious aspects of your divorce and discern any other variables likely to cause problems in your proceedings.
Our team can assist with all preliminary court filings, helping you meet applicable deadlines and preparing you for each new phase of your divorce. When you have the opportunity to resolve aspects of your divorce privately, we will help you take full advantage of alternative dispute resolution to streamline your divorce. No Chicago divorce attorney can ever predict a specific outcome to their client, but rest assured that when you choose Johnson O’Keefe to represent you in a Chicago, IL, divorce, you will have responsive and compassionate legal counsel readily available to address the unique aspects of your divorce.
Beyond just the legal processes, a divorce attorney serves as a critical source of support and guidance throughout the emotional journey of divorce. Attorneys can manage communication with your spouse’s representation, reducing stress and potential conflict. Additionally, experienced legal counsel will anticipate potential complications, facilitating smoother negotiations and crafting effective strategies to handle disputes efficiently. Our dedicated approach aims to shield clients from unnecessary emotional turmoil while helping them achieve a favorable outcome in their divorce proceedings.
What Does Divorce Involve In Illinois?
Divorce is more than just ending your marriage contract; it is also the legal process of assigning separate property ownership rights between you and your spouse for all the marital property the two of you acquired during your marriage. Illinois uses the equitable distribution standard to resolve property division in divorce, meaning divorcing spouses should expect the fairest possible division of marital assets in their cases.
In resolving property division, some couples have significant gaps in their financial situations, which can prompt spousal support or alimony determinations. The amount paid in spousal support typically depends on the disparity between the spouses’ respective financial situations, and the time that payments must continue hinges on how long the marriage lasted.
If divorcing spouses have children together, the most important part of their divorce will be their child custody determination. The family courts of Illinois are required to preserve the best interests of any children affected by the court’s rulings. Regardless of whether you and your spouse are willing to privately negotiate some aspects of your divorce, child custody is not an issue you may resolve privately.
An experienced Chicago divorce attorney will be invaluable for crafting a custody strategy. While judges typically prefer to develop custody arrangements that provide children with as much access to both of their parents as possible, every family has different needs, schedules, and other everyday concerns that must be addressed in a custody determination. Most custody resolutions will also include terms for child support, which is money paid from a noncustodial parent to a custodial parent each month to account for their child’s basic living expenses.
Divorce proceedings in Illinois require careful attention to detail throughout each step. From initial petitions to final judgments, understanding the nuances of family law is critical to achieving a just resolution. Legal representation can assist in uncovering all relevant financial data, analyzing assets and debts comprehensively, and ensuring full legal compliance in all agreements. Illinois courts prioritize equitable and fair agreements that reflect the contributions and needs of both parties, and having skilled legal counsel is key to advocating for one’s rightful interests.
“Myles is genuine and professional, and I could not recommend him enough.”
“Very professional, and caring.”
“Quick response to questions, making the line of communication superb.”
“Myles and Genet Johnson truly helped to make a stressful situation positive, understandable and manageable.”
“My goals and the safety of my children were always the priority to the JOK team.”
“Excellent legal service provided in a professional and timely manner.”
“Professional, caring, organized.”
“Myles was firm and consistent while being very professional with the opposition.”
What To Expect From Your Chicago Divorce Attorney
Every divorce will entail multiple issues, and private resolution is possible in some situations. Johnson O’Keefe guides Chicago, IL, area clients through the divorce mediation process, a private settlement option that may help you streamline your divorce significantly, saving time and money on your dissolution. This option may not work for every divorcing couple, and although you will not be in the courtroom for the majority of your divorce proceedings with this method, you still need legal counsel you can trust to guide you through mediation.
When you choose Johnson O’Keefe to represent you in a Chicago divorce, you can expect personalized representation from our team from the outset of your proceedings. We will help you compile your financial disclosure statement, a crucial packet of financial information you must submit for the purposes of resolving all the financial aspects of your divorce. Our firm will assist you in gathering the required records and producing any supplementary information necessary for resolving complex financial matters. When it comes to more emotionally charged aspects of your divorce, like child custody, you can rely on our team for ongoing support and advice so you can make more informed decisions in this difficult area of your divorce.
Johnson O’Keefe can also provide legal support after the finalization of your divorce order. Many divorced spouses in Illinois must later return to family court to request modifications to the terms of standing family court orders. Whether you need representation for a completely new legal situation or need to revisit an old court order to address recent changes in your life, we can help. Choosing the right attorney is a valuable asset in any divorce proceeding, and our goal is to help you reach the best possible outcome in your divorce proceedings.
Clients of Johnson O’Keefe can expect not only strategic advocacy but also a holistic approach that addresses the personal intricacies of their legal matters. Our commitment to client education ensures you understand your rights and options throughout the divorce process. We place a strong emphasis on open communication, aiming to make the challenging journey of divorce more manageable by building a trusted relationship from start to finish. Comprehensive legal representation from our team involves proactive planning, conflict resolution, and constructive negotiation, all tailored to achieve the best possible outcome while minimizing stress and uncertainty.
If you are ready to speak with an experienced Chicago divorce attorney about your impending legal matter, contact Johnson O’Keefe today and schedule a free consultation with a Chicago divorce attorney you can trust.
Individualized Attention
Just as each family is unique, so is each family legal matter. We always take the time to completely understand your situation so that we can tailor our advice and strategy accordingly.
Highly Recommended
Our clients often take the time to write and thank us, not only for the results we have earned for them but also for the respect we’ve shown them.
Supportive Counsel
We never lose sight of the fact that divorce and other household conflicts can feel overwhelming. Our family lawyers will answer all of your questions to ease your burden in this difficult time.