4thNov 2018

I am not a millionaire.  Do I need a Will?  The answer is Yes!  Everyone should have a Will and Estate Plan.
Children
If you have minor children, it is so important to designate in writing who will take care of your children and the property they inherit until they reach an appropriate age.  If you do not have children, you should make plans for who you want to benefit from your hard work.  Illinois has laws that govern who inherits property if there is no Will, but you can make that choice for yourself if you plan…
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3rdOct 2018

Background
Adopting a child can be overwhelming but hiring an experienced attorney will help you navigate the process.
A specified adoption is one in which the biological parent(s) hand-picks (specifies) who will adopt his/her child.  Often, a specified adoption involves the cooperation of at least one, but sometimes both biological parents.
If a biological parent’s rights to the adoptive child have been established, he or she is defined as a “legal parent”.  A woman’s parental rights are automatically established at the time of the child’s birth.  A man’s parental rights can be established in one of two ways:…
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2ndSep 2018

Who gets the house?
The house is an important issue for many families going through divorce.  Generally, the house is considered a marital asset if it was purchased during the marriage.  It does not matter whose name is on the deed or mortgage.
There are some exceptions that come up from time to time.  For example, you may have a claim for contribution if you owned a house before marriage and later added your spouse’s name to the deed.  There are always exceptions to the rule.  That is why you should discuss the specific facts of your case…
Continue Reading More to Consider in Property Division in Divorce

9thJul 2018

Property and Debt distribution is addressed in 750 ILCS 5/503.  This blog is an overview of property disposition in Illinois.
What is property for purposes of divorce in Illinois?
Property encompasses real property usually in the form of a house.  It also includes personal property like vehicles, boats, jewelry, furniture and appliances.  Other examples are retirement funds, pensions, stocks and bank accounts.
Debts and liabilities also fall under property disposition in 750 ILCS 5/503.
Marital vs. Non-Marital-An Important Distinction
Marital property and debts are distributed in a divorce.  Non-marital property and debts are not.  The court presumes that…
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20thMay 2018

What is relocation?
For most counties in Illinois, a parent with the majority of time or equal time relocates when that parent moves from his/her primary residence to another residence in Illinois that is more than 50 miles away or a residence in another state that is more than 25 miles away.  In certain counties in the Chicago area, a parent with the majority of time o equal time relocates if he/she moves more than 25 miles away.
Step One
A parent who wishes to relocate must first send written notice to the other parent.  The notice must…
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22ndApr 2018

You can find the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act at 750 ILCS 5/.  This is a basic overview of divorce in Illinois.  You should consult an attorney to discuss how the law applies to the facts in your case.
Jurisdiction
A person may file for divorce in Illinois if he or she has resided in Illinois for at least 90 days.  The court can address parenting responsibilities/custody if the children have been here at least 6 months.  To address support and property, both spouses must reside in Illinois unless there is an agreement.
Grounds
The only…
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8thApr 2018

Background
Our futures are filled with uncertainty, especially when it comes to our financial situations.  Whenever a child support obligation is involved, many support-paying parents worry about his or her ability to continue making payments.
Fortunately, the Courts understand that money and finances cannot be predicted or guaranteed.  So, child support obligations can be modified if parents prove that there has been a substantial change to his or her or the child’s circumstances since entry of the previous support orders.
Substantially Changed Circumstances
There are many changes that might be considered so substantial that a modification of the…
Continue Reading Child Support – Modification of Previous Orders