Resources and Support Services Related to Divorce for the State of Illinois
In the state of Illinois, regardless of whether you will or have filed for divorce in Cook County, DuPage County or Will County, these legal resources may be of assistance.
The Illinois State Bar Association (ISBA) has created a directory of its members who maintain professional liability insurance and are in good standing with the Illinois Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission (ARDC). You can call and receive a 30-minute consultation with a lawyer for a small fee, or you can search an online directory for nearby lawyers.
The State of Illinois Circuit Court of Cook County has gathered a list of more than 10 legal associations that can provide legal services for a fee, or direct you to a lawyer who can provide you relevant legal services (also likely for a fee).
Chicago Bar Association (CBA) Lawyer Referral Service
The CBA Lawyer Referral Service has over 300 prescreened, qualified lawyers experienced in almost every area of law. If you meet with the lawyer they've referred, the lawyer will collect $30 at the initial consultation. The lawyer may also charge a fee for time/service.
DuPage County Bar Association (DCBA) Lawyer Referral Service
The DCBA Lawyer Referral Service can help connect you with an attorney who concentrates in the type of law in which you need assistance. The service offers up to 30-minute consultation with an attorney at no charge. Fees should be discussed during the consultation.
Will County Bar Association (WCBA) Lawyer Referral Program
The WCBA Lawyer Referral Service assists the general public by providing a way in which any person who can afford to pay a reasonable fee for legal services may be referred to a qualified member of the bar. All persons licensed to practice law by the Supreme Court of Illinois, in good standing, and who are also members of the WCBA in good standing, shall automatically constitute the voting membership of the service.
Cook County Circuit Court Forms
This webpage provides an exhaustive listing of—and access to—downloadable Cook County Circuit Court forms. Search by court division, court form number or legal form title (e.g., Joint Petition for Simplified Dissolution).
Sample Forms from the State of IL Circuit Court of Cook County
Here you will find numerous sample forms, such as a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage/Civil Union. As every case is unique, the sample forms collected by the court may not fit your circumstances exactly. The best course of action is to seek advice and assistance from an Illinois law firm like Collin Law Offices, P.C.
Resources and Support Services Relate to Divorce for the State of Michigan
No matter whether you're filing for divorce in Berrien County or elsewhere in Michigan, these legal resources may be of assistance.
The Michigan Legal Help website and affiliated local self-help centers are part of the Michigan Legal Help Program, which put together a Divorce with Children Toolkit, including frequently asked questions and helpful checklists. The program works with judges, courts, lawyers, bar associations, nonprofit legal aid agencies, legal self-help centers, libraries and many others to promote coordinated and quality assistance for persons representing themselves in civil legal matters in Michigan. An alternative toolkit is available if your divorce does not involve minor childrenivorce does not involve minor children.
Berrien County Michigan Friend of the Court
The Friend of the Court investigates, reports and makes recommendations to the court on matters such as custody, parenting time, amount of support related to divorce as a divorce does not end a family relationship—it changes it. Several decisions must be made before a divorce is granted. The Friend of the Court referee may hear the issues and make a recommendation to the judge.
State Bar of Michigan Lawyer Referral and Information Service
The State Bar of Michigan's Lawyer Referral and Information Service (LRIS) is designed to assist members of the public who want to hire an attorney and can afford to pay for legal services. Individual referral services are broken out by county. When you contact the attorney, make sure to state that you received a referral from the State Bar of Michigan. The cost of an initial 30-minute consultation with a LRIS panel member will be no more than $20. Fees beyond the initial consultation must be negotiated with the attorney.
Legal Aid Program Search by County
If you have a legal problem in the state of Michigan and cannot afford to hire an attorney, you can contact your local legal aid office. This page features a simple search tool that helps you find legal aid by service (e.g., Family/Divorce/Custody) and county (e.g., Berrien).