Moving with minor children is often a complex and emotional undertaking. This is only heightened when the parties involved are divorced. For divorced parents, the question becomes am I seeking to relocate my children or am I simply moving them? When parents share parenting time after a divorce, questions about moving can become some of the most difficult and emotional issues they face.
A move that may feel necessary for work, family support, or financial reasons can also affect the other parent’s ability to maintain a meaningful relationship with the child. Illinois law takes these concerns seriously, and relocation requires…
Continue Reading Moving Residences After a Divorce: What Illinois Parents Must Know Before Moving

As divorce attorneys serving clients throughout Downers Grove and the greater Chicago area, we understand that fear is one of the most powerful emotions people experience during a divorce. Fear of the unknown; Fear of financial insecurity; Fear of losing time with children, or the fear of ”losing” in court can be overwhelming. It often paralyzes people, making it harder for them to make sound decisions about their future. Divorce is not just a legal process; it’s also an emotional transition. At SBK Law Group, our goal is to help clients replace fear with confidence by understanding both the emotional…
Continue Reading The Psychology Of Fear In Divorce And How To Replace It With Confidence

As Illinois divorce attorneys, we frequently work with clients who feel trapped in a frustrating situation where their spouse refuses to cooperate during the divorce process. Whether the spouse avoids signing papers, ignores court orders, or fails to disclose financial information, their lack of cooperation can make an already emotional process even more stressful. The good news is that under Illinois law, one spouse’s refusal to participate does not prevent the divorce from moving forward. Courts have clear procedures to ensure that cases progress even when one party is uncooperative or intentionally delays. Understanding how Illinois law addresses these situations…
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Guardianship is unfamiliar territory for many. At SBK Law Group, we offer a multitude of experience educating and representing guardians, wards, respondents, and family members in guardianship. Families often face questions about the need for guardianship during times of crisis or transition. For example, when an adult becomes incapacitated, a child loses a parent, or a loved one cannot make sound decisions due to age or illness. 
In Illinois, guardianship provides a legal mechanism to protect the well-being, finances, and personal affairs of those unable to care for themselves. In some states, this process is also called conservatorship. While it…
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Everyone has heard of Pre-nuptial agreements. But  most people are unaware that you can have a Post-nuptial agreement as well. What is a Post-Nuptial Agreement?  It is like a Prenup in that it is a written agreement between the parties concerning how they want to address their property and assets, but it is entered into after the marriage as opposed to before the marriage. 
While many associate these agreements with distrust, in truth, they can strengthen a marriage by providing clarity, security, and transparency. Under Illinois law, Postnuptial agreements are recognized and enforceable when properly drafted, offering couples a valuable…
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As estate planning attorneys in Downers Grove, we understand how important it is for families to know what happens after a loved one passes away. One of the most critical roles in the probate process is the executor, also known in Illinois as the personal representative. Many of our clients are appointed as executors in a will without fully realizing the responsibilities that come with the role. Executors carry significant legal duties under Illinois law, and failure to perform those duties properly can lead to more work, longer administration, higher costs, and even personal liability. By learning what an…
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As divorce attorneys in Downers Grove, we understand that divorce is one of the most stressful experiences a person can go through. Emotions run high, decisions must be made quickly, and every choice has long-term consequences for your family and your finances. Too often, we see clients make mistakes that could have been avoided with proper planning and legal guidance. Illinois divorce law provides a framework for how property is divided, how support is awarded, and how custody is decided, but missteps along the way can harm your case. By recognizing the most common errors, you can protect yourself, your…
Continue Reading Avoiding Common Mistakes During An Illinois Divorce

Many people assume that once they create a living trust, they no longer need a will. As Illinois estate planning attorneys, we can tell you that this assumption can lead to unwanted legal and financial problems for families. A trust is a powerful tool for avoiding probate and managing assets during your lifetime and after your death, but it does not cover every aspect of your estate and leaves your estate without a plan to address common uncertainties. Even if you have a trust, a properly drafted will remains a very important planning tool and is an essential component of…
Continue Reading Do You Still Need A Will In Illinois If You Already Have A Trust?  

Divorce is rarely easy, but some divorces move forward with cooperation while others turn into prolonged, contested litigation. In Illinois, contested divorces often arise when spouses cannot agree on major issues such as property division, child custody, spousal support, or debt allocation. While uncontested divorces can be resolved through negotiation or mediation, contested cases frequently require court hearings and, in some instances, a trial.
As Illinois divorce attorneys, we understand that the path your case takes depends on the complexity of the issues and the willingness of both spouses to compromise. Illinois law provides a framework for resolving disputes, but…
Continue Reading Is Your Divorce Headed For Litigation? Signs Of A Contested Divorce In Illinois

Caring for an elderly family member often comes with tough decisions about health, safety, and legal protection. We understand how overwhelming this can be, especially when your loved one begins to lose the ability to make sound decisions. In Illinois, a guardianship may be needed when an elderly adult can’t manage personal care, finances, or medical decisions independently and hasn’t made proactive disability planning arrangements.
When a person is incapable of making their own decisions, and does not have appropriate or sufficient power of attorney instruments in place, establishing a guardianship through the court can ensure that your loved one…
Continue Reading When Do You Need A Guardianship For An Elderly Loved One In Illinois?

When couples go through a divorce in Illinois, the division of assets often becomes one of the most contested issues. Many people assume that everything accumulated during the marriage will be split evenly, but that’s not always the case, especially when it comes to inherited property. Other people assume that inherited property is never subject to division in a divorce, without the proper planning, this too is not always the case. We often work with clients who are concerned about how to keep their inherited assets protected when their marriage comes to an end. At SBK Law Group, we believe…
Continue Reading Protecting Inherited Assets During Divorce In Illinois

When couples in Downers Grove begin the divorce process, one of the first decisions they face is whether to resolve their issues in court or through mediation. As Illinois divorce attorneys, we’ve seen how mediation can offer a more peaceful, efficient, and cost-effective way to reach an agreement. However, it’s not the right solution for every case. Mediation works best when both parties are willing to cooperate and communicate with honesty and respect. Before choosing a path forward, it’s important to understand what mediation involves—and what it doesn’t.
Divorce mediation is a voluntary process where both spouses work with a…
Continue Reading Should You Mediate Your Downers Grove Divorce? Pros & Cons

When divorce becomes a possibility, many people think first about the emotional toll. But the financial impact is just as significant—and often more lasting. As Illinois divorce attorneys serving Downers Grove and the surrounding areas, we’ve helped many individuals take control of their finances early in the process. Financial preparation doesn’t mean just gathering documents. It means understanding your rights, protecting your assets, and planning for life after divorce. The more proactive you are, the more likely you are to secure a stable financial future.
Divorce in Illinois is governed by the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act (…
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