A conversation about what comes next
Charles M. Wright is a Divorce and Family Law Attorney at Beermann LLP, serving Barrington residents. Start with the questions that matter to you: the home, finances, parenting, or what life could look like after a long marriage. You do not need a complete file before asking for a conversation.
Charles’s listed office is at 161 N. Clark St., Suite 3000, Chicago, IL 60601. This is a service-area page, not a claim of an office in Barrington. Contact the team to discuss meeting arrangements. When calling 312-621-9700, ask for Charles Wright.
Which county and court should I start with?
Barrington includes territory in Cook and Lake counties. Official local geography reference.
Illinois generally places a divorce proceeding in the county where either spouse resides, with a statutory process for seeking a waiver if neither resides in the chosen county. Discuss venue before filing; a town name or an attorney’s office address does not settle that question. 750 ILCS 5/104.
- Cook County preparation guide · Cook County Domestic Relations FAQ
- Lake County preparation guide · Lake County divorce resources
For an existing case, use the county, case number, hearing notice and orders on your papers. Confirm the assigned courtroom and appearance method. In Cook County, domestic-relations matters may be assigned downtown or to a suburban location; do not assume the nearest courthouse is the correct one.
Does “Barrington area” mean one court system?
No. The Village of Barrington spans Cook and Lake counties. Surrounding communities and mailing addresses need their own check; do not treat the wider Barrington area as a single jurisdiction. Identify the actual county of residence and any existing case before choosing a court resource. This page concerns Barrington residents and does not establish the venue for every nearby municipality.
How do I prepare when there are multiple properties or businesses?
Create a separate entry for each property or entity, including the owner shown on documents, debt, income or carrying costs, and the records available. List a residence separately from an investment or business asset. Bring ownership agreements and recent statements if you can lawfully access them. The inventory helps counsel identify which questions involve classification, valuation, cash flow or the steps needed for a transfer.
What if a proposed buyout depends on future money?
Identify the proposed payment dates and what is expected to fund them. Ask what documents support the assumptions, what happens if financing is unavailable and how the arrangement would be implemented. Keep immediate living expenses distinct from money that may arrive later. The home guide can help you prepare those practical questions before evaluating a larger settlement.
How do I request a conversation?
Use the conversation request form to share contact information and names for the initial conflict check. Mention approaching deadlines. Save confidential records for the process the team provides, and discuss scope, fees and communication before representation begins. An inquiry does not establish an attorney-client relationship or extend a deadline.
For a useful starting agenda, use the divorce preparation checklist. You can also explore divorce after 50 or other communities served.