Divorce Legal Services — Fox Valley & Chicagoland Suburbs
Facing a divorce raises urgent, complex questions about your future, your finances, and your family. The uncertainty can be overwhelming, but you do not have to navigate it alone. The Law Offices of Anthony R. Scifo provides decisive, court-ready legal representation to protect what matters most. We handle every aspect of divorce and family law, from straightforward dissolutions to high-conflict litigation involving child custody, complex assets, and orders of protection. Our priority is to secure your stability and advocate for your best interests with skill and efficiency.
For years, Scifo Law has been the trusted advocate for individuals and families across the Fox Valley and Chicagoland suburbs. Our deep experience in the courthouses of Kane, DuPage, Kendall, and DeKalb counties means we understand the local legal landscape—and how to get results within it. We are not just attorneys; we are trial-ready litigators and strategic negotiators focused on family law, probate litigation, guardianship, and elder law litigation. We pride ourselves on a rapid intake process to address urgent matters swiftly, ensuring your case gets the immediate attention it deserves.
Your first step toward clarity and control is a confidential, no-cost consultation. Understand your rights, explore your options, and get a clear picture of the path forward. Call The Law Offices of Anthony R. Scifo today at (847) 628-8311 or Book a Free Consultation Online to speak with a dedicated divorce attorney.
Compare Divorce & Family Law Services
Divorce is rarely a single issue. It involves several interconnected legal processes that determine your parental rights and financial future. We provide comprehensive counsel across all related matters.
Divorce & Child Custody
- What it covers: Establishing parental responsibilities (decision-making) and parenting time (visitation schedules). We focus on creating stable, workable arrangements that prioritize the child’s best interests while protecting your parental rights.
- Pros/Cons: A negotiated parenting plan can provide flexibility and reduce conflict. A litigated outcome provides a court-ordered structure that is legally enforceable.
- Best for: Parents who need to establish clear, legally sound frameworks for co-parenting, whether through amicable agreement or contested court proceedings.
- Learn more about Child Custody
Child Support
- What it covers: Calculating and enforcing financial support for minor children based on Illinois statutory guidelines, parental income, and the child’s needs. This includes medical insurance and contributions to other expenses.
- Pros/Cons: Guideline support provides predictability. Deviations from the guidelines are possible but require strong legal arguments.
- Best for: Any parent seeking to establish, modify, or enforce a child support order to ensure their child’s financial needs are met.
- Learn more about Child Support
Property & Asset Division
- What it covers: The equitable distribution of all marital property, including real estate, bank accounts, investments, retirement funds, and business interests. We handle complex valuations and hidden asset discovery.
- Pros/Cons: A negotiated settlement offers control over the outcome. Litigation may be necessary to protect your interests if your spouse is uncooperative or hiding assets.
- Best for: Couples who need to divide shared assets and debts fairly, especially those with high-value or complex financial portfolios.
- Learn more about Property Division
Spousal Maintenance (Alimony)
- What it covers: Determining if one spouse is entitled to financial support from the other, either temporarily or long-term. We analyze statutory factors to build a strong case for or against spousal maintenance.
- Pros/Cons: Provides crucial financial stability for a dependent spouse. For the paying spouse, it creates a significant financial obligation that must be carefully calculated.
- Best for: Cases where there is a significant income disparity between spouses and one party requires support to become self-sufficient.
- Learn more about Spousal Maintenance
Mediation
- What it covers: A confidential process where a neutral third-party mediator helps both spouses negotiate a mutually acceptable divorce settlement outside of court.
- Pros/Cons: Less expensive and faster than litigation, with more control over the outcome. It may not be effective in cases with a significant power imbalance or domestic violence.
- Best for: Couples who are able to communicate constructively and are motivated to reach a fair agreement without judicial intervention.
- Learn more about Mediation
Orders of Protection
- What it covers: Securing emergency court orders to prevent harassment, abuse, or contact from a spouse or family member. We act quickly to file petitions and represent clients in emergency hearings.
- Pros/Cons: Provides immediate, legally enforceable safety for victims. Can be misused in divorce, requiring a strong defense against false allegations.
- Best for: Individuals experiencing domestic violence or credible threats who need immediate legal intervention to ensure their safety.
- Learn more about Orders of Protection
How Representation Works with Scifo Law
We demystify the legal process with a clear, structured approach designed for efficiency and results.
- Initial Consultation & Intake: Your first meeting is always free. We listen to your story, review any existing documents, and identify your primary goals and urgent concerns. If we move forward, our intake process is streamlined to get to work on your case immediately.
- Strategy & Case Planning: We develop a tailored legal strategy based on the facts of your case. This includes identifying necessary financial disclosures, outlining potential negotiation points, and preparing for litigation if necessary. We define the objectives and the most effective path to achieve them.
- Filings, Discovery & Negotiation: Our team handles all court filings and legal paperwork. We manage the discovery process—the formal exchange of information and documents—while simultaneously seeking opportunities to negotiate a favorable settlement and avoid unnecessary court time.
- Hearings & Court Appearances: As experienced litigators, we are always prepared for court. We will represent you at every hearing, motion, and pre-trial conference, advocating powerfully on your behalf before a judge. Our deep familiarity with local judges and court procedures is a distinct advantage.
- Resolution & Post-Decree Matters: Our goal is to achieve a comprehensive final resolution, whether through a negotiated settlement (Marital Settlement Agreement) or a court ruling (Judgment for Dissolution of Marriage). We also assist with post-decree enforcement and modifications if circumstances change.
Throughout your case, you can expect clear and consistent communication from our team. Regarding fees, we believe in full transparency. Your initial consultation is free. We will then provide a clear explanation of our retainer structure and billing practices so you can plan accordingly. For clients who wish to review official documents, the Illinois Courts provide a comprehensive set of standardized forms for dissolution of marriage as a public resource.
Courthouses & Venues We Serve: Our attorneys regularly appear in family courts throughout the region, including the Kane County Judicial Center, DuPage County Courthouse, Kendall County Courthouse, and DeKalb County Courthouse. For directions to our Elgin office, please visit our contact page. Learn more about our firm’s track record by reading our client reviews and exploring our attorney profiles.
Local Coverage for the Fox Valley & NW Suburbs
The Law Offices of Anthony R. Scifo is a local firm dedicated to serving the communities where we live and work. We provide focused, experienced divorce representation across the Fox Valley and the northwest suburbs of Chicagoland, ensuring our clients have a hometown advantage in and out of the courtroom.
Your Divorce Readiness Checklist
Preparation is key to a smoother legal process. Before your first consultation, start gathering the following information to help us build the strongest possible case for you.
- Timeline of Key Facts: Write down important dates (date of marriage, date of separation, children’s birthdates) and a brief summary of the reasons for the divorce.
- Financial Documents:
- Recent pay stubs for both you and your spouse (if available).
- Tax returns for the last 3-5 years.
- Bank account statements.
- Mortgage statements and property tax bills.
- Retirement account statements (401(k), IRA).
- Credit card statements and loan documents.
- Information on Opposing Party: Full legal name, current address, and place of employment for your spouse.
- List of Goals: What is your desired outcome regarding property, custody, and financial support?
- Court Documents: If any legal action has already started, bring copies of all documents you have been served.
Feeling overwhelmed? We can help you prioritize this list. Call us at (847) 628-8311 for guidance or Get a Free Case Review to discuss your situation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Divorce
How fast can you file for emergency relief or temporary orders?
We can act immediately. For issues requiring urgent attention, such as securing an order of protection, temporary child custody, or exclusive possession of the marital home, we can often prepare and file emergency motions within 24-48 hours.
What should I bring to my first consultation?
Bring a list of your questions and goals. If possible, bring any relevant documents, such as tax returns, pay stubs, and any court papers you may have received. Our readiness checklist above is a great starting point. Your consultation is a protected, confidential conversation.
Do you offer mediation instead of litigation?
Absolutely. We are strong advocates for mediation when it is appropriate for the case. It can save clients significant time, money, and stress. However, we are always prepared to litigate aggressively if mediation fails or is not a suitable option.
Which counties and courthouses do you appear in?
Our attorneys have extensive experience in the primary courthouses serving the Fox Valley, including Kane, DuPage, Kendall, and DeKalb counties. Our familiarity with local court rules and judicial preferences is a key asset for our clients.
What is the difference between contested and uncontested divorce?
An uncontested divorce is one where both spouses agree on all major issues (property, custody, support). A contested divorce is when there is a disagreement on one or more of these issues, requiring negotiation, mediation, or a judge’s decision to resolve.
Do you offer flat-fee options for specific matters?
We primarily work on a retainer basis. However, for certain straightforward, uncontested matters, a flat-fee arrangement may be possible. We discuss all fee structures transparently during your free consultation.
Take Control of Your Future Today — Free Consultation
Don’t wait for circumstances to dictate the terms of your life. The decisions made during a divorce have a lasting impact, and you deserve an advocate who is prepared, strategic, and dedicated to your success. At The Law Offices of Anthony R. Scifo, we provide the high-caliber legal representation you need to navigate this transition with confidence.
Call our Elgin office now at (847) 628-8311 for your Free Consultation Today.
Representing clients across Kane, DuPage, Kendall, and DeKalb Counties.