Five Mistakes to Avoid in Parental Responsibility Cases
Proceedings related to child custody—now called the allocation of parental responsibilities in Illinois—are challenging, nuanced, and, in most cases, emotionally draining for everyone involved. Too often, the idea of “winning” becomes much more important to many divorcing or unmarried parents. As a result, the child’s best interests take a back seat to the desires of the adults. While most such cases begin with the adults wantingContinue reading
Is Filing for Divorce First Helpful?
If you are considering a divorce, one of the first things you should do is contact a qualified family law attorney. Attempting to go through divorce on your own can be overwhelming can may lead to financial challenges in your post-divorce life. There are several other things you can do that can help to secure your desired outcome. Even as you try to decide if divorceContinue reading
Challenging a Prenuptial Agreement
Prenuptial agreements, or simply “prenups,” are a common means of providing security for one’s assets before entering into a marriage. Many soon-to-be spouses find the topic of prenuptial agreements both emotionally challenging and complex. However, it is important for both parties to understand the stipulations of an agreement and the conditions under which the agreement could be considered invalid. If a couple signs a prenuptial agreement andContinue reading
Post-Divorce Tips for Newly Single Fathers
Divorce nearly always becomes more complicated and stressful when the process involves children. Disputes over parental responsibilities—formerly called child custody—and support payments tend to compound the difficulties that come with divorce proceedings, which may also involve asset division, alimony, and other matters. Even after signing the final legal papers and developing child support and parenting plans, the work continues. Single parents—and particularly fathers—face an entirely newContinue reading
Life Events Could Lead to Divorce
As anyone who has gone through a divorce could tell you, there is no way to predict which marriages will work and which ones will ultimately fail. There are countless reasons why couples could decide to end a marriage. Some reasons are common; other are not. A number of divorce studies have shown a pattern, however, of how some of the events that may occur in aContinue reading
Misconduct Regarding Marital Assets
During a divorce, temptation can be high for either or both spouses to misconduct themselves, though they may not be aware it is misconduct. People have affairs and buy gifts for their lovers, or they try to hide assets they believe to be theirs (or believe they are entitled to). If you have reason to suspect that your spouse might be engaging in this type of behavior,Continue reading
How to Choose a Divorce Lawyer
While the law in Illinois provides only one legal reason for getting a divorce, we all know that there are countless factors that may contribute to a couple calling it quits. Similarly, there are many ways that a divorce proceeding can be handled. You and your spouse could attempt to cover all of the issues yourself and present your agreement to the court. Alternatively, youContinue reading
Divorce and Disability
Marriages may end for any number of reasons, including destructive actions such as infidelity or abusive behavior. Spouses may grow also apart due to financial struggles, differences in child-rearing philosophies, or even clashing religious views. Unfortunately, another common motivation for divorce involves health considerations and disabilities. or disabilities. In fact, research suggests that disabled individuals are more likely to go through a divorce than the average, non-disabledContinue reading
Could Fake Text Messages Impact Your Divorce?
As with any legal proceeding, facts are vital during a divorce case. Over the last several decades, the laws have evolved taking Illinois from a “fault” state to a “no-fault” state, meaning that proof of grounds such as adultery is no longer necessary to obtain divorce. For two individuals to request a divorce, only the grounds of “irreconcilable differences” are accepted. Therefore, as far asContinue reading
Modification of a Family Court Order
When a family court has issued a ruling or the approval of an agreement in an allocation of parental responsibilities case, it may seem like the case is closed. In many situations, however, things are just getting started. Illinois law allows for either parent to ask the court to modify the order in the future if and when an update becomes necessary. Before a modification will beContinue reading