Divorce Attorney in Cook County, Illinois
Divorce is one of the most difficult legal and personal transitions a person can face. It affects your family, finances, housing, and long-term stability. When divorce takes place in a large jurisdiction like Cook County, the process can feel even more overwhelming due to court volume, procedural complexity, and uncertainty about timelines. At Kulerski & Cornelison, attorney Kari Cornelison provides compassionate and practical divorce representation for individuals and families throughout Cook County, Illinois.
With more than 20 years of experience handling Illinois divorce and family law matters, Kari understands how stressful and disruptive divorce can be. Her goal is to help clients navigate the process efficiently, affordably, and respectfully while protecting their financial interests and family relationships. She focuses on keeping cases out of court whenever possible, while remaining fully prepared to litigate when resolution cannot be reached.
A Settlement-Focused Approach to Divorce
Divorce does not have to mean constant conflict or a drawn-out court battle. Kari Cornelison believes most families benefit when disputes are resolved outside the courtroom whenever possible.
Her settlement-focused approach emphasizes:
- Open communication between spouses
- Practical compromise instead of rigid positions
- Creative problem-solving tailored to each family
- Reducing emotional strain and unnecessary legal expense
Resolving issues through negotiation allows spouses to maintain greater control over outcomes related to property division, parenting arrangements, and financial support. It also helps families transition more smoothly into life after divorce.
When settlement is not possible due to conflict, lack of cooperation, or complex legal issues, Kari has the experience and determination to represent clients in Cook County court and pursue fair outcomes through litigation.
Divorce in Illinois: Legal Basics
In Illinois, divorce is legally referred to as a dissolution of marriage. Illinois is a no-fault divorce state, meaning neither spouse is required to prove wrongdoing. Instead, a divorce may be granted when irreconcilable differences have caused the marriage to break down beyond repair.
Key legal requirements include:
- One spouse must have lived in Illinois for at least 90 days
- The divorce is filed in the county where either spouse resides
- Financial disclosure by both parties is required
In Cook County, court volume can affect scheduling and timelines. Understanding these realities early helps clients set realistic expectations and avoid unnecessary frustration.
Contested and Uncontested Divorce in Cook County
Some divorces proceed smoothly because both spouses agree on all major issues. These cases may qualify as uncontested divorces and typically involve:
- Faster resolution
- Lower legal costs
- Less emotional stress
Even in uncontested cases, legal guidance is important to ensure agreements comply with Illinois law and protect long-term interests.
When spouses disagree on one or more issues, the divorce becomes contested. Contested cases often involve disputes related to finances, parenting, or both. Kari works to resolve contested matters through:
- Negotiation
- Mediation
- Collaborative divorce
Litigation is used when necessary to protect a client’s rights or achieve a fair result.
Key Issues in a Cook County Divorce Case
Division of Property and Debts
Illinois follows the rule of equitable distribution, meaning marital property is divided fairly but not necessarily equally. Marital property generally includes assets and income acquired during the marriage, such as:
- Real estate
- Bank and investment accounts
- Retirement plans
- Vehicles
- Business interests
Cook County divorces often involve complex financial situations, including long-term marriages or high-value assets. Kari helps clients identify marital and non-marital property, ensure accurate valuation, and negotiate divisions that support long-term financial stability.
Parenting Time and Parental Responsibilities
Illinois law uses the terms allocation of parental responsibilities and parenting time instead of custody and visitation. Parenting plans address:
- Where children will live
- How parenting time is divided
- How major decisions are made regarding education, healthcare, and upbringing
Kari helps parents create parenting plans that are realistic, workable, and focused on the best interests of the children while respecting each parent’s role.
Child Support and Spousal Maintenance
Illinois uses statutory guidelines to calculate child support and spousal maintenance, but each case is unique. Accurate financial disclosure is critical.
Kari assists clients by:
- Ensuring income and expenses are properly documented
- Advocating for fair support calculations
- Assisting with post-divorce modifications when circumstances change
The Marital Home and Real Estate
The marital home is often the largest and most emotionally charged asset in a divorce. Decisions may include:
- Selling the home
- Refinancing
- Transferring ownership to one spouse
Kari works with clients to evaluate each option based on affordability, long-term goals, and family stability.
The Divorce Process in Illinois
While no two divorces are identical, most follow a similar process:
- Filing and service of the petition
- Exchange of financial disclosures
- Temporary orders for support or parenting issues
- Discovery and negotiation
- Settlement or trial
- Entry of the final judgment
Throughout the process, Kari ensures clients understand what is happening and what decisions must be made at each stage.
Collaborative Divorce and Mediation
Kari Cornelison is a strong advocate for collaborative divorce and mediation. These approaches allow couples to resolve disputes privately and respectfully without court involvement.
Benefits often include:
- Faster resolution
- Lower overall cost
- Less emotional stress
- Healthier post-divorce relationships
These methods are especially beneficial for parents who must continue working together after divorce.
Life After Divorce
Divorce is not only a legal event but also a personal transition. Kari continues to assist clients after divorce with:
- Modifications to support or parenting plans
- Enforcement of court orders
- Relocation issues
She also helps clients understand how their divorce agreements affect long-term financial stability and future planning.
Serving Clients Throughout Cook County
From her Oak Brook office, Kari Cornelison serves clients throughout Cook County, including Chicago and surrounding communities. Her practice is focused exclusively on family law, giving clients the benefit of deep experience in this complex area.
