Divorce When You Share a Business
Division of assets in a divorce can be a difficult and contentious process under any circumstances. When there’s a business in the mix, the stakes are often higher and the process even more complicated.
The options for divorcing business owners vary depending on several factors, such as: 

• Whether one party owned the business prior to the marriage
• How the business is structured and owned
• Whether there are outside owners of the business
• Whether there is a prenuptial agreement in effect
• Whether there is a buy-sell agreement

Even within a category, the answer may not…
Continue Reading Navigating Divorce When You Share a Business

In recognition of the World Narcissistic Abuse Awareness Day on June 1st.
Life with a malignant narcissist is crippling. 
These cads chip away at your self worth and confidence every day. Like a slow-growing cancer, you often don’t recognize the danger until it’s too late. They always blame you even when it’s not your fault. After being told daily that you are worthless (both directly and indirectly), it’s hard not to believe it.   
At the same time, these scoundrels make you believe that they are invincible and that only woe comes to those who cross them. Their preferred tool…
Continue Reading Stare down the Serpent: A Guide for Divorcing a Narcissist

For most, their home is the single most valuable asset of the marriage. But did you know that in Illinois, if one owns a house prior to marriage, it is considered his or her non-marital property? Upon divorce, the owning spouse takes back the entire asset (including all the equity accumulated during the marriage).
Whether you are already married to somebody who owned a home before the marriage or are planning to marry somebody who currently owns a home, you have a few options to protect yourself:
• If you have not yet married, use a prenuptial agreement to protect…
Continue Reading Residential Roulette: Marital Claims to Non-Marital Real Estate

Note that I have framed the title of this article in the negative: how to lose a custody case, rather than how to win one. Why is this? It is because there are no sure-fire ways to achieve a successful result in a child custody case. There are, however, ways you can assuredly lose one. Here are ten examples of how to “lose” a child custody case:
 
1.) Treat your children as extensions of yourself rather than as individuals. Some parents are so narcissistic they consider their children only as extensions of themself. It’s not always about you! The…
Continue Reading 10 Ways to Lose a Child Custody Case

After we stabilize the family through temporary agreements or court orders, we work to develop an action plan to move forward. 
Child Custody Issues
Before tackling the financial issues, we must first determine whether there are any contested issues involving the children. Courts require parents to try to develop a joint parenting plan. The parenting plan reflects the parenting arrangements to be implemented after the judge approves the parenting plan during the divorce. Most parenting plans include(s):

• a parenting schedule for ordinary and holiday time
• the division of responsibility for decision making for the children and 
• other terms of how

…
Continue Reading Show and Tell: Pulling Back the Curtain Part Two

What is it that we do when you entrust your divorce case to us?
Most are unaware of the ways their lawyer works for them “behind the scenes.” I am writing this article to shine a light on what we do to help our clients through this difficult time.
The GO Meeting
When you retain our firm, we schedule a GO Meeting with you. During this meeting, you can ask questions, and we invite your input with the initial planning. We treat you as one of the team throughout the case.
Go stands for “Goals and Objectives.” During the GO…
Continue Reading Your Divorce: Pulling Back The Curtain Part One

To enhance your chances of a successful divorce, your relationship with your attorney must be collaborative. While there is no guarantee that a collaborative relationship will get you what you want, there is a near certainty that without it, you will be deprived of your fair share. Here are ten ways for you to be a better partner with your lawyer in your divorce case:
1. Keep your lawyer updated.
If there are any developments in your life, such as a new job, a death in the family, or any other significant happenings, make sure to advise your lawyer as…
Continue Reading The Successful Divorce: Help Your Lawyer Help You

1991-2005
In 1991 Peskind Law Firm operated out of offices located at 10 South River Street in Aurora. In addition to Steven and David, the firm had grown to include several associate lawyers, a CPA, and several legal assistants. The firm continued to expand its family law practice in addition to handling personal injury cases, commercial litigation, and real estate. Due to David’s long-standing reputation as an attorney with integrity, the firm was always busy.
In July of 1991, while playing tennis at a Kane County Bar Association event, David suffered a fatal heart attack. David had no history of…
Continue Reading The Second in a Three Part Series on the History of Peskind Law Firm

Illinois law requires divorcing parents to prepare a plan for parenting their children after the divorce. The plan must be presented to the judge for approval within 90 days of the case filing. Many work out the details without the help of lawyers or mediators. By working together parents can avoid conflict and save money. Both mom and dad know their children better than anyone and are in the best position to resolve issues without others’ input. This article summarizes some of the main talking points for parents seeking to resolve as many issues as they can on their own. …
Continue Reading Negotiating Your Own Parenting Plan

I love the new year, which for me is an opportunity to reflect on the past year and an opportunity to assess new habits and set goals for the coming year. 
And for those suffering through the pain of divorce, this is a time to both look backward and to look forward to a positive year. What does reflecting on the past year allow?

• The backward lens allows you to consider the events that brought you to where you are today.
• An ability to remember (and appreciate) some of the positives in your life that you may overlook during periods

…
Continue Reading A New Year, A New Start