A conversation about what comes next
Charles M. Wright is a Divorce and Family Law Attorney at Beermann LLP, serving Wilmette 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 Wilmette. Contact the team to discuss meeting arrangements. When calling 312-621-9700, ask for Charles Wright.
Which county and court should I start with?
Wilmette is in Cook 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 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.
What changes when children are approaching college?
Make a separate list of college costs, existing savings and any written agreements or court orders. Tuition is only one part of the picture: housing, travel, insurance and other expenses may also need discussion. Do not assume a past family plan determines either spouse’s legal obligation after divorce. Bring the expected enrollment dates and funding information so counsel can identify the questions requiring advice.
How do I compare a retirement account with money available today?
Record the type of account, current balance, access restrictions and expected withdrawal date. A retirement balance and cash in a checking account do not necessarily provide the same spending power. Ask how taxes, transfer requirements and timing affect a proposed division. Before accepting an exchange of assets, understand which funds could cover living expenses while the longer-term plan takes shape.
What if our finances are still intertwined?
Map the accounts used for income, mortgage payments, insurance and routine bills. Note account ownership, authorized users and automatic payments without changing arrangements on your own. Ask counsel what interim arrangements are appropriate, especially if an order already controls spending. A clear payment map helps identify immediate needs and reduces uncertainty about which records to gather.
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.