Divorce Attorney in DuPage County, Illinois
Divorce can be one of the most stressful and emotionally draining experiences a person goes through. It affects your family, your finances, your home, and your sense of stability moving forward. For individuals and families in DuPage County, navigating the divorce process can feel overwhelming, especially when important decisions about children, property, and support are on the line. At Kulerski & Cornelison, attorney Kari Cornelison provides compassionate and practical divorce representation for clients throughout DuPage County, Illinois.
With more than 20 years of experience handling Illinois divorce and family law matters, Kari understands how uncertain this process can feel. Her goal is to help clients move through divorce efficiently and respectfully, while protecting their financial interests and family relationships. She focuses on resolving cases outside of court whenever possible, giving clients greater control and peace of mind, while remaining fully prepared to litigate when necessary.
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A Settlement-Focused Approach Designed to Reduce Conflict
Divorce does not have to be defined by hostility or constant court appearances. Kari Cornelison believes most families benefit when disputes are resolved through negotiation rather than litigation.
Her approach emphasizes:
- Clear communication and realistic expectations
- Practical compromise instead of drawn-out conflict
- Creative problem-solving tailored to each family’s situation
- Reducing emotional stress and unnecessary legal costs
By prioritizing settlement whenever possible, Kari helps clients maintain more control over outcomes involving property division, parenting arrangements, and financial support. This approach is especially valuable for parents who want to preserve a cooperative relationship moving forward.
When settlement is not possible due to conflict or complexity, Kari has the experience and determination to represent clients in DuPage County court and pursue fair outcomes through litigation.
Divorce in Illinois: What DuPage County Clients Should Know
In Illinois, divorce is legally known as a dissolution of marriage. Illinois is a no-fault divorce state, meaning neither spouse is required to prove wrongdoing. A divorce may be granted when irreconcilable differences have caused the marriage to break down beyond repair.
To file for divorce, one spouse must have lived in Illinois for at least 90 days before filing. The divorce case is filed in the circuit court of the county where either spouse resides. For DuPage County residents, understanding local procedures and expectations can help reduce delays and unnecessary stress during the process.
After filing, the other spouse must be formally served, and both parties are required to exchange financial disclosures. Kari guides clients through each step so they understand what is required and what decisions need to be made.
Contested and Uncontested Divorce in DuPage County
Some divorces proceed smoothly because both spouses agree on all major issues, including property division, parenting time, and financial support. These cases may qualify as uncontested divorces and typically:
- Resolve more quickly
- Involve lower overall costs
- Require less court involvement
Even in uncontested cases, legal guidance is important to ensure agreements are enforceable and protect long-term interests.
When spouses disagree on one or more key issues, the divorce becomes contested. Contested divorces often involve disputes over finances, parenting arrangements, or both. Kari works to resolve contested matters through:
- Negotiation
- Mediation
- Collaborative divorce
Litigation is used when necessary to protect a client’s rights or reach a fair resolution.
Key Issues in a DuPage County Divorce Case
Division of Property and Debts
Illinois follows the rule of equitable distribution, meaning marital property is divided fairly but not necessarily equally. Marital property generally includes assets and income acquired during the marriage, such as:
- The marital home and other real estate
- Bank accounts and investments
- Retirement accounts and pensions
- Vehicles and personal property
- Business or professional interests
DuPage County divorces frequently involve complex financial considerations, including long-term marriages or professional income. Kari helps clients identify marital and non-marital property, ensure accurate valuation, and negotiate divisions that support long-term financial stability.
Parenting Time and Parental Responsibilities
Illinois law refers to custody as the allocation of parental responsibilities and parenting time. Parenting plans outline:
- Where children will live
- How parenting time will be divided
- How major decisions will be made regarding education, healthcare, and other important matters
Kari helps parents create parenting plans that are practical, child-focused, and workable for families living in communities throughout DuPage County, including areas such as Naperville, Wheaton, Downers Grove, Elmhurst, and Hinsdale.
Child Support and Spousal Maintenance
Illinois uses statutory guidelines to calculate child support and spousal maintenance, but each case is unique. Accurate financial disclosure is critical to ensuring fair outcomes.
Kari assists clients by:
- Making sure income and expenses are properly documented
- Advocating for fair support calculations
- Helping clients pursue or respond to post-divorce modifications when circumstances change
The Marital Home and Real Estate
The marital home is often the most significant financial and emotional asset in a divorce. Decisions involving the home may include:
- Selling the property and dividing the proceeds
- Refinancing so one spouse can remain in the home
- Transferring ownership as part of a broader settlement
Kari works with clients to evaluate these options based on affordability, long-term planning, and family stability.
The Divorce Process in DuPage County
While every divorce is different, most cases follow a similar process:
- Filing and service of the Petition for Dissolution of Marriage
- Exchange of financial disclosures
- Temporary orders addressing support or parenting issues
- Discovery and negotiation
- Settlement or trial
- Entry of the final judgment
Kari provides clear guidance throughout each stage so clients understand their rights, responsibilities, and options.
Collaborative Divorce and Mediation
Kari Cornelison is a strong advocate for collaborative divorce and mediation. These alternatives allow couples to resolve disputes privately and respectfully, often resulting in:
- Faster resolution
- Lower legal costs
- Less emotional stress
- More cooperative post-divorce relationships
These methods can be especially beneficial for families who will continue to live and raise children in the same DuPage County communities after divorce.
Life After Divorce
Divorce is not only a legal event but also a personal transition. Kari continues to assist clients after divorce with:
- Modifications to support or parenting plans
- Enforcement of court orders
- Relocation and life-change issues
She also helps clients understand how their divorce agreements affect long-term financial planning and future stability.
Serving Clients Throughout DuPage County
From her Oak Brook office, Kari Cornelison serves clients throughout DuPage County, including Oak Brook, Lombard, Clarendon Hills, Elmhurst, Hinsdale, Downers Grove, Naperville, and Wheaton. Her practice is focused exclusively on family law, allowing clients to benefit from deep, local experience.
