ILLINOIS FAMILY & LAW FIRM
Yearwood & Associates, LTD
Practicing Family Law
Since 1987
With over 35 years of experience practicing Illinois family law, we are able to quickly resolve many legal situations with fair and reasonable solutions. We also realize most cases are personal and are handled with care at Yearwood & Associates.
Who
Today, more than 40% of all marriages still end in divorce in the United States. The divorce rate has declined from an all-time high of about 50% in the 1970s and 80s. The divorce rate for subsequent marriages that end in divorce is even higher than first marriages. It’s estimated that 60% of all second marriages end in divorce, while 73% of third marriages will end in divorce. The bright spot in all of this is that overall, divorce rates in the U.S. are falling.
What
The average age of couples who get divorced for the first time is 30 years old. Also, about 60% of all divorces involved people who are between 25 and 39 years old. Divorce rates are highest for couples who are in their 20s, and almost half of all divorces take place within the first ten years of marriage.
Why
One big reason couples cite for getting a divorce is not being fully prepared for what marriage is all about. If you have been financially prudent and saved for those inevitable rainy days that are sure to come, you’re in a better position to calmly react to setbacks, instead of lashing out and undermining your marriage. All marriages have ups and downs, but there should also be a natural flow and order to your relationship as well. You should be able to feel and see that flow during the courtship process; otherwise, you could be getting married for the wrong reasons.
When
If you wake up a few years down the road and realize you’ve gotten married for the wrong reasons, it may be time to cut your losses and move on. Nobody should actively advocate for divorce, but there are times when divorce is best for both people. If you’re having chronic communication problems, and need help with ground rules, see a marriage counselor. A counselor can define what those rules are and how to keep your emotions in check.
AT Yearwood & Associates LTD, WE ARE IN OUR CLIENTS' CORNER
- We find solutions that help our clients and their children
- Caring, compassionate, truthful legal work
- Affordable and understandable fees with payment plans
- Zealous representation to move your case to completion
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Below are a few frequently asked questions. If you have further questions give us a call (847) 824-0358 or (847) 824-6716
When should I contact a lawyer?
Anytime you have a legal question Yearwood & Associates, Ltd is here to answer. In many cases it turns out that your question can be quickly and concisely addressed without actionable
items from our firm. When that happens, you will get your answer in the first contact and at no cost.
Never hesitate to ask your question. We are here to help you.
As always, our staff can help you and guide you to get your concerns addressed quickly and schedule appointments for you as needed. In many situations calling the Paralegal desk first is a more economical way to answer your questions. Paralegal Staff: 847 824-6716
What will it cost?
This is a common question. Many legal functions are billed at a flat rate. When you make your first contact with Yearwood & Associates, Ltd. we can give you a quote of our hourly rates of our attorneys, our paralegals, travel time, postage costs, hourly rates in Court, etc. This will all be explained in detail to you when you decide to be represented by Yearwood & Associates, Ltd.
If you have a legal need from one of our Flat Fee services, we will give you those quotes as well. Examples: Wills, Trusts, Powers of Attorney, Real Estate Closing, Incorporation fees, etc.
Monthly you will get a detailed billing statement regardless of your case being a flat fee or an hourly rate. The monthly report will outline what progress was made, by whom and at what fee.
When I call Yearwood & Associates, Ltd do I get an attorney or a staff member?
When you call Yearwood & Associates, Ltd. you will always get the Attorney when there is a court date. In some cases, during the collection of paperwork or document discovery for your case the best person to talk to is one of paralegals. Legal fees can be lower whenever a paralegal can answer your questions for you.
Which attorney will represent me in court cases?
Ellen A. Yearwood is the owner and attorney in our firm. She is the attorney that will represent you in all court appearances and be available to answer your legal questions. She will make herself available to you and highly values all her clients. Ellen has 35 years of legal expertise.
Also, we have a full staff of paralegals, associates and interns that will be assigned tasks on your case. You will receive a monthly itemized billing statement that is outlined in full detail what issues were addressed in our case and which staff member worked on it and how many minutes were spent on it. Attorney hourly rate is different that staff member hourly rate which will be reflected in your statement. Feel confident that your case will be completed affordably and competently under the supervision of Ellen herself.
What is the most effective way to get my legal question or status update concerns to you?
In addition to calling our office, do not forget about emailing. Email is checked several times a day by everyone on staff. This is a great way to get Ellen’s attention. Give us as much detail as you can in email with attachments and we will get back to you promptly.
