Family Law and Divorce Attorney in Joliet, IL
Experienced, Responsive, and Affordable Legal Support
Joliet is a place where working families, longtime residents, and new arrivals live side by side. At Mulyk Laho Law, we bring 55 years of combined experience to the families who call this city home. No matter what your Joliet divorce or family law case looks like, our skilled attorneys are ready to take it on with deep legal knowledge and hands-on support.
55 Years of Combined Experience
Services in English, Spanish, and Arabic
Fair and Transparent Billing
Free Attorney Consultation
Our Family Law and Divorce Attorneys
Rebecca A. Laho
Partner
Sharon R. Mulyk
Partner
Patrick P. Azer
Attorney
Caroline M. Smith
Attorney
Client Reviews
Serving Joliet, IL and Nearby Communities
We represent clients throughout Joliet and the surrounding area, including Plainfield, Shorewood, Crest Hill, New Lenox, Lockport, and Romeoville.
Wherever you are in Will County, you have a local firm (based in nearby Glen Ellyn) with decades of experience in the 12th Judicial Circuit.
As the county seat, Joliet is where nearly every Will County family law matter is filed and heard. Our attorneys know this courthouse well—its judges, its scheduling patterns, and what it takes to keep a case moving without unnecessary delay.
Your Local Courthouse
12th Judicial Circuit Court
100 West Jefferson Street
Joliet, IL 60432
Divorce in Joliet – What to Expect
Joliet’s population is one of the largest and most diverse in the Chicago suburbs. It’s a city of both long roots and fast change—multi-generational families who’ve been here for decades alongside a growing, diverse workforce drawn by the area’s warehousing and logistics boom.
That range shows up directly in the divorce cases we handle here: decades-long marriages with a pension or family home to divide, households where income comes from overtime and shift work rather than a flat salary, and families where one or both spouses are the first generation to navigate the U.S. legal system.
Our Joliet divorce lawyers take the time to understand your family’s unique situation, recommend a clear path forward, and provide hands-on support every step of the way.
Whatever shape your case takes, our attorneys are prepared to handle it:
Uncontested divorces can move fast when both spouses are already aligned. We make sure your agreement is legally sound before it's finalized.
Mediated divorce is often the right path for Joliet families—faster, less expensive, and more private than a courtroom fight. In many cases, mediation is required before proceeding to litigation.
Contested divorces require an attorney who’s prepared to fight for you through every stage of litigation. Our Will County divorce lawyers bring years of courtroom experience, and we're supported by child psychologists, social workers, and other specialists.
High-asset and complex cases (which may involve business ownership, real estate, or significant retirement assets) demand a higher level of legal and financial sophistication. Our forensic accountants and investigators make sure nothing is overlooked.
Divorce with Children
Joliet divorces involving children rarely follow a one-size-fits-all script. Your parenting plan may have to work around rotating shifts, extended family who help with childcare, or a household spanning multiple generations under one roof. Our attorneys know how to navigate these complex legal and emotional issues, protecting your parental rights and your children’s long-term wellbeing.
Child Custody and 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, and extracurricular activities) and parenting time. All determinations are made based on the best interests of the child.
Our Joliet divorce lawyers are tenacious advocates for parenting arrangements that protect your relationship with your children and serve their long-term interests. We’re supported by child psychologists, social workers, and other child welfare specialists to build your strongest possible case.
Child Support
Illinois uses an income shares model to calculate child support, factoring in both parents’ net incomes, parenting time, health insurance, and work-related childcare costs. In Joliet, that calculation often gets complicated by shift work, overtime pay, seasonal warehouse or logistics schedules, and self-employed small business income. These situations require careful documentation to ensure the numbers match your family’s real finances.
Our child support attorneys are experienced in documenting income accurately, challenging misrepresented financials, and advocating for support orders that genuinely reflect your children’s needs.
Additional Family Law Services in Joliet, IL
Divorce is the most common reason families come to us, but it’s far from the only one. Mulyk Laho Law handles the full range of family law matters for clients in Joliet, Will County, and surrounding communities.
Adoption
We guide 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.
Why Choose Mulyk Laho Law for Your Joliet Divorce?
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.
55 Years of Combined Experience: Our attorneys have been representing families in Joliet’s 12th Judicial Circuit for decades. We know its judges, its procedures, and how to move cases forward efficiently—experience that directly improves outcomes for clients.
Multilingual Services: We provide skilled family law representation in English, Spanish, and Arabic.
Transparent Billing: We provide affordable legal services without cutting corners on quality. We explain our fee structure clearly from day one, so you can focus on your case instead of worrying about surprise bills.
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.
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.
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.
Joliet Family Law FAQ
Where do Joliet, IL residents file for divorce?
Joliet is the seat of Will County, so the 12th Judicial Circuit Court—where virtually all Will County family law cases are heard—is located right here in town at 100 West Jefferson Street, Joliet, IL 60432. You can file in person or electronically through the Illinois Courts e-filing portal. At least one spouse must have been an Illinois resident for 90 days prior to filing.
How long does a divorce take in Joliet?
An uncontested divorce with a complete agreement can sometimes be finalized in a matter of weeks. Contested cases involving disputes over property, custody, or support typically take several months to over a year, depending on how much the parties disagree and the court’s schedule.
How does divorce affect my children’s school enrollment?
Where your children attend school typically depends on their primary residence, so custody and parenting time arrangements can affect school enrollment.
Joliet is served by multiple school districts, including Joliet Public Schools District 86 for elementary grades and Joliet Township High School District 204 for high school, along with parts of the city zoned into neighboring districts. Our Joliet family law attorneys can help make sure your parenting plan accounts for school enrollment and stability before it becomes an issue.
How is child support calculated if I work irregular hours or overtime?
Illinois uses an income shares model under 750 ILCS 5/505. Both parents’ net monthly incomes are combined, a base support obligation is drawn from the state schedule, and that amount is divided proportionally. The calculation adjusts for each parent’s share of parenting time, health insurance costs, and work-related childcare.
Income that fluctuates based on irregular schedules, overtime, seasonal work, or bonus pay requires more documentation to calculate accurately. Our experienced divorce attorneys regularly handle these calculations for clients in Joliet and beyond.
Do you offer services in Spanish?
Yes. We provide services in Spanish, as well as English and Arabic, so you can discuss your case in the language you’re most comfortable with.
How does my immigration status affect my divorce, or vice versa?
Family law and immigration law can intersect in many ways—for example, in cases involving a conditional green card obtained through marriage. These situations require careful handling. While our focus is family law, we can help you understand how your case may be affected and refer you to trusted immigration counsel when needed. If this applies to you, it’s worth bringing up during your initial consultation so we can address it early.
Can a divorce decree be modified after it's finalized?
Yes. In Illinois, child support, maintenance (alimony), and parenting arrangements can all be modified when there has been a substantial change in circumstances—a meaningful income change, a parent seeking to relocate, remarriage, or a significant shift in a child’s needs or schedule. Our attorneys represent Joliet-area clients both seeking modifications and contesting them throughout post-decree proceedings.
Schedule Your Free Consultation Today
Our attorneys are ready to hear your story, explain your options in plain terms, and bring our years of Joliet family court experience to work on your behalf.
This call is free and confidential.