Joerika Stitt

Joerika Stitt, Esq. is a dedicated and compassionate legal professional with a unique blend of expertise as a licensed attorney, social worker, and certified mediator. With a career rooted in advocacy and support, Joerika offers clients customized and collaborative solutions to amicably resolve divorce and family disputes.

Starting off as a legal aid lawyer, Joerika represented survivors of domestic violence in divorce, family, and order of protection cases. This foundational experience shaped a deep commitment to providing empathetic and effective legal assistance. In private practice, Joerika continues to champion the needs of individuals and families, focusing on mediation and collaborative divorce as preferred alternatives to contentious courtroom battles.

As a social worker, Joerika counseled individuals, groups, and families in crisis, bringing invaluable insights into the emotional and psychological dimensions of conflict. This background informs every aspect of Joerika's mediation, litigation, coaching, and collaborative divorce practice, ensuring a holistic approach that prioritizes the well-being of all parties involved.

Joerika also offers unbundled legal services, empowering self-represented individuals navigating divorce, family, employment, and other civil litigation. Additionally, a small percentage of Joerika's practice is dedicated to personal injury cases, reflecting a broad commitment to justice and advocacy.

Passionate about helping people "do divorce right," Joerika believes that the best resolutions occur outside the courtroom, where more harm than good often results for families, couples, and children. Through mediation and collaborative solutions, Joerika strives to create outcomes that foster healing and constructive future relationships.

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  We handle personal injury cases on a contingency basis. You only pay us if we win your case. Get the legal help you need without any upfront costs.

Illinois

Supreme Court of Illinois

ID Number: 6335078

Since 2020

Illinois State Bar Association

Member

Current

Chicago Bar Association

Current

Gun Violence and De Facto Segregation: Could Environmental Discrimination Be Fueling Chicago's Soaring Gun Violence?

11 Wake Forest J. L. & Pol'y 395

May, 2021

Mediation Certificate

Center for Conflict Resolution

2024

Q. Questions about alimony in Illinois and what options I may be able to pursue?

July 13, 2024

A: Hello,

Thank you for your questions about spousal support (maintenance) in Illinois. Here's some information that may help address your concerns:

1. Reimbursement for Overpayment of Maintenance

Yes, under Illinois law, if you overpaid maintenance due to a decrease in your income, you may be able to seek reimbursement. The Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act (IMDMA) allows for modification of maintenance based on a "substantial change in circumstances." A decrease in your income could be considered a substantial change.

To seek reimbursement, you'll typically need to file a petition with the court to modify the maintenance order. The court will then review your financial situation, including the W-2s you and your ex-spouse are now exchanging, and determine if a modification is warranted. If it finds that you overpaid, the court has the discretion to order a reimbursement of the excess amount.

However, it's important to note that the court may not order a full reimbursement for the entire period of overpayment. They might limit it to a specific timeframe or a portion of the overpaid amount, considering factors like the length of time since the overpayment occurred, your ex-spouse's reliance on the payments, and overall fairness.

2. 40% Net Income Cap

You are correct that Illinois law generally caps the amount of maintenance paid to 40% of the combined net income of both parties. If you've paid more than 40% during any period, you can also raise this issue when petitioning the court for a modification.

The court will review the financial records to verify the amounts paid and determine if they exceeded the 40% cap. If they did, the court may adjust future maintenance payments or potentially order a partial reimbursement, but again, it has discretion in how it addresses this issue.

Important Considerations:

Timeliness: It's crucial to act promptly if you believe you're overpaying maintenance. Delays can make it more difficult to obtain a modification or reimbursement.

Legal Representation: It's highly recommended to consult with an experienced family law attorney in Illinois. They can assess your specific situation, guide you through the legal process, and advocate for your interests in court. You can also represent yourself and partner with a limited scope lawyer to help with things like drafting legal documents and advising you on how to represent yourself in court.

I hope this information is helpful. Please remember that this is a general overview of the law, and your individual circumstances may vary.

Disclaimer: This response is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. It's always best to consult with an attorney directly for guidance tailored to your specific situation. ... Read More

Q. Hello I have low income and my spouse had been verbal and mentally and financially abusing me I what can I do ?

July 13, 2024

A: Hello,

I'm sorry to hear about the verbal, mental, and financial abuse you've experienced. It's important to remember that domestic violence (DV) isn't limited to physical harm. The behaviors you describe are forms of DV, and it's not your fault.

You are not alone, and there is help available. Since you mentioned having a low income, you may qualify for free legal aid. Here in Illinois, several legal aid organizations can help you understand your options and potentially represent you in court for a divorce or an order of protection (OP):

Prairie State Legal Services (Northern IL except Chicago)

Legal Aid Chicago (Chicagoland)

Land of Lincoln (Central and Southern IL)

Ascend Justice (specializes in helping survivors of DV)

Access Living (if you have a disability)

These organizations will determine if you qualify for their services based on income and other factors. If you meet the Legal Services Corporation (LSC) standards, you'll be assigned a licensed attorney who can help you through this process.

Even if you don't qualify for legal aid based on income, many organizations offer free representation for orders of protection for survivors of DV. It's worth reaching out to them as soon as possible to see how they can help.

Please remember that you deserve to be safe and treated with respect. Don't hesitate to seek help from these resources or other support services available in your community.

I wish you the best.

Disclaimer: This response is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. It's always best to consult with an attorney directly for guidance tailored to your specific situation. ... Read More