Whether you file for divorce in Cook County, Lake County, Kane County or another county in Illinois, one of the first steps after filing will be to complete a form in which you disclose your income, expenses, assets, and liabilities. Each county currently has its own form. For example, Cook County has a Disclosure Statement pursuant to local rule 13.3.1, Lake County has a Financial Affidavit pursuant to local rule 11.02, and Kane County has a Comprehensive Financial Statement pursuant to local rule 15.13. While these forms are generally similar in content, the deadlines for completing these forms and the supporting documentation needed depend upon the local court rules of the county in which the divorce is pending. On January 1, 2016, significant changes to Illinois’ divorce laws will be taking effect. One of these changes is that one financial disclosure form will be used statewide in all divorce cases. This will eliminate the different forms for different counties that exist now. Additionally, this new law will require each party to support his or her financial affidavit with documentary evidence, such as income tax returns, pay stubs, and banking statements. It is important to note that parties’ financial affidavits and supporting documentation are not filed with the Court or made a part of the public record, just exchanged between the parties.
Order of Protection for Domestic Violence
Unfortunately, some Chicago divorces or Chicago child custody disputes involve domestic violence. When domestic violence, or the threat of domestic violence, occurs a victim may petition the court for an order of protection. An order of protection is a court order...