Most people go into marriages taking their vows seriously. For many, “til death do us part” rings true. However, for some that is not always the case, and their union ends in a divorce. When a marriage dissolves, one of the most disputed topics is often the division of assets and property. During the divorce process, you may need to go back to your prenuptial agreement (prenup) and examine its validity. Under Illinois law, a prenuptial agreement is a contract between two potential spouses that is used to define the division of finances and assets in the event of…
Continue Reading 3 Reasons That an Illinois Prenuptial Agreement May Be Invalid

Getting a divorce can be extremely difficult under any circumstances, as you contemplate ending a commitment that you made and what it will mean for your future and that of your family. The thought of having to go to trial and discuss your personal matters in front of the court can add even more anxiety and stress. The good news is that despite what you see in many dramatic media portrayals, the vast majority of divorces are settled without having to go to trial. There are several options that you can explore to resolve your divorce without the time, money,…
Continue Reading Will My Illinois Divorce Have to Go to Trial?

When people discuss guardianship of adults with disabilities, you may assume that this is something you will never have to worry about. But the truth is, countless disabilities can occur due to old age. Your parents or grandparents can become incapacitated by diseases such as dementia, Alzheimer’s, or mental illness, and need a legal guardian to help them get through life. Below is a brief overview of guardianship and when it may be necessary. Hopefully, this will help you determine whether or not you need to pursue guardianship for your relative here in Illinois.
When Can a Guardian Be…
Continue Reading Should I Consider Guardianship for My Elderly Parents in Illinois?

You and your spouse have always been civil with one another, but you two both agree that you would be better off divorced. Due to your positive relationship with each other, you anticipate an amicable divorce. It might even be an uncontested divorce, or you both might mutually agree to the terms without much, if any, heated arguments. But that does not mean that you do not need a lawyer. Even when cooperating with your spouse in an agreeable way as you decide on the terms of your divorce, there are some issues that a lawyer can…
Continue Reading If I Expect an Amicable Divorce, Do I Really Need a Lawyer?

During the probate process, you might find that the last will and testament of the decedent seems suspicious. For instance, perhaps you or someone else from the family has been completely removed from the will without provocation or justification. Or maybe the will seems vastly different from what the decedent had expressed when he or she was alive. This is especially challenging if late in life the decedent had begun losing many mental faculties or had remarried. But before you jump to conclusions and immediately contest the will, you need to know from the start whether you and your case…
Continue Reading What Do I Need to Know Before Contesting a Will in Illinois?

A person’s last will and testament typically appoints an individual to serve as the executor or personal representative of the estate. The executor is required to file the will in probate court within 30 days after the decedent’s death. There are many steps and legal procedures involved in the probate process. As an executor of someone’s estate, you are likely grieving the loss of your friend or family member. Therefore, considering all the tasks you must complete can be overwhelming and daunting. However, by working with an attorney, this process can be completed as quickly and efficiently as possible. The…
Continue Reading An Executor’s Step-by-Step Guide to the Probate Process in Illinois

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker has extended the state’s Stay-at-Home order through the end of May. If you are a divorced parent, you may be struggling with how to navigate your parenting plan with your ex-spouse during this time. Consider taking some of the below actions with your children during your parenting time to make the most of your parental responsibilities at such an unprecedented moment in history.
Your Kids Will Thank You if You Do These Things
Spending time with your children has never been more important—or ever-present—than it is now. Many parents are…
Continue Reading 5 Ways to Make the Most of Stay-at-Home Parenting Time in Illinois

If you are an executor or personal representative of the estate for a person who recently passed away in Illinois, you will need to file his or her last will and testament in probate court within 30 days of the death. Depending on the will and how extensive his or her estate planning was, this probate process can get particularly complex. Therefore, it is important to seek the assistance of a knowledgeable probate lawyer to make sure everything is done properly. Below is a closer look at key terms from the probate process in Illinois so that you know exactly what…
Continue Reading What Is Involved in the Illinois Probate Process?

By: Sean P. Sullivan
What is a Guardian Ad Litem?
A Guardian Ad Litem or a GAL for short, is a neutral attorney that is appointed by the Court in a divorce case to be the “eyes and ears of the Court” and investigate the best interests of the children. There are numerous factors the Court must consider under the law to determine what is in the best interest of the child, and the GAL assists the Court in gathering information in support of these factors.
What does a Guardian Ad Litem do?
Once appointed, A GAL is tasked with…
Continue Reading What is a Guardian Ad Litem and How Do I Know if I Need One for My Divorce Case?

As COVID-19’s impact on our daily lives continues indefinitely, our family at SBK Law Group hopes that you and your families are doing well and staying safe during this challenging and unprecedented time.  As we all continue to adapt to the changes the coronavirus has forced upon all of us, we realize that you may want, or need, to resume some personal and business activities,  but that you need to do so from the safety of your home.  We are here to help clients and non-clients alike. 
First, we want to inform you that we have adapted our practices so…
Continue Reading Giving Back:  Adjusted Practices and Complimentary Remote Notary Services for the Communities We Serve