Posted on August 13, 2024 in Family Law

The process of divorce can be very unpleasant, especially when there is a child custody dispute involved. When a child custody dispute is taking place, the most important concern for the court is determining what is in the best interests of the children involved. Parents often wonder how to set themselves up best to "win" the custody dispute. To increase your chances of a favorable outcome, it is important to present concrete evidence that highlights your role as a caregiver. To set yourself up for success, retain the services of a skilled attorney to help you win the custody battle and put yourself in a position to achieve a favorable settlement outcome.

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 Posted on August 06, 2024 in Illinois Divorce

When it comes to prenuptial agreements, many people wonder if signing one reflects a lack of trust or faith in a relationship. In reality, a prenup can be a wise and proactive choice that strengthens a marriage. To learn more about the many benefits of signing a prenup, obtain the legal counsel of a family law attorney.

What You Need to Understand About Prenuptial Agreements

In Illinois, a prenuptial agreement, or prenup as they are commonly called, is a legal document two people sign before they get married. The document essentially outlines how assets and debts will be managed in the unlikely event of a divorce or separation. While the concept may seem inherently pessimistic, prenups serve as a form of protection that can actually enhance trust and communication in a marriage.

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 Posted on July 29, 2024 in Family Law

In the midst of divorce, many parents rightly focus on child custody, child support, and spousal maintenance. Yet, for parents of non-minor children planning to attend college, one looming question often remains: "Will I need to pay for my non-minor child’s college education after a divorce in Illinois?" The straightforward answer is yes. Illinois laws allow the court to order parents to contribute to their child’s college expenses, ensuring that educational opportunities remain accessible. For guidance navigating your child’s college expenses after you have been divorced, contact a lawyer for assistance.

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 Posted on July 19, 2024 in Illinois Divorce

Divorce is more than just the dissolution of a marriage; it is the untangling of two lives deeply intertwined both emotionally and financially. When significant financial assets are involved, divorce becomes incredibly complex. This is where hiring an Illinois divorce attorney who is also a Certified Financial Litigator (CFL) can be a game-changer. Here is why the knowledge of a CFL can make a significant difference in your divorce proceedings.

Deep Understanding of Financial Valuation

One of the biggest challenges in a high-stakes divorce is the accurate valuation of assets. CFLs possess enhanced knowledge in financial analysis and valuation. CFLs are adept at identifying, valuing, and categorizing marital assets, including businesses, real estate, investments, and retirement accounts. This enhanced knowledge ensures assets are fairly and accurately valued, preventing any potential undervaluation or overvaluation that could affect the settlement.

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 Posted on July 15, 2024 in Illinois Divorce

Children often feel a range of emotions when it comes to divorce, such as confusion, sadness, anger, or despair. That is why it is so important for parents to prioritize the well-being of the children involved in the situation. To learn and implement strategies to keep your children happy and emotionally healthy post-divorce, discuss with your Illinois divorce lawyer regarding what decisions you should make to ensure the well-being of your children stays intact.

Manage Your Emotions for Your Children’s Sake

Managing your emotions effectively is one of the most important things in supporting your children post-divorce. Children are highly perceptive, meaning that they can easily pick up on your stress, anger, or sadness. This perceptiveness can worsen children’s levels of insecurity.

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 Posted on July 09, 2024 in Illinois Divorce

Marriage is built on trust and communication, but sometimes, issues arise that lead one partner to consider divorce. It is difficult and often painful to face the possibility that your spouse might be thinking about ending the marriage. If you suspect your spouse is serious about getting a divorce, there are a few important indicators that can help you understand his or her intentions. 

Remember, if you think your spouse is serious about divorce, strongly consider contacting an attorney. Your Illinois attorney will make sure your rights stay protected if you and your spouse move forward with dissolving your marriage.  Here are three signs that may indicate your spouse is seriously considering divorce.

Your Spouse Has Begun Speaking About Divorce Openly

One of the most apparent signs that your spouse is serious about divorce is if they begin to talk about it openly. This might include statements about feeling unhappy in the marriage, mentioning divorce during arguments, or expressing a desire to separate. These kinds of conversations can be direct or subtle, but if divorce is a recurring topic, it is a significant indicator that your spouse is considering it seriously.

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 Posted on June 26, 2024 in Illinois Divorce

Divorce proceedings can get even more complicated when a business is involved. Valuing a business can be a challenging task, and Illinois courts recognize several methods to do this properly. While the income approach is one way to determine a business’s worth, asset and market approaches tend to be more common. If you need assistance in matters related to your divorce, attorneys in Illinois are ready to assist you.

Understanding the Asset Approach

The asset approach, also known as the book value approach, involves calculating the net value of the business by considering its total assets and subtracting liabilities. This method gives a snapshot of what the business is worth if it were to be liquidated.

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 Posted on June 18, 2024 in Illinois Divorce

Divorce is rarely an easy journey, and it becomes even more complex when power imbalances exist between the spouses. Whether it is financial disparities, emotional control, or distinct differences in negotiation skills, power imbalances can significantly affect the fairness of the divorce process.

In Illinois, mediation offers a valuable tool that can help level the playing field, ensuring that both parties have a fair chance at reaching an equitable settlement. To learn more about the divorce mediation process, ask your attorney whether he or she thinks the process may be beneficial to your circumstances.

Identifying Power Imbalances in Divorce

Power imbalances come in various forms and can have numerous origins. For example, financial power imbalances are common when one spouse controls the couple’s financial resources significantly more. This can put the less financially stable spouse at a disadvantage, making them feel pressured to accept unfavorable terms.

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 Posted on June 13, 2024 in Family Law

One of the most significant and complex decisions you will face during a divorce in Illinois is what to do with the marital home. The house often represents not just a valuable asset but also a place filled with memories and emotional ties. Whether you decide to keep or sell it, several crucial factors should guide your decision-making process. Talk with your attorney to weigh your options.

Financial Implications When Deciding to Keep or Sell the Marital Home

First, you will want to assess the financial implications of keeping or selling the marital home. Keeping the home means you will need to be able to afford the mortgage payments, property taxes, insurance, and maintenance costs while living on a single income. Calculate a budget to determine if staying in the home is feasible without causing financial strain.

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 Posted on June 07, 2024 in Child Custody

When it comes to fulfilling child support obligations in Illinois, various methods are available to ensure timely and consistent payments. Among these, an income withholding notice, as it is known under Illinois law, stands out as perhaps the most reliable and efficient option, especially for those who receive regular paychecks from his or her employer. To learn more about child support payment options or anything related to Illinois divorce, contact a qualified attorney to protect your rights and understand your options.

Understanding Income Withholding in Illinois

Income withholding is a legal directive that requires an employer to deduct child support payments directly from an employee’s paycheck. The employer withholds a specific amount from the employee’s wages and sends it directly to the Illinois State Disbursement Unit, which then distributes the funds to the custodial parent. 

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