When a family decides to adopt a child, it is never an easy decision or one to take lightly. Not only will a new child in the family drastically change family dynamics, but there is also the consideration of the child who is being adopted—will he or she fit in with the rest of the family? Will […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 11, 2015
Are Your Prenup Fears Unfounded?
The stigma surrounding divorce may be tapering; however, the idea of a prenuptial agreement still causes many to run away scared. The suggestion or insistence of a prenuptial agreement may be viewed as a sign that one’s partner plans to end a marriage early, or is not in it—so to speak—for the long haul. It may also be interpreted […]
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 […]
April 12, 2015
Legal Recourse for Parental Alienation
Parental alienation is the systematic breakdown of a child’s relationship with one parent after a divorce. It most commonly occurs after a contested or particularly nasty divorce. One parent may harbor extremely negative or detrimental feelings of the other and wants their shared child or children to be on his or her “side.’ The most […]
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 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 […]
February 16, 2015
Coping with Anxiety over a Joint Custody Agreement
While shared or joint custody may seem like the best and most fair option for all parties involved after a divorce, it is not always easy. According to a personal story in The New York Times, learning how to deal with the separation from your child when it is the other parents’ turn to have custody can be […]
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 […]
December 1, 2014
Obtaining a Mortgage after Divorce
Moving on after divorce can sometimes mean exactly that: moving. Changing homes can be both emotionally draining and time-consuming. Additionally, in a worst-case scenario, the person who is forced to leave the marital home is not the one who wanted the divorce in the first place. Unfortunately, for many, it does not get easier. According to an […]
November 20, 2014
Illinois National Adoption Day Festivities Kick Off Saturday
This year marks the 15th anniversary of National Adoption Day—an initiative started to help move the nearly 10,000 children in U.S. foster care into permanent, loving homes. While it is not run by one advocacy group, it is a collective effort of policymakers, practitioners, and advocates who work together to finalize adoptions that are in the works. […]
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 27, 2014
Property Division after Divorce: A Brief Guide
Difficult emotions, stress, and heated arguments are not the only hurdles divorcing couples face. One of the more tricky aspects of divorce is the division of property. Several gray areas exist and can lead to conflict between separating spouses, especially when an attorney is not present to review ownership and legal stipulations. Although property division is a […]
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 […]
July 9, 2014
Resentment in Marriage Can Lead to Divorce
Resentment, regret, and guilt are three of the most powerful negative emotions a person can feel. None are desired in a healthy marriage, yet there are times when one or all three exist. Resentment in a marriagecan occur for a myriad of reasons, least of which is due to a specific action or infraction on the […]
July 3, 2014
The Benefits of Divorce for Children
Couples considering divorce may opt to stay together for a myriad of reasons. And one of the most common reasons is children. While there are several psychological studies that point to divorce and the lasting negative effects it can have on children, recent research points to the fact that oftentimes parents who stay in a bad marriage do […]
