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Deciding to divorce is one of the hardest choices a person can make. Whether you’ve been thinking about it for months or a difficult conversation just changed everything, you deserve clear answers and a steady guide. At Patton Moore Perry, our Bloomington divorce attorney team helps people across McLean County understand their options, protect their children and finances, and move forward with confidence. As a local family law attorney in Bloomington, we know the courts here, and we’ll stand with you every step of the way.
Every divorce is different. Some couples agree on nearly everything. Others face real disagreements about children, property, or support. Some people are also worried about their safety at home. Whatever your situation, we’ll take the time to listen, explain how the Illinois process works, and help you decide what comes next. Call (309) 808-0562 to schedule a consultation with a Bloomington divorce attorney.
When you’re going through a divorce, you need more than legal knowledge. You need someone who treats you like a person, not a case number. Our firm is based in downtown Bloomington, and we represent clients throughout McLean, Woodford, Livingston, and Logan Counties. We understand how local judges, court staff, and procedures work, and we use that knowledge to help our clients avoid surprises.
Rachael Moore Perry has focused her practice on family law, divorce, and orders of protection, along with criminal defense. Before entering private practice, she served as an Assistant State’s Attorney in McLean County, giving her firsthand experience with local courts and with cases involving family safety. As Rachael puts it, the people are the very best part of this work, and helping someone through a difficult time is what drives her.
Jennifer Patton brings extensive criminal defense experience to the firm. That combined background matters in divorces where orders of protection, related criminal allegations, or other overlapping issues come into play. Together, our attorneys offer:
One of the first questions in any divorce is whether it will be contested or uncontested. The answer shapes how long the process takes, how much it costs, and how much control you and your spouse have over the outcome.
An uncontested divorce happens when both spouses agree on all the major issues, including property and debt division, maintenance, child support, and parenting responsibilities. These cases usually move faster and cost less because there’s no need for extended court hearings. Some couples with short marriages, no children, and limited assets may also qualify for Illinois’s joint simplified dissolution process, which has strict eligibility limits.
Even when you agree on everything, it’s wise to have an attorney review your settlement. Agreements about retirement accounts, the family home, and parenting time can have long-term consequences that aren’t obvious at first.
A divorce becomes contested when spouses disagree on one or more important issues. Common disputes include who keeps the house, how to divide retirement savings, whether maintenance should be paid, and how parenting time should be shared. Contested cases involve more steps, such as exchanging financial information, negotiating, and sometimes going to trial.
A contested divorce doesn’t have to mean constant conflict. Many contested cases resolve before trial once both sides have the information they need and realistic expectations.
Most Illinois divorces settle before trial. Mediation gives spouses a structured way to work through disagreements with the help of a neutral mediator, and Illinois courts generally require mediation when parents disagree about parenting issues, unless domestic violence or other concerns make it inappropriate. Settlement can save time, money, and stress, and it often leads to agreements both sides can live with. When settlement isn’t possible, we’re prepared to present your case in court.
Not sure whether your divorce will be contested? Call 309-808-0562 to talk through your situation with a Bloomington divorce attorney.
Understanding the process can make it feel more manageable. While every case is different, most Illinois divorces follow these general steps:
For more insights on each stage, visit our family law blog.
To divorce in Illinois, at least one spouse must have lived in Illinois for at least 90 days. Illinois is a no-fault state, so the only ground for divorce is irreconcilable differences that have caused the breakdown of the marriage. You don’t need to prove wrongdoing. If spouses have lived separate and apart for at least six continuous months before the judgment, the law presumes irreconcilable differences exist.
In McLean County, divorce cases are filed with the circuit court in Bloomington. Local rules and procedures can affect scheduling and required steps, so working with an attorney who knows the local system can help your case move smoothly.
Illinois doesn’t have a mandatory waiting period after filing. An uncontested divorce can often be finalized within a few months, depending on court scheduling and whether children are involved. Contested divorces usually take longer, often a year or more, especially when there are disputes over custody, complex assets, or a trial. The best way to keep your case moving is to stay organized, respond promptly to requests for information, and work with an attorney who keeps things on track.
Dividing property and debts is often one of the most stressful parts of a divorce. Illinois uses equitable distribution, which means marital property is divided fairly, but not necessarily equally.
The first step is identifying what’s marital and what’s non-marital. In general:
Only marital property is divided. Courts consider factors such as each spouse’s contributions, the length of the marriage, each spouse’s economic circumstances, and the needs of any children.
Maintenance, sometimes called alimony, isn’t automatic. The court first decides whether maintenance is appropriate. When it is, and the couple’s combined income falls within the guideline range, Illinois uses a formula: 33.33% of the paying spouse’s net income minus 25% of the receiving spouse’s net income, with a cap so the recipient doesn’t receive more than 40% of the couple’s combined net income. The length of maintenance is generally tied to the length of the marriage.
Child support in Illinois uses an income shares model, which considers both parents’ incomes and the amount of parenting time each parent has. Support may also address costs such as health insurance, child care, and school expenses.
The family home is often the most emotional asset. Options may include selling the home and dividing the proceeds, one spouse buying out the other, or one spouse keeping the home for a period of time, especially if children are involved. Retirement accounts earned during the marriage are generally marital property and may require a special court order to divide without unnecessary taxes or penalties.
Worried about what happens to your home or savings? Call 309-808-0562 to schedule a consultation.
When children are involved, their well-being comes first. Illinois no longer uses the term “custody.” Instead, courts allocate parental responsibilities, which include significant decision-making, such as education, health care, religion, and extracurricular activities, and parenting time, which is the schedule for when children spend time with each parent.
Courts make these decisions based on the child’s best interests. Factors can include each parent’s involvement in the child’s life, the child’s needs, the child’s relationships, the ability of parents to cooperate, and any concerns about safety. In most cases, the law presumes both parents should be involved, unless that would endanger the child.
In Illinois, parents must submit a proposed parenting plan within 120 days of the case starting, either jointly or separately. Parents are also typically required to complete a parenting education class. A strong parenting plan addresses:
A clear, realistic plan reduces confusion and helps children feel secure during a time of change.
Have questions about protecting your relationship with your children? Call 309-808-0562 to talk with our team.
If you’re afraid of your spouse, your safety comes first. Under the Illinois Domestic Violence Act, you can seek an order of protection, either as part of your divorce case or separately. An order of protection can require the other person to stay away from you, leave the home, or avoid contact with you and your children.
There are three main types of orders:
Our attorneys understand how orders of protection work in McLean County and how they can affect parenting time, use of the family home, and the overall divorce. If you’re in immediate danger, call 911. For confidential support, you can also contact the Illinois Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-877-863-6338.
You don’t have to figure out your next step alone. Whether you need protection right away or want to understand how a safety concern could affect your divorce, parenting time, or living arrangements, our team will listen without judgment and help you put a plan in place. Contact Patton Moore Perry online or call (309) 808-0562 to schedule a private consultation with a Bloomington divorce attorney.
You’re not required to have a lawyer, but having one review your agreement can help you avoid costly mistakes. Issues like retirement accounts, the family home, and parenting schedules can have long-term effects that aren’t always obvious.
The cost depends on how much you and your spouse agree on, whether children are involved, and how complex your finances are. Court filing fees vary by county. Uncontested divorces generally cost less than contested cases. We’ll discuss fees and expectations during your consultation.
No. Illinois uses equitable distribution, which means marital property is divided fairly based on the circumstances, not automatically split in half.
Filing first doesn’t give you a legal advantage in how property or parenting is decided. However, it can affect timing and allow you to request temporary orders sooner. An attorney can help you decide whether filing first makes sense.
Yes. Your spouse’s agreement isn’t required to get divorced in Illinois. If your spouse doesn’t respond after being properly served, the court may still move forward with your case.
Decisions about children are based on their best interests and are set out in a parenting plan. The house may be sold, bought out by one spouse, or kept by one spouse, depending on whether it’s marital property and what makes sense for your family.
If you’re in immediate danger, call 911. You can also seek an emergency order of protection, which can be granted quickly. Our attorneys can help you understand your options and take steps to protect yourself and your children.
