Divorce Attorney in DuPage and Cook County, Illinois
Divorce is one of the most difficult experiences a person can face. It impacts your family, your finances, and your future. At Kulerski & Cornelison, attorney Kari Cornelison provides compassionate and practical legal representation for clients throughout DuPage County and Cook County.
With more than 20 years of experience handling Illinois divorce and family law matters, Kari understands how stressful and uncertain this process can be. Her mission is to help clients navigate divorce in a way that is efficient, affordable, and respectful. She focuses on keeping cases out of court whenever possible so that clients can move forward with less conflict and greater peace of mind.
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A Settlement-Focused Approach to Divorce
Kari Cornelison believes that divorce does not have to mean going to war. Most families benefit when they can resolve disputes outside the courtroom. By emphasizing communication, compromise, and creativity, Kari helps her clients reach practical agreements that are best for them that protect their interests without unnecessary expense or delay.
This approach allows spouses to maintain more control over the outcome while reducing the emotional toll that comes with traditional litigation. When settlement is not possible, Kari has the experience and determination to represent clients in court and pursue fair results through litigation.
Divorce in Illinois: The Basics
In Illinois, divorce is legally known as a dissolution of marriage. Either spouse can file as long as one of them has lived in Illinois for at least 90 days before filing. Illinois is a no-fault divorce state, meaning you do not have to prove wrongdoing. You only need to show that irreconcilable differences have caused the marriage to break down beyond repair.
The process begins when one spouse files a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage in the circuit court of the county where either spouse resides. After filing, the other spouse must be served with the petition, and both parties will have an opportunity to provide financial disclosures and negotiate the terms of their divorce.
Contested and Uncontested Divorce
If both parties agree on all major issues such as property division, parenting time, and financial support, the case can proceed as an uncontested divorce. These cases typically move quickly through the court system and cost far less than a contested case.
When spouses disagree on key matters, the divorce becomes contested. In those cases, Kari works to help clients resolve disputes through negotiation, mediation, or collaborative law methods. Her focus is always on reaching fair outcomes that meet the needs of her clients while minimizing conflict and stress.
Key Issues in a Divorce Case
Every divorce presents unique challenges, but most cases must address several key issues before a judge can approve a final judgment.
Division of Property and Debts
Illinois follows the rule of equitable distribution, which means that marital property is divided fairly but not necessarily equally. Marital assets include property and income acquired during the marriage, such as the home, vehicles, bank accounts, and retirement plans. Kari helps clients identify, value, and divide marital property in a way that safeguards their long-term financial stability.
Child Custody and Parenting Time
Illinois law now uses the terms allocation of parental responsibilities and parenting time instead of custody and visitation. Parenting plans outline where the children will live, how decisions will be made, and how time will be divided between parents. Kari helps parents create workable parenting plans that put the best interests of the children first while respecting each parent’s role in their lives.
Child Support and Spousal Maintenance
Illinois uses specific guidelines to calculate child support and spousal maintenance, but each case is unique. Kari ensures that all financial information is accurately documented so that any support orders are fair and based on the actual circumstances. She also assists clients with post-divorce modifications when financial situations change.
The Marital Home and Real Estate
The marital home is often the largest asset in a divorce. Deciding what happens to it can be both emotional and complex. Kari works closely with clients to evaluate options such as selling the home, refinancing, or transferring ownership to one spouse. Her goal is to find solutions that protect your financial interests and provide stability for your family.
The Divorce Process in Illinois
While no two divorces are identical, most follow a similar sequence of steps.
- Filing and Service: One spouse files the Petition for Dissolution of Marriage and serves the other spouse.
- Financial Disclosure: Both parties exchange financial affidavits and documentation showing income, assets, and debts.
- Temporary Orders: The court may issue temporary orders for support or parenting arrangements while the case is pending.
- Discovery and Negotiation: Attorneys gather information and negotiate potential settlements.
- Settlement or Trial: If a settlement is reached, it is presented to the court for approval. If not, the case proceeds to trial.
- Final Judgment: The court enters a Judgment for Dissolution of Marriage, officially ending the marriage.
Throughout this process, Kari ensures that clients understand their rights, options, and responsibilities. She provides clear communication and strategic guidance at every stage.
Collaborative Divorce and Mediation
Kari Cornelison is a strong advocate for collaborative and mediated divorces. These alternatives allow couples to reach agreements privately and respectfully. In a collaborative divorce, both spouses and their attorneys commit to resolving all issues without going to court. Mediation involves working together and sometimes incorporating neutral third parties who help the couple reach mutual agreements.
Both methods often lead to faster, less expensive, and more amicable results. They also help parents maintain healthier relationships, which can be especially important when children are involved.
Life After Divorce
Divorce is not only a legal event but also a personal transition. Kari continues to assist clients after their divorce is finalized with matters such as modifying court orders, enforcing judgments, and addressing relocation issues. Life changes, and your legal arrangements may need to change as well. Having an experienced attorney who understands your history and goals can make that process easier.
Kari also provides guidance for clients who want to plan for their financial future after divorce. She helps them understand how property division and support orders affect long-term stability and works to ensure their agreements are both practical and enforceable.
Serving Clients Throughout DuPage and Cook County
From her Oak Brook office, Kari Cornelison serves clients across DuPage County and Cook County, in the surrounding areas including Oak Brook, Elmhurst, Lombard, Hinsdale, Clarendon Hills, Downers Grove, Naperville, and Wheaton. Her practice is focused exclusively on family law, giving clients the benefit of deep knowledge and experience in this complex area.
Contact Kulerski & Cornelison
If you are considering divorce or have already been served with divorce papers, you do not have to face the process alone. Attorney Kari Cornelison has spent more than two decades helping Illinois families resolve their divorces efficiently and respectfully. She is ready to listen, guide, and protect your interests every step of the way.
Contact Kulerski & Cornelison today to schedule a confidential consultation with an experienced Illinois divorce attorney.