Wheaton Family and Divorce Lawyers | DuPage County Child Support Attorneys

Do I Have Grounds For Divorce in Illinois If My Spouse Withholds Sex?

2026-02-28 15:43:00

Married couples in Illinois must navigate a complex variety of issues to keep a marriage healthy and happy. In addition to financial concerns, raising children, managing careers, and running a household, couples must also try to maintain a close sexual and emotional relationship. Unsurprisingly, sex is one of the issues couples most often experience conflict over. If the issues are serious enough, disagreement about sex can lead to divorce.

In some marriages, problems with sex start early. In others, they show up years later. Many couples try counseling, medical care, or other treatments first. Sometimes nothing works. If you are in a marriage with serious sexual problems and you are thinking about divorce, you are not alone. Some people decide that a lifetime without sexual intimacy is enough reason to end a marriage. Other people decide to stay married, even if they are unhappy with that part of the relationship.

Should I Try to Get Sole Custody in My Illinois Divorce?

2026-02-20 16:41:10

Divorces sometimes happen after years of resentment building between the spouses. One potential consequence of this hostility is that parents will often try to get sole custody of their child. They may try to convince the court that the other parent is so unfit that they should not have any say in important decisions that impact the child. Sometimes, this is based on the sincere belief that sole custody is in the child's best interests. Sometimes it is done, unconsciously or otherwise, out of a desire to hurt the other spouse.

The truth is that being the only parent to have all the parental responsibilities may have benefits, but it may also have drawbacks. Parents should make a sincere effort to consider their child's best interests and whether they would be served by a sole custody arrangement. The Stogsdill Law Firm, P.C. has been named as one of the Best Family Law Firms by Best Lawyers, so you can rely on our DuPage County, IL divorce attorneys to provide you with reliable guidance and strong representation.

My Spouse is Refusing to Sign the Divorce Papers. What Should I Do?

2026-02-14 14:02:59

With any divorce, emotions can run very high. In some cases, a spouse may flat-out refuse to sign any papers related to the divorce. This may come from their belief that refusing to sign will result in the matter being put to rest. However, this is not the case. In Illinois, there are solutions if your spouse refuses to sign divorce papers.

At The Stogsdill Law Firm, P.C., our Wheaton, IL family law attorneys have over a century of combined legal experience. Since our firm first opened its doors, we have helped numerous clients through difficult divorces. If needed, we can pursue a default divorce on your behalf to keep the legal proceedings moving.

Reasons Why Spouses Avoid Signing Divorce Papers in 2026

Some people avoid signing because they think it will stop the case. Others worry that signing means they agree with everything in the petition, including requests about parenting time, child support, or property.

Can I Sue a Mistress or Paramour for Causing My Divorce?

2026-02-04 20:28:42

Ending a marriage is often an emotionally difficult experience, but it can be especially hurtful when a divorce was caused by infidelity. If you find your spouse cheating, you may struggle to trust future partners. You may also feel that your ex-spouse's mistress or paramour caused you significant harm.

In some states, a person can file a civil tort claim for criminal conversation or alienation of affection. In this type of case, someone can sue the person who broke up their marriage, asking the judge to award damages based on loss of consortium, mental anguish, and loss of support. However, under Illinois law, you can’t take legal action against a mistress or paramour just for cheating. At The Stogsdill Law Firm, P.C., our DuPage County, IL divorce attorneys can help you navigate an emotionally charged divorce and pursue a fair resolution.

What Steps Are Involved in the Illinois Adoption Process?

2026-01-31 20:29:49

Deciding to adopt a child is one of the most consequential decisions you will ever make. Whether you are thinking about adoption because of fertility issues, a desire to formally adopt your stepchild, or any other reason, you probably have many questions about how it all works. At The Stogsdill Law Firm, P.C., our Wheaton, IL family lawyers have over 100 years of shared experience, and we can guide you through the adoption process to make sure it goes as smoothly as possible.

Who Can Legally Adopt a Child in Illinois?

In Illinois, adoption can be open to many different kinds of families. Some people assume you must be married to adopt, but that is not necessarily true. The main concern is whether you can provide a safe, stable home and meet the legal requirements in your case.

An adoptive parent must be an adult in most cases. Courts and agencies also look at capacity, meaning whether you can make sound decisions and provide steady care. A child needs consistency, supervision, and a home that stays stable even when life gets stressful.

Is My Wife Entitled to My Inheritance in Our Illinois Divorce?

2026-01-27 13:45:32

Divorce in Illinois is a complex, often painstaking process. During the division of assets, one spouse’s inheritance may become the subject of much debate. If you are worried about how assets will be divided and whether your inheritance is at risk, be sure to seek legal representation.

At The Stogsdill Law Firm, P.C., our Wheaton, IL divorce attorneys will fight to protect your inheritance. As one of the most prestigious firms in DuPage County, we have handled serious cases and represented our clients in high-stakes trials.

What Is My Wife Entitled to in an Illinois Divorce?

In an Illinois divorce, property is considered marital or non-marital. Marital property usually includes most items either spouse acquires from the date of the wedding until the date of the divorce. That includes wages, retirement contributions, real estate, and many other assets.

What is a Plenary Order of Protection, and How Can I Get One?

2026-01-15 00:00:00

The Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence reports that over 10 million people suffer from abuse each year in the United States. With that harrowing statistic in mind, domestic violence survivors should know that there are legal avenues to safety. In cases like these, a DuPage County, IL family law attorney can be a key source of help and guidance.

Dealing with domestic violence in your household or family is a serious ordeal. At The Stogsdill Law Firm, P.C., we are equipped to help survivors of abuse, with over 100 years of combined experience. With our comprehensive legal knowledge, we can walk clients through the process of obtaining an order of protection to seek long-term relief from their abusers.

Emergency Orders of Protection vs. Plenary Orders of Protection

When an individual is experiencing domestic violence, threats, harassment, or abuse in Illinois, one of the most effective legal tools available is a plenary order of protection. Unlike emergency orders, which last only 14 to 21 days, a plenary order can remain in effect for up to two years – and longer in some cases (750 ILCS 60/220). A plenary order of protection can provide strong, long-term protection in serious situations.

Understanding Parental Alienation in an Illinois Child Custody Dispute

2026-01-07 00:00:00

Divorcing or divorced spouses are not typically on great terms with each other. While some divorces are amicable, other cases are filled with hostility. Sadly, children are often the ones who get caught in the crossfire. Sometimes in cases of contested custody, a parent even intentionally attempts to turn a child against the other parent. This is called parental alienation, and it occurs when one parent uses manipulative tactics to hurt the child's relationship with their other parent.

At The Stogsdill Law Firm, P.C., we take your parental rights seriously. Our DuPage County, IL family law attorneys can help you fight back against attempts to sabotage your relationship with your child. We will keep in close communication with you throughout your case, and we are available 24/7 to address any questions.

Types of Parental Alienation

Parental alienation is a controversial subject. However, the phenomenon is very real. The term was conceived in 1985 to describe undue influence on a child that causes the child to fear or despise his or her parent.

What Defines Irreconcilable Differences in Illinois Divorces?

2025-12-27 13:25:30

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, over 670,000 divorces are finalized in the United States each year. Each of those cases requires "grounds," or a legal reason, to get divorced. Some states still allow fault-based divorces like abandonment or cruelty. But Illinois simplified its divorce laws to focus on one central question: Has the marriage broken down beyond repair? If so, irreconcilable differences is the only grounds available.

If you are considering divorce in 2026, understanding exactly what irreconcilable differences means can help you approach the divorce process with realistic expectations. Contact our Wheaton, IL divorce lawyers to get the help you need as you navigate this difficult time in your life.

What Are "Irreconcilable Differences" in an Illinois Divorce?

"Irreconcilable differences" is a legal term that means the marriage relationship has broken down and cannot be repaired. Under 750 ILCS 5/401, Illinois law requires that:

Can I Divorce My Spouse if They Abandoned Me?

2025-12-25 13:10:46

The American Psychological Association cites the statistic that 40 to 50 percent of first marriages end in divorce. In almost all divorce cases, both spouses agree that the marriage is over and are involved in the divorce process. In some situations, however, one spouse makes the decision on their own to end the marriage – even if they never file for divorce.

If you are reading this because your spouse walked out, stopped coming home, or simply disappeared from your life, you are probably asking a very basic and very fair question: Can I divorce my spouse if they abandoned me?

The short answer is yes. The longer answer, which is the one that actually matters, depends on how Illinois law looks at abandonment and how it can affect different parts of a divorce case.

If you’re not sure where your husband or wife is but you’re ready to move on with your life, our Wheaton divorce attorneys can help you get the divorce process started in 2026. Call 630-462-9500 today.