A conversation about what comes next
Charles M. Wright is a Divorce and Family Law Attorney at Beermann LLP, serving Highland Park 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 Highland Park. Contact the team to discuss meeting arrangements. When calling 312-621-9700, ask for Charles Wright.
Which county and court should I start with?
Highland Park is in Lake County. 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.
For an existing case, use the county, case number, hearing notice and orders on your papers. Confirm the assigned courtroom, appearance method and any current instructions before a hearing.
What if parenting and financial questions are both urgent?
Prepare two short lists. For parenting, identify the existing schedule, any orders and the next decision that needs attention. For finances, identify upcoming bills, income sources and missing records. Put dates beside each concern. This helps a first conversation distinguish matters needing prompt advice from information that can be gathered in an orderly way. Do not assume an informal arrangement replaces an existing order.
What information helps with bonuses or stock compensation?
Look for compensation statements, award agreements, vesting schedules and records of actual payments or sales that you can lawfully access. A salary number alone may not describe the whole financial picture. Flag what you do not understand, such as a restriction on transfer or a future vesting date. Ask how those details affect both the property discussion and the income analysis in your circumstances.
How can I make sure I understand proposed agreements?
Ask for the proposal to be explained by subject: the home, other property, debts, support and parenting. Keep a separate list of unresolved questions and assumptions that need documents. Discuss who will communicate day to day and how you should raise a concern before a response is due. Understanding the practical effect of a proposal matters more than feeling obliged to answer immediately.
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.