Family Law and Divorce Attorney in DuPage County, IL
Experienced. Local. On Your Side.
Need a family law attorney in DuPage County? Our team at Mulyk Laho Law has been representing Illinois families in some of their most difficult moments for decades. Whether you’re navigating a divorce, child custody issues, or other family law matters, our lawyers have the experience you need and the commitment you deserve.
50+ Years of Combined Experience
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Divorce Attorney in DuPage County, IL
Our attorneys bring more than 50 years of combined experience to every case, supported by a team of investigators, forensic accountants, and child welfare specialists who help us build the strongest possible position on your behalf.
Our team is based in Glen Ellyn, Illinois, at the heart of DuPage County, and we represent clients throughout the region including Naperville, Wheaton, Downers Grove, Lisle, Lombard, and surrounding communities. We practice regularly in the 18th Judicial Circuit Court and know its judges, processes, and local rules inside and out.
Our Family Law and Divorce Attorneys
Rebecca A. Laho
Partner
Sharon R. Mulyk
Partner
Patrick P. Azer
Attorney
Caroline M. Smith
Attorney
Client Reviews
Types of Divorce Cases
Whether you’re looking for efficient mediation services or you need an aggressive divorce attorney to defend you in court, our team at Mulyk Laho Law has the experience, local knowledge, and compassion to guide you through the process.
Uncontested
Both spouses agree on all major issues before going before a judge. Even if your divorce is amicable, you can avoid unforeseen problems down the road with experienced legal review and guidance through the DuPage County court system.
Mediated
Mediation is typically faster, less expensive, and far more private than litigation. Our experienced divorce attorneys can help you reach a fair, legally binding agreement with minimal stress.
Contested
When spouses cannot reach agreement on parenting, property, or support, the case proceeds through the Illinois court system. With 50+ years of combined litigation experience, we’re ready to fight for you every step of the way.
Complex
High-asset divorces involving business ownership, multiple real estate holdings, retirement accounts, and trusts require a higher level of legal and financial sophistication. Our team includes forensic accountants and investigators who ensure nothing is overlooked.
Divorce with Children
When children are involved in your DuPage County divorce, the stakes couldn’t be higher—and the results will impact your family for years to come. Our family law attorneys understand how to navigate these complex legal and emotional issues, protecting your parental rights and the long-term wellbeing of your children.
Child Custody and Allocation of Parental Responsibilities
In Illinois, what was once called “child custody” is now the “allocation of parental responsibilities.” This covers both decision-making authority (education, healthcare, religion, extracurricular activities) and parenting time. All determinations are made based on the best interests of the child.
Our attorneys are tenacious advocates for parenting arrangements that protect your relationship with your children and serve their long-term interests.
Child Support
Illinois uses an income shares model to calculate child support, taking into account both parents’ net incomes, parenting time schedules, health insurance, work-related childcare, and other costs. When income is hard to verify or one parent is self-employed, the calculation becomes significantly more complex.
Our attorneys are experienced in documenting income accurately, challenging misrepresented financials, and advocating for support orders that genuinely meet your children’s needs.
Additional Family Law Services in DuPage County, IL
Divorce is not the only area where families need skilled legal advocacy. Mulyk Laho Law handles a full range of family law matters for clients in Glen Ellyn, Naperville, Wheaton, and throughout DuPage County.
Adoption
Guiding families through agency, private, stepparent, and relative adoptions with care and efficiency.
Paternity
Establishing, contesting, or modifying paternity to protect the legal rights of children and parents alike.
Civil Unions
Helping couples establish civil unions and understand their legal rights and protections under Illinois law.
Guardian ad Litem
Experienced representation in cases where the court appoints an independent advocate for your child’s best interests.
Orders of Protection
When safety is at stake, we move quickly. Our attorneys are experienced in obtaining emergency orders of protection and temporary restraining orders for clients and their children.
Prenuptial Agreements
Drafting and reviewing agreements that protect your individual assets and clarify financial rights before they become a source of conflict.
Serving Families Throughout DuPage County
Glen Ellyn, IL
Our office is located in Glen Ellyn, IL, just 15 minutes down the road from the 18th Judicial Circuit Courthouse. We are your DuPage County neighbors—not a downtown firm treating the suburbs as an afterthought.
Wheaton, IL
Wheaton is the seat of DuPage County and home to the 18th Judicial Circuit Court, where virtually all DuPage County family law cases are heard. Our lawyers appear in those courtrooms regularly and know its judges and procedures firsthand, which translates to better outcomes for Wheaton residents.
Naperville, IL
Because Naperville straddles both DuPage and Will County, the part of town you live in will determine where your case is filed. Our family law team has decades of experience in both county courts and can advise you from the start on the right approach. Naperville also tends to generate some of the most financially complex divorce cases in the region, and our team—including forensic accountants and investigators—is well equipped to handle them.
We also serve clients in Downers Grove, Lisle, Lombard, Carol Stream, Bloomingdale, Elmhurst, and surrounding communities, as well as in Cook, Kane, Will, and Kendall counties.
Your Local Courthouse
18th Judicial Circuit Court
505 N County Farm Rd
Wheaton, IL 60187
Why Choose Mulyk Laho Law?
We know that hiring an attorney can feel like a leap of faith. When you work with Mulyk Laho Law, you can feel confident that you made the right choice.
50+ Years of Combined Experience: Our attorneys have been representing families in DuPage County courts for decades. We know the 18th Judicial Circuit, its judges, and its processes—experience that translates directly into better outcomes for clients.
Mediation and Litigation: We take the time to understand all the details of your case and recommend the right legal pathway for your family. If a mediated resolution serves your interests, we pursue it efficiently. If a fight is necessary, our experienced divorce attorneys are ready for trial.
A Full Support Team Behind Every Case: We work diligently to build your strongest possible case, supported by skilled investigators, forensic accountants, child psychologists, and social workers.
Your Children Come First: We understand that both the outcome of your case and the process itself will impact your family for life. We pursue resolutions that protect your kids now and set them up for stability in the years ahead.
Free Initial Consultation: Speak with one of our attorneys at no charge, with no obligation. Everything discussed is confidential. You’ll leave with a clear understanding of your options and what comes next.
DuPage County Family Law FAQ
How do I file for divorce in DuPage County, Illinois?
Illinois is a no-fault state, meaning the only grounds required for divorce are irreconcilable differences.
To file for divorce in DuPage County, at least one spouse must have been an Illinois resident for 90 days prior to filing. You will file a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage with the Circuit Court Clerk’s Office. Filing can be done in person at 505 N. County Farm Road in Wheaton, by mail, or electronically.
After filing, your spouse must be served (or sign a Waiver of Service if the divorce is uncontested), then the court will schedule a case management conference.
How long does a divorce take in DuPage County?
The timeline varies significantly depending on whether the divorce is contested or uncontested.
- An uncontested divorce in DuPage County can often be finalized in 2-4 months once all paperwork is complete and both parties are in full agreement.
- Contested divorces typically take 12-24 months, and complex cases can take longer.
Illinois has no mandatory waiting period for divorce, though the practical scheduling timelines of the 18th Judicial Circuit apply. Our Illinois divorce lawyers work efficiently to move your case forward without sacrificing your outcome.
Will I have to go to court?
Most people going through a divorce or family law matter in DuPage County will have some court involvement, even if it’s minimal.
- In an uncontested divorce, a judge still needs to review and approve your agreement, but this is often handled without a formal hearing.
- In contested matters, court appearances are typically required.
- For custody disputes, the 18th Judicial Circuit will generally require parents to attempt mediation before proceeding to a full hearing—meaning many issues get resolved before you ever reach a courtroom.
Some routine hearings in DuPage County can be handled virtually over Zoom. That said, we strongly believe that showing up in person makes a difference. Our attorneys will always advise you on when your physical presence matters most.
How is child support calculated in Illinois?
Illinois uses an income shares model under 750 ILCS 5/505. Both parents’ monthly net incomes are combined, a base support obligation is determined from the Illinois schedule, and that amount is divided proportionally.
Adjustments account for health insurance, work-related childcare, and the specific parenting time arrangement. When a parent is self-employed or income is difficult to document, the calculation becomes considerably more complex.
What is the difference between "allocation of parental responsibilities" and "parenting time"?
Under the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act, the old terms “custody” and “visitation” were replaced with more precise language.
- “Allocation of parental responsibilities” refers to decision-making authority—who gets the final say on education, healthcare, religion, and activities.
- “Parenting time” refers to the physical parenting schedule.
Parents can share decision-making while having an unequal time schedule, or one parent can have sole decision-making authority while the other still has substantial parenting time.
Can a divorce decree be modified after it is finalized?
Absolutely. In Illinois, child support, maintenance, and parenting arrangements can all be modified when there has been a substantial change in circumstances. Common triggers include a significant income change, relocation, remarriage, or a shift in a child’s needs.
Our family law attorneys represent clients seeking post-decree modifications or defending against them throughout DuPage County.
Do I need a lawyer for an uncontested divorce in Illinois?
Illinois does not require legal representation to file for divorce. However, even fully agreed divorces carry real risk without a careful legal review—particularly around property division, retirement account transfers (which often require a Qualified Domestic Relations Order, or QDRO), and the enforceability of your parenting plan.
At Mulyk Laho Law, we offer a free initial consultation, so there’s no reason not to speak with an experienced attorney before you start divorce proceedings.
What should I look for in a divorce lawyer in DuPage County?
The most important factors are local experience and the right fit for your specific situation. An attorney who appears regularly in the 18th Judicial Circuit Court will know its judges, procedures, and timelines in ways that an out-of-county firm simply won’t.
Beyond that, look for someone whose approach matches your case; a highly contested divorce with significant assets calls for a different skill set than an uncontested matter where you mainly need someone to handle the paperwork correctly. Ask whether the firm handles both mediation and litigation, what their support team looks like, and how they communicate with clients.
A free consultation is a low-risk way to find out whether a divorce attorney is the right match before committing.
Schedule Your Free Consultation Today
Our attorneys are ready to listen, explain your options clearly, and put our decades of DuPage County family law experience to work for you.
This call is free and confidential.