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Rockford Divorce Lawyer James Teeter

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Rockford LGBTQIA+ Divorce Attorney & LGBTQ Family Law Lawyer

Representing members of the LGBTQIA+ Community Throughout Northern Illinois, including Rockford, Loves Park, Freeport, Pecatonica, and Belvidere, as well as Winnebago, Boone, Stephenson, and Ogle Counties

Individuals who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning, intersex, or asexual have historically faced significant hurdles when seeking to legally legitimize relationships with their significant others. However, the law has evolved, making LGBTQ marriages legal in Illinois and throughout the country. Consequently, divorcing LGBTQIA+ couples face many of the same emotional and financial challenges as all couples.

If you are part of the LGBTQIA+ community and are going through a divorce or separation, it may well be in your best interest to consult with an experience LGBT divorce lawyer.

At Rockford Family Law, we provide confidential and dedicated legal representation for individuals facing divorce and separation, including clients in the LGBTQIA+ community. If you are contemplating divorce or separation or have been served with divorce papers, we welcome the opportunity to zealously advocate on your behalf for the best possible outcome. Call today to schedule a free consultation to learn how we can tenaciously seek to protect your best interests, assets, and future.

LGBTQIA+ Divorce FAQs

Yes.

Same-sex marriage has been legally recognized in Illinois since 2014, opening the door for couples to form civil unions and allowing the state to recognize similar legal relationships, including those entered into in other states.

Additionally, in 2015, the United States Supreme Court ruled that the right to marry is guaranteed to LGBTQIA couples by the Due Process and Equal Protection Clauses of the Constitution, making same sex marriage legal in all states.  While not all states have codified this position into state law, states cannot ban same-sex marriage.

Domestic partnerships refer to relationships between two adults, including individuals of the same sex and opposite sexes. Under domestic partnership law, committed adults (who are not married to other individuals) are afforded recognizable rights without becoming legally married.

Such partnerships historically have been alternatives for same-sex couples living within states that did not recognize same-sex marriage. When an LGBTQIA+ couple makes their relationship official under Illinois domestic partnership laws, they are afforded the same legal rights and responsibilities as married couples under the Illinois Religious Freedom Protection and Civil Union Act.

As a Rockford divorce and family law attorney with over a decade of experience, I, and my firm handle nearly all types of LGBTQIA+ family law matters, including (but not limited to):

  • Same-sex divorce
  • Spousal support
  • Child custody and support
  • Property and asset division
  • Business division

At Rockford Family Law, we do not discriminate against anyone based on their sexual orientation, religion, ethnicity, or race. As a proud supporter of the legal rights of the LGBTQIA+ community, we are dedicated to seeking justice and equality for all Illinois residents.

To initiate a divorce in Illinois, one spouse must file a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage in the county where the parties reside. Once filed, the divorce process will initiate, and the fact-gathering phase will commence.

The outcome of a divorce and property division can have a substantial impact on an individual’s future; thus, it is critical to be vigilant during this stage. Divorce determinations are likely to be based on the facts uncovered, making it crucial to consult with a Rockford divorce attorney who is experienced in uncovering documentation that may be critical to the outcome of a divorce and asset division.

For over a decade, I have tenaciously fought to protect the interests and assets of divorcing clients. If you are contemplating divorce or have been served with divorce papers, I invite you to call our office to schedule a free consultation to learn more about your rights and obligations under Illinois law.

Section 5/503 of the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act governs the distribution of marital assets. Under the Act, marital assets are not automatically divided and distributed equally (i.e., 50%/50%). Instead, Illinois family courts are tasked with dividing assets and debts equitably, meaning that a judge has broad discretion in determining how valuable assets and property are distributed.

For example, if one spouse was a stay-at-home parent while the other spouse earned significant income, the state-at-home parent with limited earning potential is likely to be awarded more than the high-earning spouse.

In determining the equitable division of assets, courts may consider a variety of statutory factors, including:

  • Prenuptial agreements;
  • Postnuptial agreements;
  • The duration of a marriage;
  • The value of marital property;
  • The economic circumstances of each party;
  • The obligations and rights of each party arising from prior marriages;
  • Child custody considerations;
  • The contribution or dissipation of marital or non-marital property by either spouse; and
  • Other relevant factors.

Schedule a Free Consultation With LGBTQIA+ Divorce Attorney James Teeter, Jr.

At Rockford Family Law, firm-founding attorney James Teeter, Jr. provides pragmatic and strategic guidance to LGBTQIA+ clients. Because marital assets are not automatically divided equally, it is critical to seek counsel from an experienced divorce attorney who can advocate for a fair and equitable outcome. Call Rockford Family Law today to schedule a free consultation to learn how we can help pursue your best interests.

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We’re sorry, we are not a Pro Bono or Legal Aid office.  This is a free no-obligation phone consultation, but we do charge for our services, if you decide to hire our Attorney.

$199 CONSULTATION

  • Your 1st Hour for $275 – ONLY $199.00, PLUS 30-Minutes FREE (1.5 Hours) with No-Obligation
  • Meet and Greet: In-Person, by Zoom, or by Phone
  • Overview of the Divorce Process, Child Custody, Child Support, Visitation, Paternity/Parentage, and almost any Family Law Matter
  • Divorce Information Booklet (54 pages)
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  • Discussion of how Illinois State Law Applies to Your Situation
  • Discussion of Potential Strategy
  • Perfect for Complex, Highly Contested Matters
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Attorney James O. Teeter, Jr. speaking with client. Attorney James O. Teeter, Jr. speaking with client.

Family Law Attorney James O. Teeter Jr.
With 25+ Years of Legal Experience
is Here to Represent You!

FREE PHONE CONSULT

(Available for Most Cases)

Type of Case:*
Illinois County:*

We’re sorry, we are not a Pro Bono or Legal Aid office. This is a free no-obligation phone consultation, but we do charge for our services, if you decide to hire our Attorney.

Submission of information through the contact form does not create an attorney-client relationship, so please do not submit any confidential information. If we are to serve as your attorneys, all fees and the nature of our representation will be set forth in a written agreement.

$199 CONSULTATION

Your 1st Hour for $275 – ONLY $199.00, PLUS 30-Minutes FREE (1.5 Hours) with No-Obligation
In-Depth Discussion of Your Specific Situation and Potential Strategy for Your Success

Type of Case:*
Illinois County:*

Submission of information through the contact form does not create an attorney-client relationship, so please do not submit any confidential information. If we are to serve as your attorneys, all fees and the nature of our representation will be set forth in a written agreement.