Divorce Appeal Lawyer Chicago, IL

Unhappy With Your Divorce? Our Appeals Attorneys Are Here!

Many people end up unhappy with the final result of their divorce. Maybe they felt forced into an unfair settlement, because they ran out of money to fight. Maybe their divorce went to trial, and the judge ruled against their petitions. Is this you? Are you fuming, stewing, and wondering what you can do to change the terms of your divorce decree? You may be able to file an appeal, but it can be more complicated than appealing other types of legal decisions. Our Chicago, IL divorce appeal lawyer evaluates your situation, including every line of the trial transcript, to determine if you meet Illinois’ eligibility for filing a divorce appeal.

Divorce decrees are complex legal transactions; altering them isn’t easy. Usually, the only time you can file an appeal is if you can prove that the judge made an error when interpreting Illinois family law statutes. You cannot file an appeal just because you disagree with the judge’s decision; there must be a question of law and its interpretation for your case to have a chance. At Merel Family Law, we have a deep understanding of the Illinois family law codes, pay close attention to changes in case law that affect their interpretation, and are uniquely equipped to help you file a successful divorce appeal. We’re ready to take on the most challenging cases, so please call us today for a complimentary case review.

Illinois Laws Governing Divorce Appeals

We noted that the only grounds for appeal in an Illinois divorce are when you and your Chicago divorce appeal lawyer can prove that the judge made an error when interpreting family law statutes. For example, if the judge assigned child support payments based on false claims of income of one spouse, or if the judge admitted evidence into a hearing or trial, that legally should have been inadmissible.

Identifying these errors takes time, scrutiny, and a deep knowledge of Illinois laws. Our legal team has the resources and attention to detail to carefully review each line of your hearing or trial transcript, identify legal errors, and compare the judge’s decision with case law and current statutes.

If you believe you have grounds for an appeal, though, it’s vital to act quickly. You only have 30 days from the issuance of the divorce decree to file your appeal. Appeals are filed with an Illinois appellate court; in Chicago, yours will be filed with the Illinois Appellate Court First District, which hears appeals from Cook County. Appellate courts have three judges who evaluate the appeal and determine whether to uphold the trial judge’s decision or determine if there was, in fact, a legal error.

Your appeal contains the reason for the appeal and mistakes in the initial trial. Then, the appellate court may do one of several things:

• Decide that the original decree was correct (and you’re out of options outside of a modification of terms)
• Determine whether part or all of the decree was made in error and:
• Amend your decree to correct the mistake, OR
• Send the case back to the county divorce court, where there will be a retrial

It’s difficult to successfully appeal a divorce in Illinois. The attorneys at Merel Family Law have an impressive track record of achieving success where other firms fail. We’re here to help you get results. Call us today to speak with our Chicago divorce appeal lawyer.

Types Of Divorce Cases We Handle

At Merel Family Law, we bring decades of focused experience to every family law matter we handle. Since 2009, Attorney Jonathan Merel has led our firm with the goal of challenging the idea that effective legal support must come from a large, impersonal firm. Instead, we’ve built a practice that combines the resources of a big office with the one-on-one attention clients deserve. With a combined 221 years of experience, our team is committed to helping individuals and families move forward with confidence. If you’re looking for a trusted Chicago, IL divorce lawyer, you can count on us to take your concerns seriously.

Contested Divorce Cases

When a divorce is contested, this means that the divorcing spouses cannot agree on one or more significant issues. When this is the case, the divorce process often takes longer and requires a strong advocate to make sure that what is settled on is fair to you. We represent clients in contested divorces involving disputes over property, custody, and support.

Uncontested Divorce Cases

Some couples are able to work out all the terms of their divorce without court intervention. In those cases, we help finalize the agreement and guide clients through each legal requirement.

High Net Worth Divorce

Dividing significant assets can create tension and legal challenges. We have experience working with business owners, executives, and professionals, helping them protect what they’ve built.

Divorce Involving Children

When children are involved, we focus on helping our clients protect their relationships and reach fair agreements on parenting time and decision-making responsibilities. When children are involved, their needs take the front seat and we will fight to make sure that their physical and emotional needs are taken care of.

Divorce With Business Interests

When one or both spouses own a business, we work with financial professionals to evaluate the value and determine a reasonable approach to division or buyout.

Same-Sex Divorce

Same-sex couples face many of the same legal issues as other divorcing couples, but unique concerns can arise. We represent individuals in these matters with care and clarity.

Divorce Due To Domestic Violence

If abuse is a factor in the divorce, we help clients seek protective orders and represent them through the entire legal process with a focus on safety and long-term security. No divorce is easy but we understand how emotionally challenging leaving an abusive relationship is and our Chicago divorce lawyer will be by your side every step of the way.

Military Divorce

Divorces involving service members have unique timing and jurisdiction concerns. We assist clients in understanding their rights and responsibilities under state and federal law.

Divorce Involving Prenuptial Agreements

When a prenup exists, it can affect how property and support are handled. We review these agreements closely and provide advice on how they apply during divorce proceedings.

Our Chicago divorce lawyer knows every case is personal and requires tailored legal guidance. At Merel Family Law, we bring a steady hand to the divorce process, focusing on what matters most to our clients. If you’re thinking about divorce or have already started the process, contact us today to schedule a confidential consultation. We’re here to help you take the next step forward.