Legal Question in Family Law in Illinois

My wife recently filed a case in Illinois state court asking for continuous support of spousal alimony after our divorce 2 years ago. I have been residing and working in another state and just received court paper few days ago regarding this coming court hearing in Illinois.

What should I do now if I am unable to afford to hire an attorney to represent me in court this time after I had spent more than $10,000 in our divorce 2 years ago?

Since I am unable to be in Court for this coming unexpected hearing due to travelling & work, how can I tell the Judge about this since I cannot telephone him?

How can I ask the Judge to give me more time to prepare for the response?

Can I give my friend a "power of attorney" to be in court for me and ask the Judge for more time so that I could prepare & be in court next time for the hearing?

Thanks so much for your assistance!


Asked on 2/09/12, 1:48 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
David Gotzh Law Office of David Gotzh

If you can't appear, and you can't get a lawyer - then no one else is allowed to speak on your behalf because they are not licensed to do so. Let me spell out the worse case scenario:

1) Your wife gets a default judgment on the petition

2) If the judge, after a 1-sided hearing, agrees, he/she can grant what your ex seeks.

3) You owe. Don't pay? Wages garnished, property taken, and possibly a warrant for your arrest. Yes, welcome to Illinois.

Reconsider your options before doing nothing. Best of luck.

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Answered on 2/09/12, 1:54 pm


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