Chicago Divorce Lawyers

Trusted Guidance for Divorce in Chicago

At Hammer Serna & Quinn, LLC, we focus on Illinois family law and the people behind every case. We know that divorce touches the most personal parts of your life, and we treat your concerns with the care they deserve.

Our team can guide clients through every stage of their divorce, from the first conversation to the final verdict. We’ll explain your rights, answer your questions, and help you build a clear plan for moving forward. No matter your situation, we’ll stand beside you and help you protect what matters most.

Who We Help

Every divorce is different, and people come to us at different points in the process. We regularly assist:

• Someone thinking about divorce who is unsure what would happen with the house, the money, the children, support, or the court process, and wants honest answers before making a decision.
• Someone ready to file who does not know what paperwork is needed, how the other spouse gets served, or what happens once the case begins.
• Parents who need to figure out where the children will live, how parenting time will work, who makes major decisions, and how child support fits into the picture.
• Someone facing safety concerns who must start a divorce while also dealing with protective orders, emergency court issues, or a spouse who is making the process harder.
• Someone with a higher income, a business, a professional practice, bonuses, a demanding schedule, or complex assets who is unsure how those factors affect divorce, custody, support, and property division.

If you see yourself in any of these descriptions, you are in the right place. We meet you where you are and tailor our guidance to your goals.

The Illinois Divorce Process

Illinois uses a no-fault divorce system, which means you do not have to prove your spouse did anything wrong. You simply show that irreconcilable differences have broken the marriage. While each case has its own complications, most follow a similar process:

1. Filing the Petition

The process begins as soon as one spouse files a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage. This document opens the case and outlines what the filing spouse is asking for, such as decisions about property, support, and the children.

2. Serving Your Spouse

After filing for divorce, your spouse must receive formal notice of the divorce. This step gives them a chance to respond. Your spouse then files an appearance and a response, and the case officially moves forward.

3. Sharing Financial Information

Both you and your spouse will be required to exchange complete and transparent financial details, including income, debts, property, retirement accounts, and business interests. Accurate disclosure of your finances is important when making decisions about property division, child support, or spousal support and maintenance. When assets are complex or a spouse hides information, our team uses discovery tools to uncover the complete picture.

4. Negotiation, Mediation, or Litigation

The next stage of divorce focuses on resolving issues, such as determining parenting time or property division. Many couples are able to reach an agreement through negotiation or mediation. This often saves time, money, and stress. When an agreement is not possible, or when one spouse acts in bad faith, we are ready to litigate and advocate firmly for your interests in court.

5. Temporary Orders Along the Way

While the case is ongoing, the court can provide temporary orders that dictate parenting time, support, use of the home, and other matters. These orders provide stability until the divorce concludes.

6. Final Judgment

The divorce is finalized when the judge makes a Judgment for Dissolution of Marriage, which officially settles every issue. Once signed, it becomes the legal road map for your new chapter.

Why Choose Hammer Serna & Quinn, LLC

Choosing a Chicago divorce attorney can be a difficult decision. Here is what sets our firm apart:

• A client-focused approach. Your goals drive our strategy. We take time to understand your story, your concerns, and the outcome you hope to reach.
• Clear communication and quick responses. Divorce raises questions at every stage. We answer promptly, explain your options without confusing jargon, and make sure you always know where your case stands.
• A thoughtful case process. From your first consultation through your final judgment, we follow a clear plan. We pay close attention to detail, anticipate challenges, and keep you involved in every decision of your case.
• Experience that makes a difference. Our attorneys have handled cases ranging from amicable, uncontested divorces to high-conflict disputes and matters involving businesses, professional practices, and complex assets.
• Strategic, steady advocacy. We pursue cooperative solutions whenever they serve you, yet we never hesitate to stand firm in court when your rights or your children’s well-being are at stake.

You deserve a team that protects your interests while treating you with respect and care. That is the standard we hold ourselves to in every case.