Divorce mediation is a wonderful thing for many people. When it works, mediation can allow the parties to settle and finalize their divorce quickly and without costing too much. Unfortunately, divorce mediation is not for every set of spouses. There are many reasons mediation might fail, and the parties might need to go through a contested divorce. There are cases where one spouse is unreasonable or refuses to participate. Unsure about whether mediation is right for you and your spouse? Take the time to think this option through. Tell your Illinois divorce attorney if you have any particular concerns…
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Not every law firm is prepared to take on a high-asset divorce. The issues involved in a divorce when the spouses share substantial wealth can be far more complex than those in a divorce with a less substantial marital estate. Issues may involve not only the value of the property involved but the complexity of the types of property to be divided equitably. Splitting the cash in a bank account is often easier than dividing a fluctuating stock portfolio. Couples with financially successful marriages should work with an Illinois divorce attorney with experience in high-net-worth divorces when ending…
Continue Reading 5 Unique Concerns in High-Asset Divorce

When parents get divorced in Illinois, they are required to establish something called a parenting plan. A parenting plan is what it sounds like and outlines how two parents who are not together anymore will share the joys and duties of raising their child. Parents who were never married may also be required to establish a parenting plan when a child custody or parentage case is brought. These plans are designed to prepare separated parents for successful co-parenting. Having the majority of decisions about co-parenting made in advance can reduce conflict later, as there are fewer undecided issues to argue…
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A contested divorce can be difficult, stressful, and time-consuming. However, in some cases, this may be the only way to get a fair divorce decree. Most people today use alternative dispute resolution strategies like mediation to settle their divorces out of Court. Resolving a divorce out of Court offers quite a few benefits. You have more control over the end result. Mediation is less expensive than going to Court. Getting divorced can be much faster when the spouses are able to agree on who keeps what property and what type of child custody arrangement to use. However, mediation does not…
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During an Illinois divorce, parental rights and responsibilities must be allocated. This means that each parent must be assigned specific responsibilities toward their children. Parental responsibilities include making important decisions about the child’s upbringing and spending time with them. The list of parental rights and responsibilities assigned to each parent will be included in a parenting plan. Every set of parents who get divorced in Illinois must have a fairly comprehensive plan for co-parenting that covers things like which parent will see the child and when, and who is tasked with making different decisions. Most parents are able to…
Continue Reading What Are Parental Rights and Responsibilities?

Divorce mediation is not for every couple. Some spouses refuse to cooperate with the process, failing even to keep scheduled appointments. Other spouses are unable to agree on anything because they cannot work together without fighting. However, alternative dispute resolution does work quite well for most people who are getting divorced. Even rather contentious divorces can often be settled out of court through mediation. There are a lot of advantages to uncontested divorce. Resolving the issues in your divorce through mediation is usually faster and less costly than asking a Judge to make these decisions. If you are considering…
Continue Reading Signs Divorce Mediation Might be For You

Parents who are getting divorced are often worried about how their children will cope with the changes. Most adults can acknowledge that divorce can be hard on children. Children involved in divorce may struggle to adapt to not having both parents around all the time. They will likely need to get used to staying in a different household, at least some of the time. They may need to adjust to one or both parents having a new partner. This can also be challenging for children to witness conflict between their parents. Even if your legal divorce is relatively amicable, children…
Continue Reading Helping Children Cope with Divorce

Navigating the sometimes rough waters of a child custody dispute in process can be challenging, both legally and emotionally. Very few parents would willingly give up any of the time they share with their children, and this often means that any disputes relating to parenting time or the parenting plan can become quite contentious during a divorce. 
The time period while parents are divorcing can be quite stressful for children of any age. Parents need to take the right steps to protect the well-being of their children, as well as their own parental rights during this time. An attorney can…
Continue Reading Tips for Handling Custody Disputes in a Divorce

Anyone who has been in an abusive marriage has likely been asked, “Why do you not just leave?” People who have never been in this position often struggle to understand why leaving an abusive marriage is more complex than exiting almost any other type of relationship. Abusers tend to control every aspect of their spouse’s life. They may have complete control over the finances, making it impossible for you to simply go make alternate living arrangements.
Many isolate their spouse from any family members or friends they could go to for help leaving. Other abusers will use intimidation and threats…
Continue Reading Planning for Safety Before Divorce

A high-asset divorce involves a couple who owns property with significant value that must be separated in a divorce. There is not a set net worth a couple must have to qualify for a high asset divorce, but it generally involves couples with a net worth of a million dollars or more. Since all divorce calls for a division of assets, there are several things you need to consider to protect your financial interests when the stakes are this high. Luckily, the work of a skilled divorce lawyer can help. 
What Has to Be Divided in a High-Asset Divorce?
Regardless…
Continue Reading What Is Considered a High-Asset Divorce? 

Child custody is now called parental responsibilities in the state of Illinois. Although the name has shifted, the complex and emotional nature remains and parents always want the best for their children. 
You may find yourself at odds with your ex-spouse based on different parenting styles, opinions, and lifestyles. Luckily, there are amicable ways you can resolve parental responsibilities disputes. With the help of a skilled child custody attorney, you can use mediation to settle your child’s arrangement questions. 
How Does Mediation Work in Divorce?
During mediation, a neutral third party works with both parents to find a mutual…
Continue Reading Can Mediation Help in Child Custody Disputes?