Why choose Dolci Weiland & Sendlak?
While many firms prioritize billable hours, we prioritize resolution. We combine aggressive advocacy with a pragmatic, results-driven approach to ensure your voice is heard in matters of:
- Complex Divorce: Including property valuation and spousal maintenance.
- Child Custody and Support: Protecting the best interests of your children and your parental rights.
- Post-Decree Modifications: Adapting to life’s changes after the final judgment.
- Mediation and Amicable Settlements: Saving you the emotional and financial cost of a trial whenever possible.
Serving clients throughout DuPage, Cook, Will, Kane and Kendall Counties, our attorneys are deeply familiar with the local courtrooms of the 18th Judicial Circuit. We do not just know the law; we know the local procedures that can make or break your case.
Take the First Step Toward Clarity
Schedule a confidential consultation with a dedicated DuPage County family law attorney today. Let's discuss your goals and build a strategy to protect what matters most.
Comprehensive Family Law Services in DuPage County
Legal disputes involving your family are rarely just about the law; they are about protecting your lifestyle, your assets, and your children’s stability. At Dolci Weiland & Sendlak, we provide strategic representation across the full spectrum of Illinois family law. We don’t just explain the process: we master it to ensure you emerge from your case in the strongest possible position.
Divorce Litigation and Resolution
A divorce is more than the end of a marriage; it is a complex financial transition. Whether you are pursuing a Contested Divorce or a Joint Simplified Dissolution, we focus on protecting your lifestyle.
- Division of Retirement, 401(k), and Other Accounts: We ensure marital assets are divided equitably and non-marital property remains protected.
- Prenuptial and Postnuptial Agreements: We draft and review agreements to safeguard your future before or during marriage.
- Custody of a Pet: We help resolve disputes over your animal companions, focusing on the well-being of the pet under Illinois law.
Learn more on how we can help you with your divorce litigation.
Parenting, Custody, and the Best Interests of the Child
Illinois law has shifted toward a “Parenting Plan” model. We guide parents—both married and unmarried couples—through the complexities of the 18th Judicial Circuit Court.
- Child Custody and Parenting Plans: We help you define decision-making authority and create detailed Parenting Schedules that work for your family.
- Child Support and Visitation: Our firm ensures calculations are accurate and that your rights to visitation are upheld.
- Best Interest of the Child: We ground every strategy in this legal standard to ensure the court sees your position clearly.
- Guardian ad Litem (GAL) Support: View our Guardian ad Litem FAQ to understand how these court-appointed experts impact your case.
Expanded Family Rights and Guardianship
Family dynamics often involve more than just parents. We provide specialized representation for:
- Grandparent Rights: Helping grandparents maintain vital connections with their grandchildren.
- Establishing Paternity: Securing legal parental rights and responsibilities for fathers and children.
- Guardianship: Assisting those stepping up to care for disabled adults or minors in need of a legal protector.
Post-Decree Matters and Life Changes
The final divorce decree isn’t always the end. When life changes, your legal orders must change with it. We handle all Post-Decree modifications, including support adjustments and changes to parenting time.
Estate Planning
Our work continues even after your family law matter is resolved. We help you update your Estate Planning documents to reflect your new reality.
- Estates and Trusts: We draft comprehensive wills and trusts to ensure your assets are protected for the next generation.
How to Choose the Right Family Law Attorney
Selecting an attorney is about more than just finding a legal expert; it’s about finding a partner who understands your goals and can navigate the specific nuances of the Illinois court system.
Look for Local Experience
Law is inherently local. An attorney who regularly practices in the 18th Judicial Circuit Court in Wheaton will have a deep understanding of local court rules and the specific preferences of DuPage County judges.
Familiarity with the local bench allows an attorney to tailor their strategy based on how a particular judge typically rules on issues like maintenance or parenting time.
Verify a Dedicated Focus on Family Law
Family law in Illinois is complex and frequently changing (such as the major 2016 and 2017 updates to divorce and child support statutes). You want an attorney whose practice is primarily, if not exclusively, dedicated to family law.
Avoid “general practitioners” who handle everything from traffic tickets to real estate. You need a specialist who understands the intricacies of equitable distribution and parenting plan allocations.
Assess Communication and “Vibe”
You will be sharing the most intimate details of your life with this person. During your consultation, ask yourself:
- Are they responsive? (If they are distracted by their phone during your initial meeting, they likely will be during your case.)
- Does the attorney listen more than they talk?
- Do they explain complex legal jargon in a way I can understand?
Realistic Expectations vs. “The Moon”
Be wary of any attorney who promises specific results or “guarantees” a win. The law is unpredictable. The right attorney will be honest with you about the strengths and weaknesses of your case, providing a realistic range of outcomes rather than just telling you what you want to hear.
Take the First Step Toward Clarity
Schedule a confidential consultation with a dedicated DuPage County family law attorney today. Let's discuss your goals and build a strategy to protect what matters most.
Hear From Our Clients
At Dolci Weiland & Sendlak, our goal is always the most efficient resolution possible. However, when negotiations stall, our attorneys have a proven track record of securing favorable judgments in the DuPage County courts.
TESTIMONIAL CAROUSEL
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are some of the most popular questions our family law firm gets asked during consultations or litigation.
Most family law cases begin by filing a Petition in the circuit court of the county where you or your spouse resides. In DuPage County, these matters are handled at the 18th Judicial Circuit Court in Wheaton. Because Illinois has specific procedural rules for everything from financial disclosures to parenting plans, having an attorney file correctly the first time is critical to avoiding delays.
Related: [Learn more about our Divorce services]
The timeline varies significantly based on whether the case is contested or uncontested. An uncontested divorce in Illinois can often be finalized in a matter of weeks, while complex cases involving significant asset division or custody disputes may take several months or longer. Our goal at Dolci Weiland & Sendlak is always to reach an efficient resolution through negotiation or mediation before moving to trial.
Related: [Explore our Mediation and Dispute Resolution options]
Even in amicable situations, family law orders are permanent and legally binding. A “simple” mistake in a Property Settlement Agreement or a Parenting Plan can lead to years of expensive litigation later. We provide “review and file” services to ensure your agreements are enforceable, protect your rights, and comply with the latest Illinois statutes.
Related: [How we handle Uncontested Divorces]
No. Illinois is an equitable distribution state. The court does not look for a mathematically equal split, but rather a “fair” one. This takes into account each spouse’s earning potential, the length of the marriage, and the standard of living established during the marriage. Distinguishing between marital and non-marital assets is the most important step in this process.
Related: [See how we handle Asset Division & Retirement Accounts]
Yes. In Illinois, these orders can be updated through a post-decree modification. However, the law requires you to prove a “substantial change in circumstances.” This could include a significant change in income, a parent’s relocation, or the changing needs of a growing child.
Related: [Learn about Post-Decree Modifications]