Family Law Services in St. Clair County, Illinois

Illinois Divorce ● Legal Separation ● Child Custody ● Child Support ● Marital Property Division ● Spousal Support ● Prenuptial Agreements ● Legal Paternity

The family law clients of attorney Susan Parnell Wilson count on skilled, compassionate, and effective legal representation when they are facing difficult family matters, such as divorce. With more than 20 years of legal experience and the support of a capable administrative staff, Ms. Wilson is happy to assist clients throughout St. Clair County, Illinois. To schedule an initial consultation, contact our law office in Belleville today.

Divorce and Legal Separation

Our firm represents men and women who are seeking a legal separation or a contested or uncontested divorce. Attorney Wilson has extensive experience with valuation of marital and non-marital assets, including businesses. One group of clients we offer our experience to in particular are military families, whose divorce proceedings can be complicated by relocation or active duty service. We can advise you on how the realities of military life can affect child custody and visitation decisions, and the truth about the division of military pensions.

Spousal Support ("Alimony")

People often assume that only women can receive spousal maintenance, but that is not the case. An award of spousal maintenance depends upon the difference in the spouses' earning ability as well as a demonstration of need by the spouse who is requesting support. We represent clients who are seeking alimony as well as those seeking to terminate or minimize a spousal support award.

Child Custody and Visitation

We represent men and women who are seeking workable child custody and visitation agreements in the context of divorce or paternity cases. We also assist with modifications of child custody and visitation agreements or court orders. Our firm—and Illinois family courts—believe that men can be as affective custodial parents as women. Gender is not a barrier to gaining child custody, but you will need to prove it is in the best interests of the child.

Illinois law changed in 2006, and mediation is now required in child custody cases. Attorney Wilson is a licensed mediator, ready to assist you in negotiating or mediating a child custody agreement.

Child Support and Post-High-School Support

We represent clients who need to obtain court-ordered child support for minor and college aged children in cases of divorce, paternity, and other situations. Although child support is largely controlled by the Illinois child support guidelines, there are a variety of reasons why the court might adjust support upward or downward. We can explain that to you when you contact us for a consultation.

Domestic Violence and Orders of Protection

Ideally, domestic assault would never happen. Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for divorcing couples to experience problems with domestic violence—or to make false charges of domestic assault—during the divorce process. If you are threatened by family violence, our office encourages you to use the free service at the St. Clair County Courthouse to obtain an emergency order of protection. If you need more permanent protection, we can help you extend your emergency order into a plenary order, which can last up to two years.  

Remember, men can be victims of domestic violence, too, and men need to come forward for a restraining order when they are. We also defend people who are involved in family law cases and have been falsely accused of domestic violence.

Establishment of Legal Paternity

We represent men and women who need help establishing the paternity of a child, as well as with the related issues of child support, child custody, and visitation.

Prenuptial Agreements

It is increasingly common for couples, especially those entering a second marriage, to choose to plan ahead with a prenuptial agreement. You can protect your assets, your business interests, and the inheritance of your children with a prenuptial agreement. Contact our law office to learn more.

Law Offices of Susan Parnell Wilson

14 South Second Street
Belleville, IL 62220
Telephone: (618) 235-1600 ● Fax: (618) 235-1617
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Belleville, Illinois family law and divorce lawyer Susan Parnell Wilson represents clients in St. Clair County, Illinois, in communities such as Belleville, O'Fallon, Fairview Heights, Centreville, Caseyville, Swansea, Lebanon, East St. Louis, and Mascoutah.