Do-it-yourself divorce, also known as pro se divorce, has become increasingly common over the last several years. In fact, there are now agencies that help divorcing couples complete their paperwork, which the couple must then file themselves. Many pursue this option because they think it will save them time and/or money. Others feel they can manage an amicable divorce better on their own than with an attorney. Unfortunately, both of these approaches often lead to problems.

Why Even Amicable Divorces Need an Attorney

Alimony - which is called spousal maintenance in Illinois - used to be a common factor in a divorce, and it was usually awarded to wives. Often caretakers and homemakers, women in the past often lacked the skills, experience, or resources to support themselves immediately after divorce. Times have changed, however. Today, more and more wives are becoming the primary breadwinners of their families, and more husbands are staying home. Because of this, many women are now finding themselves on the paying side when it comes to the subject of alimony in a divorce. Unfortunately, this kind of “role reversal” in a divorce can have serious implications.

Women Remain Disadvantaged in Divorce

Infertility is a serious and common issue in marriage, which is why many couples turn to in vitro fertilization to conceive. What happens, though, if the couple then divorces? Who gets custody of the embryos? Does anyone? Furthermore, who gets to make the decision? The following information explores the subject of frozen embryos in a divorce, including how they are dealt with and how you can attempt to protect them with help from an experienced legal professional.

The Difficult Truth

Prenuptial agreements were once thought of as one of the most unromantic documents in existence, perhaps only surpassed by divorce papers. Thankfully, this valuable pre-marital document is finally receiving the appreciation it deserves. Millennials, the tech and creative industries, and the increasing number of remarrying and high-net-worth couples have all played a part in its revival. However, now, with so many seeking it out, it becomes crucial that couples take the time to understand what a prenuptial agreement can cover, and what it cannot.

Prenuptial Agreement Basics

Years of study, observation, and information have shown that children may be at risk for mental and emotional issues if their parents go through a divorce. Now, more recent information is suggesting that the negative effect is more a product of a contentious divorce, and not just a divorce itself. A new study backs this recent revelation; it suggests that bitter divorce could negatively impact a child’s immune system, perhaps for the rest of their lives. Thankfully, there are ways that parents can reduce this risk. The following information explains how.

Contentious Divorce versus Amicable Divorce