A conversation about what comes next
Charles M. Wright is a Divorce and Family Law Attorney at Beermann LLP, serving Naperville 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 Naperville. Contact the team to discuss meeting arrangements. When calling 312-621-9700, ask for Charles Wright.
Which county and court should I start with?
Naperville includes territory in DuPage and Will 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.
- DuPage County preparation guide · DuPage County court resources
- Will County preparation guide · Will County dissolution and family resources
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.
Is every Naperville divorce handled in DuPage County?
No. Naperville spans DuPage and Will counties. Check the county of each spouse’s residence, and bring existing court papers if a case has been filed. School district, postal city and courthouse proximity do not replace that inquiry. The DuPage and Will County guides link to their respective court resources so you can begin with the system relevant to your circumstances.
How should I prepare for two households with children?
Start with an actual weekly calendar and a budget. Identify transportation, school and activity commitments, work travel and the costs you currently share. Note what would change under each proposed housing option. Bring an existing parenting order if there is one, and discuss the legal implications before making changes. The aim is to make practical constraints visible early in the conversation.
What if a long marriage has left me unfamiliar with retirement planning?
List known retirement plans, current household expenses and the questions you want answered about future income. Mark missing statements or unknown plan details. Ask how the home, support, retirement and accessible savings would fit together under a proposal. You can begin with an incomplete picture; the first discussion can identify what must be learned before decisions are made.
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.