Divorce has a way of making people feel like every text, every demand, and every argument with your spouse requires an immediate response. That’s because your nervous system is on high alert. Part of my job as your attorney is to act as a filter, so you’re not making decisions just because someone else nags you to do so.
In fact, one of the most valuable things I do as a family law attorney has very little to do with the law. It’s helping clients distinguish between demands that require a legal response and demands that warrant hitting the “ignore”
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Peskind Law Firm Blogs
Latest from Peskind Law Firm
Why Your Divorce Is Not Like Anyone Else’s (And Why That Matters More Than You Think)
One of the most natural things people do when facing a divorce is reach out to others who have been through it. Friends, family members, coworkers: everyone seems to have a story, advice, or a warning. And while that instinct is completely understandable, it can also be one of the most self-destructive habits in the divorce process.
Because the truth is simple: your divorce is not the same as anyone else’s.
The Danger of Comparing Your Divorce to Someone Else’s
It’s easy to hear someone say, “Well, in my divorce, I got X,” or “My friend didn’t have to
What Happens to Your Medical, Dental, or Legal Practice in an Illinois Divorce?
Key Insights:
- Professional practices can be marital property in Illinois. Under 750 ILCS 5/503, your spouse may have a claim to a share of your practice’s value if it was established or grew significantly during the marriage.
- Illinois law protects the value of your personal reputation and skills. The law separates “personal goodwill” from the general value of the practice. Personal goodwill belongs to you and cannot be divided in a divorce.
- The right legal counsel can make all the difference. Valuing a professional practice correctly requires industry experts and an attorney with experience in handling complex financial cases.
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Illinois Divorce Myths That Could Cost You: Separating Fact from Fiction
In my forty years of practicing divorce law in Illinois, I have repeatedly encountered common misconceptions about the divorce process. This article aims to dispel many of these widespread myths so that people who are thinking about or going through a divorce can make better decisions for themselves and their families. Below is an overview of some of the most frequent misconceptions about divorce.
Misconception #1: If I move out of my house, I risk forfeiting my interest in it
This is the most common misconception that I hear. You won’t lose your house if you move out before the
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A 2026 Guide To Maintenance (Alimony) in Illinois
Understanding Maintenance (Alimony) in Illinois: Who Pays, How Much, and for How Long
Key Insights:
- Spousal maintenance isn’t automatic in Illinois. Courts award spousal maintenance only when there’s genuine financial need, and the other spouse has the ability to pay. Getting divorced doesn’t guarantee you’ll pay or receive support.
- Illinois uses a formula to calculate maintenance. To calculate maintenance, take 33.3% of the higher earner’s net income and subtract 25% of the lower earner’s net income. The recipient cannot receive more than 40% of the couple’s combined net income.
- Duration of maintenance depends on marriage length. The longer you were
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Small Shoulders, Big Burdens: Keeping Kids out of Divorce Drama
Divorce is an emotionally charged process. It’s natural to want your children to understand your side of the story, whether that means explaining that you weren’t the one who wanted the divorce, pointing out the other parent’s mistakes, or hoping the kids will align with you. But when parents enlist their children as soldiers in their war against the other parent, the children will be the first casualties.
Let your kids be kids; don’t make them your confidante.
Your children are not your therapists, and they are not emotionally and developmentally equipped to handle adult stressors—these conversations, despite best
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Costly Missteps: Common Mistakes People Make During Divorce
A client recently asked me, “What’s the biggest mistake people make during a divorce?” It was a good question, and one that deserves a thoughtful answer. In truth, there are a few common mistakes people make that derail their chances for a divorce that they’re able to walk away from unscathed (ok, less scathed). These common pitfalls cost people unnecessary time and money and certainly leave them emotionally and financially worse off than they need to be.
Here are the top five:
Letting Emotions Drive the Case
Divorce is emotional, there’s no question. But when people make decisions based on anger,
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Generations of Justice — The Peskind Family Featured on: On the Bar Podcast
At Peskind Law Firm, family isn’t just part of our story — it’s at the heart of everything we do.
In a recent episode of the On the Bar podcast, titled “Generations of Justice,” Steven N. Peskind, Mollie Peskind, and John P. M. Peskind sat down to share the unique experience of working together as a multigenerational legal team. From early memories growing up in a household rooted in the legal profession to navigating high-stakes family law cases side by side, the episode offers an inside look at the values and vision behind Peskind Law.
A Legacy of Leadership and
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Cohabitation vs. Marriage: What the Research Says
As family dynamics continue to evolve, more couples are choosing to live together rather than get married. A recent article from the Institute for Family Studies, titled “Cohabitation is Popular, but It’s Still No Replacement for Marriage”, explores this trend in depth.
The article highlights key findings, including:
- More adults ages 18–44 have cohabited than have ever been married.
- Cohabiting relationships are generally less stable and less likely to transition into marriage.
- Living together before marriage is linked to lower marital satisfaction and higher breakup rates.
- Children born to cohabiting couples face a higher risk of family instability.
At
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Understanding the Complexities of High-Net-Worth Divorce in IL
A Guide to the Unique Challenges of Divorces Involving Significant Assets and Income
With virtually any divorce, things are emotionally difficult. As the old song observes, “Breaking up is hard to do…” But when significant assets or income are involved, things become even more tricky. High-net-worth divorces require careful steering through numerous rocks, from the division of valuable financial holdings to ensuring privacy for the family. Understanding the complexities of the process is crucial to safeguarding your wealth and securing a fair settlement. This summary is based upon Illinois law, and each state has different divorce laws.
Here are some
Continue Reading Understanding the Complexities of High-Net-Worth Divorce in IL
Understanding the Complexities of High-Net-Worth Divorce: A Guide to the Unique Challenges in Divorces Involving Significant Assets
The emotional fallout from a breakup makes most divorces difficult. But when significant assets are involved, the process becomes even more complex. High-net-worth divorces require careful steering through numerous rocks, from the division of valuable financial holdings to ensuring the preservation of privacy. For those in these situations, understanding the complexities of the process is crucial to safeguarding your wealth and securing a fair settlement. This summary is based upon Illinois law, and each state has different divorce laws.
Here are some key considerations that distinguish high-net-worth divorces from more typical cases.
Cheater Insurance: One Option if Your Spouse has an Affair
Infidelity is not a product of the twenty-first century. It’s been around forever. But what is relatively new are legal options for betrayed spouses. While Illinois has rejected considerations of fault in divorce, through some advance planning, a wayward spouse can potentially be held accountable for his or her extracurricular activities.
Many affairs are circumstantial and one time events. Other folks just have a problem keeping their pants on. Many victims of straying spouses are uncertain about their spouse’s inclinations. Do I forgive a one time indiscretion? Or will it happen again?
What makes matters more confusing are the guilty
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Navigating a High Conflict Divorce
An Illinois Divorce can be stressful under the best of circumstances. Even if the separation is amicable and you agree on most issues, it’s a time of significant life change and often emotional turmoil. That stress can be significantly aggravated when there’s a lot of conflict. But, there are steps you can take to dial down the stress, minimize conflicts, and keep your case moving forward.
When is a Divorce High-Conflict?
There’s no formal definition for “high-conflict divorce,” but we generally use that term to mean what you’d think: that there are significant points of disagreement in the case. Sometimes,
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WHAT TO DO IF YOU ARE CONSIDERING A DIVORCE
PLAY TO YOUR AUDIENCE.
There is only one person you will need to impress: the judge. Check all behavior through the lens of, “how will the judge react to me doing this?” If you think your conduct may offend or irritate the judge, don’t do it. Because we can’t always be objective about ourselves, it’s important to hire a lawyer who knows the judge and has good common sense.
CONTROL YOUR EMOTIONS.
Don’t send text messages, e-mails and Facebook posts when you are angry–your spouse will use them against you if given an opportunity. Remember: the judge may read
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Hope for High Conflict Parents
The Illinois Supreme Court has made it easier for co-parents suffering high conflict relationships.
With the adoption of Illinois Supreme Court Rule 909, courts can now require parents to use a parenting coordinator to resolve ongoing parenting disagreements.
Rule 909 defines “parenting coordination” as “a child-focused alternative dispute resolution process conducted by a licensed mental health or family law professional, which combines assessment, education, case management, conflict management, dispute resolution, and decision-making functions. Parenting coordination is for co-parents who are unable or unwilling to cooperate in making parenting decisions, communicate effectively with regard to issues involving their children, implementing comply
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WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ALIMONY VS. SPOUSAL SUPPORT IN ILLINOIS?
Alimony vs. spousal support—what’s the difference? How can they affect your financial situation after a divorce, and how much support can you expect to pay or receive? In this article, our team at Peskind Law Firm in St. Charles, IL, shares what you need to know to help you through your legal proceedings.
What’s the Difference Between Alimony and Spousal Support?
There is no difference between alimony and spousal support. Most people associate alimony with men supporting women after divorce proceedings, but this term is older and more outdated. Illinois law actually prefers the term “spousal maintenance” instead of spousal
Continue Reading WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ALIMONY VS. SPOUSAL SUPPORT IN ILLINOIS?