Posted on November 28,2023 in Estate Planning

When you choose to end your marriage through divorce, you will need to address many subjects in connection with your finances, your living arrangements, your relationships with your children and other family members, and other parts of your life. Dealing with all of this can be overwhelming, and it can be easy to overlook certain subjects that may not seem as important in the midst of legal proceedings and major life changes. Estate planning can be one topic that may seem like something that can be addressed in the future rather than right away. However, the topics which get addressed in your estate plan can have a monumental impact on your future, so you should not put off dealing with these topics. An attorney who has experience in both family law and estate planning can provide valuable guidance on what subjects you will need to address and what decisions you should make as you work to complete the divorce process.

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 Posted on November 10,2023 in Divorce

The process of divorce is rarely easy, but it can become especially challenging in situations involving high levels of conflict between spouses. In these cases, emotions can run high, and spouses may struggle to find common ground on important issues such as child custody, asset division, and spousal support.

If you are going through a high-conflict divorce in Illinois, it is essential that you take steps to protect your rights. By being proactive and seeking legal guidance from a divorce attorney who has experience representing clients in high-conflict cases, you can ensure that your interests are safeguarded throughout the process.

The Importance of Legal Representation

While some people may consider handling their divorce proceedings without legal representation in order to save costs, this approach can often be detrimental, especially during a high-conflict divorce. With an experienced divorce attorney by your side, you can receive invaluable support and legal guidance as you work to try to resolve disputed issues. Your lawyer will help you navigate through the sometimes complex legal procedures involved in your divorce, and they will advocate for your rights and best interests. By working with the right attorney, you can make sure you will be fully prepared to negotiate agreements with your spouse or resolve matters in the courtroom when necessary.

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 Posted on October 24,2023 in Divorce

During divorces and other family law cases, parents may need to resolve subjects related to child custody, and they may disagree on how to divide or share parental responsibilities and parenting time. Child custody-related disputes can be emotionally draining and difficult for all parties involved. Resolving these disputes through litigation in court can lead to increased hostility between parents, and prolonged legal battles can have negative effects on all members of a family. 

Fortunately, there is an alternative method that offers numerous benefits for families who need to address child custody issues: mediation. To determine whether this option may be beneficial in your situation, you should consult with an experienced family law attorney who can provide guidance on the best ways to resolve legal disputes related to your children. 

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 Posted on October 13,2023 in Divorce

Going through a divorce can be emotionally challenging for anyone, but it can be especially complicated and difficult for parents. If you have children, you will need to address a variety of  subjects related to child custody (now called “parental responsibilities” in Illinois) during your divorce. This process can not only involve  dealing with legal factors, but the changes you and your ex  may be required to make in your lives can also lead to emotional turmoil. You may be able to alleviate some stress and minimize difficulties by agreeing to work together to raise your children as co-parents, even though you will no longer be married.

Co-parenting after divorce requires effective communication, cooperation, and putting the best interests of your children first. This may be easier said than done, especially after your relationship with your ex-spouse has broken down beyond repair. To make sure you will be able to co-parent your children effectively, you  should work with an experienced family law attorney to develop a parenting plan that will meet your family’s needs.

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 Posted on September 28,2023 in Divorce

A prenuptial agreement, also known as a “prenup” or premarital agreement, is a legal contract that a couple may enter into before getting married. This agreement outlines how certain issues will be handled either during a divorce, or upon the death of one spouse, including the division of assets and liabilities. While many people associate prenups with property division, these agreements can also address other important financial issues, such as alimony. For those who are considering a prenuptial agreement and want to know more about their options for addressing alimony, a skilled family law attorney can provide very valuable legal guidance.

Understanding Alimony in Illinois

In Illinois, alimony is also known as maintenance, or spousal maintenance, or spousal support. Alimony consists of financial support paid by one spouse to the other after a divorce. The purpose of spousal maintenance is to help the spouse who receives this support maintain their standard of living and transition into single life.

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 Posted on September 14,2023 in Divorce

Divorce is rarely an easy or simple process, but it can become even more complicated and difficult when children are involved. When parents address child custody (now called parental responsibilities in Illinois) issues during divorce proceedings, they will need to create a “Parenting Plan” document which outlines how child-related issues will be handled by the parents going forward. A well-crafted “Parenting Plan” document can help avoid conflict and provide stability for children. When negotiating the terms of a parenting agreement, a skilled family law attorney can help protect your parental rights and provide guidance on how to protect your children’s best interests.

The Importance of a “Parenting Plan”

A “Parenting Plan” is a document which constitutes a written agreement between divorcing or separating parents that outlines how they will share responsibilities and make decisions about their children’s upbringing. It covers  subjects such as the allocation of parental responsibilities, parenting time schedules, communication methods, dispute resolution procedures, and more.

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 Posted on August 28,2023 in Divorce

The process of divorce can be emotionally and financially draining. This is particularly true for couples who have a high net worth, as they often have complex financial situations that need careful consideration as they work to separate their lives from each other and legally dissolve their marriage. If you are in this situation, addressing these vital financial issues will be crucial, since it will ensure that you will be able to move forward and maintain financial stability after terminating your marriage.

Key Financial Issues to Consider During a High Net Worth Divorce

1. Categorizing marital property vs. separate property: An important aspect of any divorce  involves identifying which assets are considered marital property. In high net worth divorce cases, one spouse may have brought significant pre-marital assets into the marriage that should not be subject to division. Clear documentation of the source of different types of assets can be crucial when determining what property will be subject to division. In some cases, the terms of a prenuptial agreement may play a role in determining what types of assets will be considered marital or separate property.

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 Posted on August 16,2023 in Divorce

When you are going through a divorce, you may be concerned about how it will affect a professional practice that you have worked hard to build. As you proceed with the process of ending your marriage, it is essential to take steps to protect your professional practice and ensure its continued success. Here are some important considerations as you address issues related to the division of marital property and other divorce-related concerns:

Hire an Experienced Divorce Attorney

The first step towards protecting your professional practice is to work with a divorce lawyer who understands the complexities of business ownership and how to address financial concerns during divorce proceedings. Your attorney will guide you through the legal procedures that will be followed during your case, advocate for your financial interests, and help safeguard your professional practice.

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 Posted on July 26,2023 in Post-Decree Matters

Originally published: May 27, 2021 -- Updated: July 24, 2023

Update: As discussed below, there are a number of methods that may be used to enforce child support obligations and collect payments that are past due. However, parents should also understand when child support obligations may be modified based on changes that have occurred that have affected a person’s ability to make ongoing payments.

While Illinois courts take steps to ensure that both parents are contributing toward their children’s financial needs, they also recognize that circumstances may arise that could affect a person’s ability to support themselves while making these payments. If a parent who is required to pay child support experiences a change in circumstances that affects their ability to meet their obligations, they may request a modification of their child support order. For example, the loss of a job may affect a parent’s ability to make payments, and they may be able to have their obligations temporarily reduced until they can find new employment. 

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 Posted on July 18,2023 in Divorce

Divorce can be a difficult and emotional process for both parents and children. When parents decide to separate, it is crucial to have open and honest conversations with children to help them understand and cope with the changes that are about to occur in their lives. Here are some helpful tips for discussing your divorce with your children:

1. Plan Ahead

Before talking to your children about divorce, take some time to plan what you will say and how you will approach the conversation. Choose a calm and quiet setting where everyone can feel comfortable and avoid distractions. If possible, it is often best if you and your spouse speak to your children together and present a united front in which you can explain why your divorce is the best solution for your family.

2. Be Honest and Age-Appropriate

When explaining the situation to your children, be honest about the reasons for the divorce, but discuss matters in an age-appropriate manner. Tailor your explanations based on your children’s understanding of family relationships and their emotional maturity. Avoid blaming each other or burdening your children with adult details that they do not need to know about.

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