A Real Client, A Real Challenge
Person: Here we tell the story of “Evelyn F.” whose name and case details have been altered to preserve anonymity. We hope this case study gives you an idea how our firm works and the results that we strive for. This case wasn’t perfect, and very few are.
Whether you’re looking at an amicable divorce or you hate your spouse’s guts, there are procedures and process that should be followed every time. Attention to detail and open communication make all the difference.
The Client, the Legal Problem, and The Attorney
Person: Evelyn D was a Naperville resident that reached out to us like many of our clients do - after finding us on the internet. She informed our Intake staff that her marriage had been deteriorating for some time and her husband had started talking about setting up their financials in such a way that she wouldn’t receive anything if they ever separated. Naturally, she was concerned. Adding to the stress, they shared 2 children.
Beyond the worry of financials and a likely impending divorce, her primary concern was the wellbeing of her children and understanding how the custody and child support process would go. She wanted a fair parenting plan and a support agreement that would allow her and her kids to maintain at least a semblance of their current lives after the divorce.
Enter attorney James Dickinson and the O’Flaherty Law team. Attorney Dickinson reassured Evelyn that our team has handled many divorce cases like hers in the past. We were able to give her an initial set of expectations knowing that a contested divorce with children and disputed property division could become complicated, but we had a game plan unique to her case that was also based on our many past successes.
Key Facts:
Let’s review the key facts of Evelyn’s case so far:
- Client Type: Parent of two minor children
- Legal Issue: Contested divorce with custody and property division
- Jurisdiction: DuPage County, IL
- Timeframe: September 2024 – February 2025
- Complications: Spouse’s financial actions prior to divorce filing
Our Legal Strategy
Person: Every case is unique, but the structure of a case should follow a systemic approach. That system, tested and refined over time, is what allows our law firm to work efficiently and effectively on our cases right away. Afterall, how would you feel if you were going into surgery and the doctor told you, “I’ve done a thousand of these, but today I think I’m going to try something new...” We applied a tried-and-true legal process to Evelyn’s divorce but made sure to consider all the unique variables her case presented. At the heart of that process is empathy and understanding, but also the assertiveness needed to get results.
Here’s a sneak peak of Evelyn’s divorce case process:
- Filing for temporary custody orders to ensure immediate stability
- Ironing out a parenting plan that emphasized consistency for the children
- Investigating their financial history to make sure everything was transparent
- Guiding Evelyn through mediation to reduce court time and stress
- Coming to an agreement that would allow Evelyn to move forward with her life
In about six months, Evelyn had a finalized divorce with joint parenting agreement giving her primary residential custody with a flexible schedule that for her ex-spouse. She remained in the marital home with plans to downsize to nearby neighborhood in the same school district. Should also received her fair share of spousal support and future retirement and investment accounts.
Why It Mattered
AI: Samantha’s case shows how a thoughtful legal strategy can protect both the emotional and financial interests of a parent during divorce. Our team prioritized:
- Keeping the kids’ best interests at the center of every decision
- Reducing unnecessary conflict through clear, focused negotiation
- Making sure our client never felt lost or alone in the process
Could Your Situation Be Similar?
AI: Going through a divorce is tough, but you don’t have to go through it alone. Whether you’re worried about custody, support, or dividing assets, we’re here to guide you with compassion and clarity.