Every case starts with a conversation.

Where it goes from there depends on what you actually need.

How Our Family Law & Divorce Process Works

Request a Confidential Consultation

How Every Case Begins

Understanding Our Divorce Mediation & Litigation Process

1
Call The Office Or Submit Your Confidential Online Inquiry
Contact the office or complete the online inquiry form to arrange your initial consultation. These are usually held on Fridays, but if you have work constraints or other scheduling issues, we do our best to accommodate. Please note that if you are requesting Angela's mediation services, there will be no initial consultation ahead of the mediation meeting.
2
Initial Consultation
This conversation with Angela takes place in the office, via Zoom, or via phone. The main objective is for you to ask her the questions you need in order to choose the right attorney for you. Using the information you provide, Angela will identify the resources necessary to best represent your interests and obtain your goals. Just as there is no guarantee that you will hire Angela after this meeting, there is no guarantee that Angela will agree to represent you. You'll leave this meeting understanding different options and approaches to resolving your case. The initial consultation takes an hour or so and is $350.00.
3
Signing The Engagement Letter
If, after the consultation, you request representation and the firm determines the case is a good fit, you will receive an engagement letter by email. This document outlines the security retainer, billing practices, and expectations of the attorney–client relationship. After the engagement letter is signed and the security retainer is paid, the attorney-client relationship is formed and we begin our work. Until that time, we are not your attorney and are not watching deadlines or taking any actions as your attorney.

The Next Step Depends on Your Situation

Where things go from here depends on what your case actually involves. Select your situation below:

Assets, accounts, retirement, maintenance/alimony
4
Document Collection
Once the financial side of your case gets underway, the focus shifts to documentation: bank statements, tax returns, retirement accounts, property values, debt records. Angela & her team work directly with you to pull all of it together and make sure nothing gets missed.

You don't need to know exactly what to gather or how to organize it going in. You're not alone with it, and you won't be left guessing. Angela & her team walk with you through this part, so you can focus on your family instead of paperwork.
5
Financial Analysis via Software Portal
Once the documents are in motion, Angela builds a full financial picture of your marital estate using family law financial software. You’ll enter your information through a secure online portal, and Angela’s team helps you work through it gradually so it feels manageable instead of overwhelming.

The goal here is clarity, understanding what exists, what it’s worth, and what a fair split actually looks like.
6
Proposed Agreement or Contested Resolution
If there’s still communication between you and the other party, Angela drafts a proposed settlement that lays everything out clearly and respectfully. The goal is to resolve things without unnecessary conflict whenever possible.

If the other party is already acting against you, like draining accounts, cashing out retirement funds, or dropping your health insurance, Angela moves quickly. That means filing for emergency relief and getting in front of a judge before more damage is done.

When everything is organized and both sides are cooperative, a divorce can sometimes resolve in as little as a week. When it’s contested, the timeline depends entirely on the financial complexity and how far apart an agreement is.
REQUEST YOUR CONFIDENTIAL CONSULTATION WITH ANGELA TODAY
Parenting time, decision-making, child support
4
In-depth Conversations About Your Family
Parenting cases don’t move forward on documents alone. Angela takes time to understand what daily life actually looks like in your family, including your daily routines, responsibilities, history, and the dynamics that shape your child’s life.

These conversations matter because the legal structure has to reflect real life, not just paperwork.
5
Parenting Plan Development
In Illinois, the legal system no longer uses terms like “custody” and “visitation.” Instead, it’s parenting time and decision-making. Angela walks you through what those mean for your situation specifically. She’ll then work with you to build a parenting plan that covers parenting time and decision-making responsibilities around education, healthcare, and religion.

Everything is grounded in what a judge would actually do. You’re not negotiating from hope, but from a realistic starting point.
6
Agreement or Contested Hearing
The goal is always to build something stable enough that both parents can move forward without ongoing conflict.

If cooperation is possible, Angela works toward a structured agreement that supports long-term co-parenting. If it isn’t, she goes to court prepared to fight for your parenting time.
REQUEST YOUR CONFIDENTIAL CONSULTATION WITH ANGELA TODAY
Orders of protection, restraining orders, asset preservation
4
Immediate Intake & Assessment
These situations often involve real urgency with draining financial accounts, cashed out 401k’s, loss of health insurance, or concerns about safety or harassment.

Emergency cases are treated differently from the moment they come in. Angela’s team prioritizes your intake immediately so nothing gets delayed.
5
Rapid Document Gathering
At this stage, the focus is only on what’s necessary to act quickly. That might mean bank records showing the account drain, screenshots of communications, or proof of the dropped insurance. Whatever documents the situation calls for, Angela and her team help you get there.
6
Emergency Hearing
Angela moves quickly to file for emergency relief and get in front of a judge as soon as possible. Depending on your situation, that could involve an order of protection, a restraining order, exclusive possession of the home, or financial protections that prevent further asset loss. Once the immediate issue is handled, Angela’s attention shifts back to the larger case and long-term resolution.
REQUEST YOUR CONFIDENTIAL CONSULTATION WITH ANGELA TODAY
Reaching agreements together, without going to court
4
Scheduling Mediation
To request Angela’s mediation services, one party reaches out first and identifies a few possible 2–3 hour time blocks. The first person then contacts the other party so they can contact Angela’s office directly to confirm the time. If Angela and her team have that party’s contact information, they’ll coordinate directly.
5
The Mediation Session
During mediation, Angela acts as a neutral third party. She’s not representing either side and isn’t there to take positions or assign blame. She helps both people talk through the real issues, understand where they agree and where they don’t, and work toward solutions that are actually workable in daily life.
6
Written Agreement & Court Order
Once agreement is reached, Angela prepares a formal written document that reflects everything decided during mediation. That agreement is then submitted to the court and entered as a binding order, without either party needing to appear before a judge.
Mediation vs. Litigation

If you’re calling to hire Angela as your attorney for litigation, she cannot also serve as your mediator. At Angela Evans Law, these are two different roles. 

When you reach out, our team will confirm which service you’re looking for so everyone is on the same page before scheduling begins.

REQUEST YOUR CONFIDENTIAL CONSULTATION WITH ANGELA TODAY

The Next Step Depends on Your Situation

Where things go from here depends on what your case actually involves. Select your situation below:

Assets, accounts, retirement, maintenance/alimony
4
Document Collection
Once the financial side of your case gets underway, the focus shifts to documentation: bank statements, tax returns, retirement accounts, property values, debt records. Angela & her team work directly with you to pull all of it together and make sure nothing gets missed.

You don't need to know exactly what to gather or how to organize it going in. You're not alone with it, and you won't be left guessing. Angela & her team walk with you through this part, so you can focus on your family instead of paperwork.
5
Financial Analysis via Software Portal
Once the documents are in motion, Angela builds a full financial picture of your marital estate using family law financial software. You’ll enter your information through a secure online portal, and Angela’s team helps you work through it gradually so it feels manageable instead of overwhelming.

The goal here is clarity, understanding what exists, what it’s worth, and what a fair split actually looks like.
6
Proposed Agreement or Contested Resolution
If there’s still communication between you and the other party, Angela drafts a proposed settlement that lays everything out clearly and respectfully. The goal is to resolve things without unnecessary conflict whenever possible.

If the other party is already acting against you, like draining accounts, cashing out retirement funds, or dropping your health insurance, Angela moves quickly. That means filing for emergency relief and getting in front of a judge before more damage is done.

When everything is organized and both sides are cooperative, a divorce can sometimes resolve in as little as a week. When it’s contested, the timeline depends entirely on the financial complexity and how far apart an agreement is.
REQUEST YOUR CONFIDENTIAL CONSULTATION WITH ANGELA TODAY
Parenting time, decision-making, child support
4
In-depth Conversations About Your Family
Parenting cases don’t move forward on documents alone. Angela takes time to understand what daily life actually looks like in your family, including your daily routines, responsibilities, history, and the dynamics that shape your child’s life.

These conversations matter because the legal structure has to reflect real life, not just paperwork.
5
Parenting Plan Development
In Illinois, the legal system no longer uses terms like “custody” and “visitation.” Instead, it’s parenting time and decision-making. Angela walks you through what those mean for your situation specifically. She’ll then work with you to build a parenting plan that covers parenting time and decision-making responsibilities around education, healthcare, and religion.

Everything is grounded in what a judge would actually do. You’re not negotiating from hope, but from a realistic starting point.
6
Agreement or Contested Hearing
The goal is always to build something stable enough that both parents can move forward without ongoing conflict.

If cooperation is possible, Angela works toward a structured agreement that supports long-term co-parenting. If it isn’t, she goes to court prepared to fight for your parenting time.
REQUEST YOUR CONFIDENTIAL CONSULTATION WITH ANGELA TODAY
Orders of protection, restraining orders, asset preservation
4
Immediate Intake & Assessment
These situations often involve real urgency with draining financial accounts, cashed out 401k’s, loss of health insurance, or concerns about safety or harassment.

Emergency cases are treated differently from the moment they come in. Angela’s team prioritizes your intake immediately so nothing gets delayed.
5
Rapid Document Gathering
At this stage, the focus is only on what’s necessary to act quickly. That might mean bank records showing the account drain, screenshots of communications, or proof of the dropped insurance. Whatever documents the situation calls for, Angela and her team help you get there.
6
Emergency Hearing
Angela moves quickly to file for emergency relief and get in front of a judge as soon as possible. Depending on your situation, that could involve an order of protection, a restraining order, exclusive possession of the home, or financial protections that prevent further asset loss. Once the immediate issue is handled, Angela’s attention shifts back to the larger case and long-term resolution.
REQUEST YOUR CONFIDENTIAL CONSULTATION WITH ANGELA TODAY
Reaching agreements together, without going to court
4
Scheduling Mediation
To request Angela’s mediation services, one party reaches out first and identifies a few possible 2–3 hour time blocks. The first person then contacts the other party so they can contact Angela’s office directly to confirm the time. If Angela and her team have that party’s contact information, they’ll coordinate directly.
5
The Mediation Session
During mediation, Angela acts as a neutral third party. She’s not representing either side and isn’t there to take positions or assign blame. She helps both people talk through the real issues, understand where they agree and where they don’t, and work toward solutions that are actually workable in daily life.
6
Written Agreement & Court Order
Once agreement is reached, Angela prepares a formal written document that reflects everything decided during mediation. That agreement is then submitted to the court and entered as a binding order, without either party needing to appear before a judge.
Mediation vs. Litigation

If you’re calling to hire Angela as your attorney for litigation, she cannot also serve as your mediator. At Angela Evans Law, these are two different roles. 

When you reach out, our team will confirm which service you’re looking for so everyone is on the same page before scheduling begins.

REQUEST YOUR CONFIDENTIAL CONSULTATION WITH ANGELA TODAY
Kaitlin McMillan smiling in a professional setting.

Divorce Process Billing

How Angela Charges

Most attorneys don’t explain how billing works. Angela does.

Work is billed in 6-minute increments and invoiced every two weeks. That means you receive regular, detailed statements showing exactly what was done and when. If something ever needs clarification, we encourage you to ask.

Divorce Process Duration

How Long Does It Take?

A divorce can be finalized within a week if everything is agreed upon and the attorney has the availability to prepare the necessary documents. If agreed orders are properly filed, a judge may sign them the same day. Once the Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage is entered, the marriage is legally dissolved.

Every case is different, but the general sequence of events includes: retaining an attorney, gathering and reviewing financial and parenting information, negotiating and reaching decisions on the issues at hand, drafting the legal documents, and waiting for the other party to respond. That waiting period is often the longest phase and can take several months, depending on the circumstances. If an agreement is reached, the parties sign the final documents, the attorney files them with the court, and the divorce is finalized once the judge signs the Judgment.

A Word From Angela

“You are not alone. You may be facing the most traumatic, lonely, and heart wrenching experience of your life, but you should not be left alone with your questions. We aim to be your helper. We can demystify the legal process, so you can focus on the healing of yourself and your family. If I were to choose an attorney, I would choose the attorney I wanted to walk with through the process, the attorney I was comfortable with and could trust. No attorney can promise you an outcome, but I can promise you that the Angela Evans Law team will give 110% to every person we call our client.”

Schedule your confidential consultation today.

You can request a confidential consultation with Angela and our team to find out where your case stands. 

Kaitlin McMillan professional headshot for legal services website.
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  • 110 SW Jefferson Ave.
  • Suite 500
  • Peoria, IL 61602

(309) 839-8340