Many people do not fully understand what marriage entails from a financial and legal standpoint. Often what is impressed on couples before getting married is how spouses should act towards each other and how to have a successful, long-lasting marriage. However, in the eyes of the law, marriage is a contract with legal implications. Most important […]
March 10, 2017
Facts about Spousal Maintenance in Illinois
We understand that the availability of spousal maintenance can be a considerable factor in whether a spouse wishes to pursue divorce. If there is an income disparity between divorcing spouses, spousal maintenance may be available. For the lesser-earning spouse, knowing that spousal maintenance is available and at what level may give the spouse more security when deciding […]
January 10, 2017
Can You Divorce Away Marital Debt?
Money and debt are two of the biggest causes of divorce. For many of our clients dividing debt between spouses is one of the most stressful aspects of the divorce process. Parties often disagree as to who should be responsible for paying off debt after the divorce is final. Debts most commonly have to be divided are: […]
December 8, 2016
Is a Postnuptial Agreement Right for You?
If you have gotten married only to find out your financial situation is more complicated or lacks stability and protection, you are not alone. Many people do not fully understand what their new finances and property ownership look like until after they enter into a marriage. When people find themselves in this position, they may […]
November 18, 2016
Dating and Divorce
At some point after you separate from your spouse, you will probably have the desire to begin dating. In 2016, dating often includes creating a profile on an online dating site. Before you make one, you should consider the following points and contact a DuPage County family law attorney for individualized advice. First, dating while you […]
November 11, 2016
Mediation Versus Litigation When Divorcing
Divorces are messy. In the event that things end amicably for a couple, there is an out of court solution to agreeing on property division and the like. This process is called mediation. Mediation is a process where a neutral party helps a divorcing couple come to an agreement about how they will separate assets, and even […]
September 30, 2016
How to File for an Annulment under Illinois Law
When most people hear of a couple ending their marriage, they automatically assume that the couple is divorcing. For thousands of couples, that is true, however, there are also many couples who choose to file for a legal annulment rather than a divorce. What is the difference? When a person files for a divorce, they […]
September 9, 2016
Divorce Study: Does the End of Summer Bring Spike in Divorces?
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 […]
August 23, 2016
Covering All QDRO Bases in a Divorce
There are many financial assets that divorcing couples must decide how they will divide up. One of the most common assets is the retirement account or accounts they may have. It is not uncommon – especially if the marriage has been a long one – for a percentage of one spouse’s retirement account to be […]
August 16, 2016
Children of Divorce: Navigating the Anger and Fear
Sometimes relationships turn bad. They run their natural course, end amicably, or result in a long-lasting relationship. Often though, they end in divorce. Divorce can be a straightforward process or end up being very complicated. In the event of a complex divorce, children may be treated as pawns or become upset and angry about the […]
August 9, 2016
Protected by a Prenuptial Agreement
Marriage can bring about immense happiness and an enduring partnership. In this day and age where assets can be complicated and investments can be extensive, a certain level of protection of your belongings becomes another financial consideration to make. This is where a prenuptial agreement comes into play. A prenuptial agreement, simply stated, is an inventory of […]
July 22, 2016
Money over Marriage: Financial Implications of Divorce
Couples entering the honeymoon phase are so excited that the nuts and bolts of marriage often take second place. The financial aspects of marriage can be tricky territory with spouses sometimes leading with their hearts and not their heads. About 40 to 50 percent of married couples in the United States are divorcing.The question of earnings and […]
July 15, 2016
High Asset Divorce: Planning Your Strategy before You File
When it comes to divorce, the planning you do now can greatly impact your future. This is especially true in complex, high net worth divorces where the earning potential or assets of one party is significantly impaired. If you are a dependent spouse and about to embark on a divorce, know how to protect yourself against a […]
June 20, 2016
Behavior During Divorce
It can be hard to take the higher road when you are having an argument with your spouse — and this can be even more so the case if you are going through divorce. No matter how nasty or amicable the divorce seems to be, if you are dissolving your marriage, emotions are bound to be […]
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 […]
June 6, 2016
Financial Security after Divorce
If you are going through divorce or anticipating marital dissolution, there are seemingly hundreds of things to think about and to plan for. Figuring out your post-divorce financial plan is one of the most important things you can do to ensure that you are set once the divorce is finalized and you are living on your own, […]
May 24, 2016
Reasons to Hire a Divorce Attorney
If you are considering divorce, it can be a painful process to initiate. There are several things to address, from finances to families; from the division of property to determining co-parenting schedules and child support payments. Before turning to divorce, there are some factors to consider that may mean your marriage is worth saving. One is […]
Understanding Military Divorce Finances
Divorce is a complicated and difficult process no matter the specifics. If, however, you are in the military or your soon-to-be ex-spouse is in the military, there are several specific factors you will need to take into consideration when facing the divorce process. These include, but are not limited to, the splitting of military benefits, […]
May 11, 2016
Marriage Breakdown: When Divorce Is Inevitable
If your marriage is on the verge of ending, it can feel like you are grasping at straws to try to hold it together. Sometimes it is best to just stop holding on and to let the relationship go. There are some times when you can reconcile with your spouse and begin to work together to heal […]
April 29, 2016
The Emotional Divorce Process
When you are going through divorce, there are several things to keep in mind. One is that the process may not always be as straightforward as you think. Many people who have experienced divorce, or who are on the road to recovery through it, will go through emotional ups and downs, highs and lows, moments of […]
April 15, 2016
Understanding Marital Property
If you are facing divorce, the division of assets can be one of the more daunting aspects of the process. Not only is there an emotional component to doing so, but it can be difficult to determine what of your possession are considered eligible for equitable distribution, and what is considered personal property. A basic rule of […]
April 8, 2016
Financial Aid and Paying for Your Child’s College Tuition after Divorce
When parents go through a divorce, they often fail to consider the long-term financial implications, like paying for a child’s college tuition. Remarriage and other life changes can further complicate matters, making it difficult to know how to navigate the financial aid process or determine how much responsibility each parent may have in covering any remaining […]
March 24, 2016
Preparing Financially for Divorce
In the middle of divorce, financial decisions are among the most difficult and complicated to make. In the past, when a couple was divorcing, it was often the woman who ended up without anything, especially in states where there was no equal distribution property law and the woman did not work outside the home. These days, […]
March 17, 2016
Pet Custody in a Divorce
When you are entering the beginning stages of divorce, determining the separation of marital assets, including large ones such as the family home, and deciding on groundbreaking, life-altering things like child custody obviously take precedence. As such, other major life-altering decisions can sometimes get pushed to the back burner. One of these decisions is pet custody […]
March 10, 2016
Divorce Finances: Protecting Yourself Financially after a Divorce
Because a divorce can be such an emotionally draining experience, it is natural to breathe a sigh of relief after it is over. However, even after a divorce there is still important work to do. You need to take steps to protect your financial future. Check Your Accounts Often in a divorce there is a court order […]
March 3, 2016
Study Focuses on Impact and Prevalence of Parental Alienation after Divorce
Although the family laws in Illinois have changed, there is still great risk of parental alienation – a process in which one parent negatively influences their child’s relationship with the other parent. Sadly, there is a severe lack in data on this common issue; to rectify this, Colorado State University researchers have initiated a study to better […]
February 8, 2016
Division of Assets during a Divorce
All couples — even those that are not planning on divorcing — should prepare their assets and investments in a way that they can be fairly divided. If, however, you did not manage your finances and are planning on divorce, know that you are not alone. Many couples miss this important aspect of financial planning. The […]
February 1, 2016
Causes of Divorce: Three Argument “Mindsets” That Can Destroy Your Marriage
Every marriage has its ups and its down. Most even have their share of arguments. But what you say in an argument can make all the difference when the dust settles and things go back to normal. So, before you hurl words, consider if what you are saying falls into one of these three “mindsets” […]
January 26, 2016
How to Create a Prenuptial Agreement That Works
Prenuptial agreements can help protect your assets and business if your marriage ends in divorce. However, if you do no set up the prenuptial agreement correctly, you could run into serious legal issues. The Timing of the Prenuptial Agreement A prenuptial agreement must be executed before the marriage. It is possible to have a postnuptial agreement […]
January 19, 2016
Division of Property: Ramifications of Moving out of the Family Home during Divorce
When you are going through a divorce or approaching the beginning of marital dissolution, the separation of family items and assets can be both one of the most emotionally difficult and legally contentious part of the process. The family home – usually part of the division of property negotiations – is one of the most important assets […]
January 12, 2016
Asset Division: Marital and Non-Marital Property
Many, if not most, couples share their property and income after they are married. However, there are some reasons why you might want to keep some of your property separate even after you are married. How Illinois Views Marital Property Illinois has a broad view of marital property. With a few exceptions, anything that is acquired by […]
December 28, 2015
How a Simple Divorce Turns into a Complex Divorce
A surprising number of people believe their divorce will be simple. However, many divorces turn out to be much more complex than people expect. Often the process of filing for divorce brings to the surface buried resentments and previously unknown facts. When a divorce becomes complicated, you need a skilled divorce attorney to help you through the […]
December 17, 2015
Sexual Issues a Common Cause of Divorce
While it may seem like a no-brainer, examining sexual issues and sexual compatibility is essential when you are considering divorce. Several marriage therapists and couple’s counselors report that troubles in the bedroom are some of both the most common reasons and the most common consequences of a marriage headed toward divorce. These sexual issues are, in […]
December 10, 2015
Health Insurance after Divorce
Healthcare has been a trending news topic for several years now, with the passage of Obamacare and the extension of insurance policies for millions of uninsured Americans. So if you are headed for divorce and have to reconsider what type of health insurance plan you will enroll in, it may be last on your list of things […]
November 23, 2015
Child Custody Issues Still Present in Same-Sex Marriages and Divorces
Although same-sex marriages have now become legal in all 50 states, gaps still exist in how child custody issues are handled in same-sex marriages and divorces. This makes it crucial for same-sex couples to discuss and understand the potential issues they may face in the event of a divorce in Illinois. And, when going through one, they […]
November 16, 2015
The Importance of a Prenuptial Agreement
There’s nothing in a fairy tale romance about a prenuptial agreement, and many couples shy away from drawing up this important legal document before marriage in an effort to avoid the perceived stigma of a prenup — “we only need this if one of us will be cruel or unfair in the event that our marriage […]
November 9, 2015
Reevaluating a Shared Parenting Plan
Divorce is never easy. When there are children involved, deciding the specifics of divorce agreements and settlements can be even more difficult. In 2016 in Illinois, child custody laws will change to reflect parental responsibility instead of custody: As society changes from a traditionally male-dominated workforce, and more and more divorced parents choose joint custody and shared […]
November 2, 2015
Preparing for Divorce: Getting Finances in Order
Finances during marital dissolution can be one of the most difficult aspects of the process, and many people fail to take appropriate steps in order to maintain financial security after the divorce is finalized. The most important step to finding financial stability after divorce is to speak with a qualified family lawyer, who can help you to […]
October 30, 2015
Joint vs. Sole Custody During Divorce
If you are facing divorce and have children, determining who gets custody can be the most difficult part of dissolution agreements. There are two types of custody — joint custody and sole custody. If both you and your ex-spouse are present during the divorce, determining the specifics of a joint custody agreement will likely be part of […]
October 23, 2015
Life after Divorce: Forgiving Yourself the “Failure” of Divorce
Dealing with divorce is difficult — not least of which because of the social challenges that accompany it. Depending on how old you are, and how many social commitments and friends you have at the point of your divorce, going through a divorce can be a very lonely time. You’ll need to relearn how to be […]
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 […]
October 9, 2015
Should You Consider Divorce Mediation?
Even amicable divorces can involve a certain level of stress and confusion. This is especially true in cases that involve children or a high net worth of assets. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the divorce rate in the United States is 3.6 per 1,000 people, which is more than half the rate of […]
September 11, 2015
College Support Agreements in Divorce
It is a thrilling moment when your child is finally accepted into college. However, after the celebrations, an important question may pop into your head: Who is going to pay for all of this? Saying that tertiary education in the United States is expensive is an understatement. The costs of attending college are rising rapidly every […]
September 4, 2015
How Illinois Courts Handle Property Division during a Divorce
On your wedding day, it is hard to imagine the bells will one day stop ringing. However, people can change, and so can your relationship. Sadly, nearly half of all U.S. marriages end in divorce. You are now faced with a mountain of challenges – from battling over child custody to learning how to navigate your […]
August 27, 2015
Credit Card Debt and Divorce
When you are going through a divorce, financial concerns may feel like the last thing you want to consider. After all, when your family and emotional life is crumbling around you, dealing with credit card debt, mortgage payments, and property division can seem almost overwhelming. Dealing with financial issues, however, is one of the most important […]
August 26, 2015
Sexless Marriage and Divorce
Lack of sex is one major and very socially acceptable reason for divorce, yet lack of sex — or frequency of it — is a very subjective line to draw. What one couple may call a sexless marriage, another may call very sexually active. So how to draw the line of what is considered a sexless […]
August 7, 2015
Divorce Can Make You a Better Parent
Contrary to sometimes-popular belief, divorce can be good for children. If the marriage is especially explosive, it can be more detrimental to a child’s psyche than the dissolution of the union of his or her parents. When parents who are not in love—or who have an especially volatile relationship—“stay together for the kids,” it can often teach […]
July 27, 2015
Divorce: When the Signs Are There
It is no secret that divorce is difficult. One of the most complicated moments in a divorce is before it even begins: making the decision that you and your spouse should no longer be together, and take the next step of your lives separately. Deciding to actually go to a divorce attorney and initiate the proceedings can […]
July 20, 2015
Challenges of Same-Sex Divorce
In the wake of the Supreme Court’s historic ruling extending the right to marry to all people in each one of the 50 states, there is one bittersweet factor for many same-sex couples: they can now also be divorced. Until now, they could not. A good example of this concerned one couple who had married in 2009 in […]
July 13, 2015
What Marriage Equality Means for Same-Sex Couples
In late June, the Supreme Court announced a historic ruling that effectively standardized marriage laws nationwide. Same-sex marriage is now legal in all 50 states, and will now be considered in the same ways as straight marriage—with all its ups and downs and confusing or complicating factors. As such, one can assume that the same types 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 […]
June 25, 2015
Mediation Can Help the Divorce Process
Depending on how well you and your spouse get along, mediation could be a better option than a traditional divorce. Mediation is the process in which a couple that is separating works with a professional to come to an agreement on all aspects of the divorce, rather than in the court system. This makes the process more […]
June 15, 2015
Surviving a High-Conflict Divorce
Divorce is difficult. However, a high-conflict divorcecan be even more strenuous. According to Dr. Kathy J. Marshack, a licensed psychologist and family/business coach, a high conflict divorce is any marital dissolution in which a separating couple cannot resolve differences in a rational or businesslike manner. Instead, a couple creates a costly and time-consuming war in or out […]
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 […]
May 18, 2015
Juvenile Criminals May be Eligible for Resentencing
Being charged with a felony is never an easy process; but when a child is charged with a crime, it can be a very long road—not just for the child but for his or her entire family. Certain cases, such as a recent case in Michigan, are visibly bunk and likely not to have lasting consequences for a […]
May 4, 2015
Keeping a Vacation Home during Divorce
Dividing assets during a divorce can be one of the most complicated, and certainly most contentious, procedures of the entire process. One frequently asked questions that divorce attorneys face is how a client may be able to keep a house. While couples may decide that selling the marital home is best—for emotional reasons as well […]
April 23, 2015
Civil Unions: Not Just for Same-Sex Couples
With the increasing social acceptance of same-sex marriages across the country, many states are moving away from civil unions for same-sex couples. In February of 2014, according to the Cook County Clerk’s office, marriage licenses for same-sex couples became available, and a marriage equality law went into effect for the state of Illinois. While this certainly cut down […]
April 16, 2015
Domestic Violence and Divorce
Though it is not an issue that often gains the spotlight, domestic violence continues to be a serious one in modern society—one that is so engrained in a woman’s daily existence that it seems commonplace. In fact, according to an article on Forbes, one in four women have experienced domestic violence. New research indicates that in incredible five […]
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 9, 2015
Determining Property Division during Divorce
When going through a divorce, the division of propertycan be one of the most difficult steps for couples. Divvying up a life once shared can be an emotional process, and it can also lead to nasty disputes and arguments. According to the Internal Revenue Service, nine states in the U.S. have community property laws. Hence, all property […]
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 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 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 […]
November 4, 2014
Divorced Parent Paying for College: Planning Ahead
Sorting through complicated financial issues is one major hurdle that many divorcees fear. There may be complex decisions to make regarding spousal support or alimony, the division of property, or issues of child support when applicable. Additionally, if you and your soon-to-be ex-spouse have children together, sorting out how you plan to pay for your […]
October 20, 2014
Staying in a Bad Marriage is More Damaging than Divorce
Going through a divorce is overwhelming. For some, life may seem like it is spiraling out of control. However, many unhappy marriages can be healed through therapy, couples counseling, or good old-fashioned hard work. In fact, according to the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy(AAMFT), more than 50,000 family therapists and marriage counselors are working in the […]
October 13, 2014
Defining Parental Alienation after Divorce
With technology infiltrating every aspect of modern society and a tendency for people to choose screens over traditional interaction, the idea of social alienation is one oft-discussed by sociologists and psychologist alike. Yet one of the oldest—and arguably most effecting—types of alienation is one perpetuated not by societal trends, but the oldest relationship in history: […]
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 24, 2014
Grandparent Visitation Rights in Illinois
All aspects of a family are affected by divorce. Not only are the children of divorce affected by the marital dissolution, the parents of the parents are also affected. Grandparent rights are often considered the most complicated visitation arrangements to be settled during a divorce, and not all grandparents have a right to visitation. According to The Huffington […]
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 10, 2014
Back-to-School Co-Parenting
If you are a parent, back-to-school time can be one of the most stressful and busiest of the year. There are new clothes to buy, supplies to shop for, schedules to sort, and busy student days to work into your workday. This can be all the more complicated if you are divorced and have decided […]
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 […]
August 20, 2014
Parental Gatekeeping and Custody Battles
Parental gatekeeping is a term used by divorceprofessionals and those going through marital dissolution and refers to protracted or restricted custody battles in which one parent keeps the children from the other. According to The Huffington Post, parental gatekeeping is the act of “facilitating or restricting the relationship with a parent and a child.” Limitations can be placed on […]
August 13, 2014
Qualified Domestic Relations Orders: What You Need to Know
National statistics regarding marriage and divorce have drastically changed in recent decades. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), social factors such as the feminist movement, the increasing number of women in the American workforce, and altered perceptions of gender roles have contributed to these changing statistics. Also, the average age of divorce has continued to increase, as […]
July 28, 2014
The Basics of Post-Decree Modifications
After a divorce is finalized, some may feel stilted or left out in the cold. This could be the case when one party in the divorce is awarded an exorbitant or seemingly unfair settlement given the circumstances of the divorce. For example, if the wife is caught cheating and then all marital property is equally distributed—even though the […]
