Illinois Lawyer Referrals and Legal Guidance
Common Terms Seen in Illinois Divorce and Family Law
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Arbitration - Generally a group of experienced attorneys makes up a panel to hear both sides of the story from either spouse. Each party must be represented by legal counsel. The decision made by the panel is final and will be attached to the divorce complaint to become part of the final divorce decree.
Contested case v. uncontested case - A contested case is when the parties cannot agree on certain issues such as support, custody, visitation, and division of assets. The case remains contested until all issues are resolved. On the other hand, an uncontested case is where both parties can agree on all matters. That is the cheapest type of Illinois divorce possible.
Pleadings - Pleadings are basically the papers that are filed to formally put a case before an Illinois court.
Service of process - In regards to Illinois divorce, service of process signifies the delivery of the complaint by an authorized person to the other party who is thereby officially notified of the complaint. Once the papers are delivered, the person who receives them is said to have been served.
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