Disclaimer: All facts gleaned from the filings stated hereafter are only as truthful as the petitioner. The tone of this article expresses a style of writing historically employed by America’s greatest writers and, as such, is for opinion purposes only. No intentional harm is due. Do not read if the topic of divorce (even your own) causes you emotional distress. Continue at your own risk.
In the early days of 2025, as the first week of the new year carried a quiet promise of fresh beginnings, Maria del Rosario Perez-Alcantar took a decisive step to end her marriage to Gonzalo Benitez Pioquinto. The Petition for Dissolution of Marriage, filed on January 15, 2025, in Cook County, Illinois, marks the culmination of months of irreconcilable differences and a year-long separation. The couple had married in June of 2008, in Michoacán, Mexico, and while their shared years once spoke of hope, their parting is now driven by the necessity of ensuring the well-being of their children.
Maria, a resident of Cook County for sixteen years, is seeking custody and sole responsibility for the children, following a court-issued Order of Protection that ensures her and the children’s safety. Her attorney, Andrea Belard from the Legal Aid Society of Metropolitan Family Services, seeks to secure a fair distribution of assets, including property in Mexico and various personal possessions. Financial support for both the children and Maria is also central to the petition, with a clear plea for maintenance and child support from Gonzalo, who is well-placed to contribute.
This dissolution not only severs the bonds of a marriage, but also sets the stage for a new chapter for Maria, who hopes to reclaim her maiden name. The proceedings, unfolding within the bounds of Cook County’s circuit court, will determine the future of the family’s emotional and financial landscape—seeking, in essence, justice and closure.
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