In the past, child relocation was characterized as “removal” of a child. This means the court had to make determinations as to what was in the child’s best interests regarding the move and look to several factors to make a ruling on the issue. Like other changes that took place with the new Illinois Marriage […]
The Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act changed on January 1, 2016 and child custody is no longer a term used in Illinois law. Now, what was once custody has become parental responsibility. There are many reasons this change was necessary. However, at the heart of it all, is the desire to lessen the […]
There is no such thing as a pleasant divorce. High net worth divorces can be even more unpleasant. This is particularly true if you and your spouse do not agree on how to divide property and other assets. In high net worth divorces, money, property, businesses, and a number of other valuable items are often […]
You don’t need us to remind you that raising children is expensive. From basic needs such as clothing and food to expensive fees such as extracurricular activities, it’s important that everything is clear so there are no disagreements between you and your spouse once your divorce is complete. So, are expenses split 50/50? If not, […]
There is no “right way” to end a marriage. The process can be painful and challenging both practically and emotionally. However, there are options you can pursue to lessen the blow. Mediation and collaborative divorce are both great options when you’re looking to settle your case and avoid some of the animosity traditionally associated with […]
Prenuptial agreements are something most couples don’t want to discuss. Many wrongly believe that considering a prenup means you’re already thinking about divorce before the wedding day. However, this just isn’t the case. Prenuptial agreements serve many useful purposes. Contrary to popular belief, they aren’t just relevant for those with a significant amount of money […]
Under the new Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act, maintenance, also known as spousal support, is calculated through a formula that didn’t exist prior to January 1, 2016. This assures almost any spouse with a demonstrated need maintenance for at least some amount of time after the divorce is finalized. However, maintenance isn’t an […]
By nature, divorce is a high-conflict experience. As you work through issues such as property division, the division of debt, and other problems, conflict is sure to arise. However, it doesn’t have to be quite as conflict-driven as you may suspect. Mediation, as an alternative to litigating the issues in your divorce, is a great […]
There are two basic kinds of divorces: Contested and uncontested. But, do you know the difference between them? Many believe that knowing the difference is irrelevant. And, to be sure, the end result in either kind of divorce will be the same because you will be divorced. However, the kind of divorce you experience will […]
Illinois is an equitable distribution state, unlike many others in our country. So, what does that actually mean? It means that in property division, things aren’t divided 50/50 as many expect. Instead, they are divided fairly between the parties. This leads most clients to another question: “How does the Court determine what it believes to […]
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