Posted on January 26, 2024 in Family Law

Family law encompasses many types of matters. Getting a divorce, addressing issues related to child custody, adopting a child, establishing paternity, or addressing other issues that will be handled in family court will all involve multiple types of legal considerations. Handling these matters can be difficult enough on its own, but the strong emotions that may sometimes be involved in these kinds of cases, and the stress of dealing with unfamiliar legal procedures, can make them seem overwhelming. Fortunately, an experienced family law attorney can be an invaluable guide and source of information during these types of matters. At Law Office of Vincent C. Machroli, P.C., we provide high-quality representation in all matters related to family law, and we also offer information about these cases on our blog. In 2023, we had a number of blogs that people found helpful. Our most-read blogs during the year were the following:

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 Posted on January 09, 2024 in Post-Decree Matters

Many people believe that as soon as the divorce decree is issued, all issues relating to the divorce are over, never to be considered again. However, this is incorrect. Post-decree issues can and do occur, and when they do, careful navigation of such matters is important to ensure a fair resolution. If you have a post-decree problem you would like to address, it would be wise to contact an experienced family law lawyer in Illinois. Navigating these matters on your own is a recipe for disaster

Child Custody

One of the most prevalent issues involves seeking child custody modifications. As a child grows up, their needs and circumstances often change, requiring adjustments to the existing custody arrangement. If a parent wishes to modify a child custody determination, they must be able to demonstrate a substantial change in circumstances that affect the child’s well-being. You should discuss your wishes with an experienced custody attorney to build a compelling case as to why your child custody modification should be granted.

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 Posted on December 27, 2023 in Family Law

In family law cases where the subject of child custody needs to be addressed, the court will always seek to find solutions that will provide for children’s ongoing needs, and ensure that stability can be attained. The "best interest of the child" standard is a legal principle that guides judges in making decisions about how parental responsibilities will be allocated, and how parenting time will be divided between parents. It is important for parents to understand this principle, and as they work to resolve child custody considerations, they will need to focus on protecting their children’s health, safety and well-being. An experienced family law attorney can provide effective legal representation in these situations, advocating for solutions that will protect children’s best interests, while also maintaining parental rights.

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 Posted on December 11, 2023 in Divorce

The divorce process may involve a number of challenges. You and your spouse will need to make decisions about how a variety of legal and financial subjects will be addressed. One of the most important financial aspects of the divorce process involves dividing marital property between you and your spouse. In Illinois, property division follows what are called equitable distribution laws, and so under those laws, assets and debts acquired during your marriage will be divided fairly, but you are not required to split everything in half and equalize the share of the marital estate that each party will receive.

As you deal with subjects related to your marital property and other financial matters during your divorce, it is crucial to understand what types of property get dealt with. Consulting with an experienced family law attorney will give you a strong understanding of what assets are included in your marital estate, and how property may be valued and divided.

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 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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