For many of us, August signifies the end of the summer, back to school, and back to our usual routines. To many couples, however, August’s arrival brings with it a trip to a divorce attorney. A new study reveals that divorce filings spike as summer departs and autumn arrives. The study was conducted by the University […]
June 13, 2016
Common Reasons for and Predictors of Divorce

There are several reasons that a couple may face divorce. While sexual infidelity may be a leading reason, according to several studies, extramarital affairs, and even perpetual infidelity, is no longer the leading reason that divorced couples cite as the reason for their split. The leading reason for divorce is that people should never have been […]
October 16, 2015
Cohabitation or Baby before Marriage Does Not Increase Risk of Divorce

Conventional wisdom has long-held that straying outside of the traditionally accepted social “schedule” for marriage and families will lead to an increased likelihood of a broken home or divorce. It has long-been argued, for example, that living together before marriage means that the couple is more likely to get divorced. This has also been said of […]
July 6, 2015
Post-Divorce Finances: The Basics

If you are going through a divorce, figuring out your financial future can be one of the most daunting prospects of the entire ordeal. Knowing exactly what you are dealing with can help to ensure that you are not left without options after your finances are separate. This can be especially important if you were not […]
May 25, 2015
A Sexless Marriage is Grounds for Divorce

A healthy sexual relationship is an extremely important part of a healthy marriage. In fact, WebMD reports that an active sex life can stimulate feelings of emotional and physical security, translating to increased confidence levels and achievement levels throughout several aspects of one’s life. Sex and Marriage Statistics According to the National Opinion Research Center, the average American couple […]
April 2, 2015
Lifestyle Clauses in Prenuptial Agreements

Getting a prenuptial agreement can seem like it is not necessary if you and your soon-to-be spouse do not have large numbers of assets or wealth. Prenups, however, are important for everyone—and the growing trend of so-called lifestyle clauses in the agreement are making them even more relevant. Lifestyle clauses in prenups delineate what will occur financially […]
March 30, 2015
Financial Behavior Can Be an Indicator of Divorce

According to Time, certain spousal behaviors indicate that a marriage may be headed for divorce. What some spouses may see as thoughtful behavior—showering a spouse in gifts and vacations, or fixing up a large house with the intention of moving to a smaller one—could actually be signs that the other spouse is ready to split. Changes in […]
March 16, 2015
Divorce and Infidelity: Facts and Figures

Infidelity can tear apart a couple. And for those who have experienced infidelity, it may seem like the leading cause for divorce. However, cheating is not the only major cause for marital dissolution. In fact, according to a report published by Utah State University, a “lack of commitment” is even more common. Moreover, there are several factors […]
February 23, 2015
Reasons for Divorce and How to Make it Easier

Divorce is never easy, especially if you and your soon-to-be ex-spouse have children. Moreover, there are several countless and valid reasons for seeking a divorce. One of these reasons is abuse, and this abuse can be emotional or physical. Additionally, infidelity, habitual lying, and risky behavior such as drug addiction, compulsive gambling, or violence that endangers you or […]
January 29, 2015
Divorce and Remarriage in the New Year

It is that time of year again … for divorce. Known as “divorce month,” January sees a surge in divorce filings. Additionally, the first working Monday of the New Year has been dubbed the most popular day of the year to begin divorce proceedings. In an article on Yahoo! News, James McLaren, president of the American Academy […]
January 16, 2015
Tips for Telling Your Spouse You Want a Divorce

Initiating a divorce can be extremely difficult and emotional. However, once all other options have been explored and you are ready to begin the process, it is important to seek legal counsel. Working with an experienced professional from the onset of the process can help to save time and money, and it can also provide you with a […]
January 9, 2015
What is a “Bird’s Nest” Co-Parenting Agreement?

Divorcing with children is never easy, but a new trend in divorce may make the dissolution of a parents’ marriage easier on children. This is because a so-called “bird’s nest” co-parenting agreement is the most child-centered co-parenting in which divorced parents can engage. A bird’s nest, or “nesting” agreement is one in which the children stay in […]
December 22, 2014
Cheating More Common during Holidays

Though attitudes about infidelity are slowly changing, extramarital affairs are still a major reason why nearly half of all American marriages end in divorce. The holiday season may just be the most common time to have an affair. According to The Huffington Post, data from the mobile dating app Clover revealed that more people, who are already […]
December 8, 2014
Tips for Divorce during the Holidays

Divorce is difficult. The holidays are difficult. And when the two coincide, it can be one of the most agonizing times in a person’s life. Even if a marriage has been going downhill for some time, this can be particularly hard to remember during the holiday season when stereotypes of intact families and joyous partnerships […]
November 11, 2014
When Mediation Works in Illinois

Ending a marriage is consistently rated as one of the most stressful life events that a person can go through. According to the American Institute of Stress’s Holmes-Rahe Life Stress Inventory, divorce is the second most stressful event a person can endure, second only to the death of a spouse. Marital separation from one’s mate is […]
October 6, 2014
Pet Custody Battles during Divorce

One of many complications of the divorce process is often overlooked—who gets the pets? For couples, especially those without children, determining who gets to keep the family dog or cat can be as difficult and emotional as a traditional custody battle. However, according to an article posted by The Huffington Post, in standard divorce law, pets are not […]
September 18, 2014
Are Courts Taking Away the Rights of Divorced Parents?

Divorced parents may be losing their rights, at least according to a recent opinion piece in The New York Times. Divorced parents can sue each other; however, married parents cannot. When this happens, judges are often left to determine what is best for the children of divorce—including where they will go to school and where they […]
September 4, 2014
Advice for Co-Parenting after Divorce

Divorce is never easy. But sharing parenting duties after marital dissolution may be an even more difficult than the divorce itself. Not only does co-parenting after divorce force you to remain on good enough terms with your ex-spouse and successfully navigate shared schedules, duties, and responsibilities, it also means that you will likely have to see your ex-spouse […]
August 28, 2014
Advice for Divorced Dads

Being a divorced parent can be a difficult role for any adult. Not only does he or she have to deal with the fallout of the failure of marriage and partnership, divorced parents who are the non-custodial parent may also deal with the loss of regular contact with children. Illinois awards custody to whomever the court deems as the […]