Understanding Commingled Property in Divorce
Dividing marital property is among the biggest challenges for any couple going through a divorce. In fact, the difficulties often arise before reaching the division phase. Simply identifying marital property can prove to be an arduous process, due to the complexities of the law in Illinois and the way in which many married couples maintain their household finances. A large number of couples may find themselvesContinue reading
Dealing With Domestic Violence: What Are Your Options?
Domestic violence is considered battery—a punishable crime—according to the Illinois State Police. All too often, domestic violence victims live under the misconception that just because their spouse physically hits them, there is no actual crime being committed. Their husband is simply being the “man of the house” or showing “tough love”. There are countless reasons victims use to explain or try to rationalize why their spouseContinue reading
The Importance of Establishing Paternity
Establishing paternity means much more than just child support for a single parent. Whether or not the child has a legally-recognized father can make a huge difference in the child’s life—for his or whole life, not only childhood. Paternity does not necessarily imply that the father is present in the child’s life on a daily basis. It only means that the father is legally and fiscally responsibleContinue reading
Continuing Communication During Divorce
There is little question that divorce can be incredibly difficult for everyone involved. Of course, it only makes sense to try to make the process easier and more straightforward. Some attorneys and divorce experts even go so far as to suggest completely shutting down the lines of communication with your soon-to-be ex-spouse, saving any and all exchange of information to be handled through your respective lawyers. WhileContinue reading
The Abuse of Orders of Protection
Orders of protection were established as a way to combat, deter, and respond to concerns of domestic violence and domestic abuse. They are also commonly sought by individuals going through divorce, as a way to legally separate themselves from their soon-to-be ex-spouse while the proceedings are still emotionally difficult and tensions are high. Domestic Relationships Under Illinois law, you are able to request an order ofContinue reading
Uncontested Divorce Can Set the Tone for the Future
Late last summer, a Canadian couple posted a picture to Facebook that quickly garnered international attention. The photo was a “selfie” of the smiling duo standing outside the Calgary Courts Centre, with a caption that stated they had just filed for divorce. Within days, the post had been shared more than 30,000 times, and countless more since. It also triggered a trend which was quickly dubbed—inContinue reading
Identifying Marital Property for Division in Divorce
For many divorcing couples, dividing marital property can be one of the most difficult considerations of the entire process. In some cases, it can create even more bitterness and disagreement than determining arrangements for a couple’s children. In child-related matters, it can be easier to compromise based on the understanding that you and your spouse are doing what is best for your child. When it comes toContinue reading
Your Child’s Rights to Support for College Expenses
With high school graduation season right around the corner, many students and their families will soon be faced with the challenges of paying for college. The rising costs of a college education have been making headlines for years now, with the average tuition more than 15 times what is was just 35 years ago. A quality education, however, is no less important, and, in fact,Continue reading
Spousal Maintenance Is Not Guaranteed in Divorce
In previous generations, marital and family relationships looked much different in many ways compared to those today. Many, if not most, relied on a single income—usually the husband’s—while the wife maintained the marital home and cared for the couple’s children. Divorce, although significantly less common than in today’s world, tended to leave one spouse—usually the wife—without the ability to provide for her own financial needs. SpousalContinue reading
Arranging Parental Responsibilities in Illinois
Entering the post-divorce world as a single parent can be overwhelming, especially in wake of the emotional toll brought on by the separation. One of the most important tasks you will face as a newly single parent is handling the allocation of parental responsibilities. This is a phrase that the law in Illinois began using as of January 1, 2016 to refer to arrangements that areContinue reading