People who are married support each other. People who are divorced in Illinois end up supporting each other as well. Divorced people support each other via court order.

“In a proceeding for dissolution of marriage…the court may grant a maintenance award for either spouse in amounts and for periods of time as the court deems just, without regard to marital misconduct, and the maintenance may be paid from the income or property of the other spouse.” 750 ILCS 5/504(a)

Often the support is needed before the court has ordered the support. The party needing maintenance is still entitled to the…
Continue Reading Retroactive Maintenance In An Illinois Divorce

When you are applying for any type of visa or U.S. citizenship, you not only have to provide specific documents with your application, but you also have to pay a fee. Each type of visa application has its own fee, with the prices varying depending on the type of visa you are applying for. One of the most frustrating factors to deal with when you are applying for a visa is the duration it takes for that application to be processed, however, there are certain types of visas where you can pay an extra fee for premium processing to…
Continue Reading USCIS Announces Premium Process Fee Increase

Researchers have developed an algorithm, life2vec, that uses Denmark’s registry data to predict a person’s life course, including the likelihood of premature death. The algorithm, inspired by large language models like ChatGPT, outperformed other predictive models, including those used by…
Continue Reading Could an AI ‘death calculator’ actually be a good thing?

The Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Access to Justice (ATJ Commission) has released the first court forms published in the redesigned format.
This release includes three statewide standardized court forms:

  • The Civil Fee Waiver form set;
  • The Adult Name Change form set; and
  • The Minor Name Change form set.

    • The Adult Name Change and Minor Name Change form sets were also updated to comply with law changes per Public Act 102-1133.
    The ATJ Commission has been offering a short virtual training for court stakeholders who would like to learn more about the form redesign, rollout plan, and procedures for…
    Continue Reading ATJ Commission Releases Redesigned Statewide Standardized Form Sets

    Legislation to Authorize Independent Oversight Stalls in the Senate
    The Bureau of Prisons (“BOP”) has faced mounting criticism after conditions have slowly deteriorated over decades, culminating in the federal government settling up a hotline for incarcerated individuals at one facility to report civil rights abuses after media reports surfaced detailing the health and safety issues facing current inmates. Some congressional members have sought to address some of the underlying issues facing the BOP, such as authorizing independent oversight by the Justice Department’s Office of Inspector General under The Federal Prison Oversight Act, though the bill has stalled in the Senate.
    Continue Reading Federal Bureau of Prisons in Need of Overhaul as Issues Mount

    Several new changes impacting Colorado’s Equal Pay for Equal Work Act (EPEWA) took effect on January 1, 2024. Employers with at least one employee located and working in Colorado must now comply with certain posting and notice requirements for all Colorado based employment opportunities, including for promotion opportunities. The EPEWA requirements apply only to an employer’s Colorado based employees.   
    Continue Reading Effective January 1, 2024, Employers with Colorado Based Employees Must Now
    Comply With Mandatory Posting and Notice Disclosures For All Colorado Based
    Employment Opportunities

    After a car accident, what you can expect physically depends on how bad the injuries are. For smaller injuries like bruises or cuts, you might feel better in a few days or weeks. But if the injuries are more serious, like broken bones or internal damage, it could take a longer time to recover.
    You might need to see doctors for treatments, and they’ll guide you on how to take care of your body. Sometimes, physical therapy is recommended to help you get back your strength and movement. Everybody’s different, so the time it takes to recover after a car…
    Continue Reading What To Expect Physically After A Car Accident

    Car insurance usually covers the costs of car accidents, but sometimes the expenses can exceeds the insurance limits. This usually happens when there is a clear proof of serious injuries and big losses. It’s not very common, but it can happen.
    On average, car insurance in the United States costs around $1,982 each year. Most people find this amount reasonable to make sure they’re protected in case of a car accident.
    Our personal injury lawyer in Chicago might be able to assist you in getting fair compensation, depending on what happened in your situation.
    What Happens When Car Accident…
    Continue Reading What Happens When Car Accident Claim Exceeds Insurance Limits?

    On January 31, 2024 at 4:30 p.m. the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois will host the Grand Opening Ceremony of the Magistrate Judge History Project.

    The Opening Ceremony will take place at the Everett McKinley Dirksen Courthouse, Courtroom 1743, 219 South Dearborn Street, Chicago.  A reception will immediately follow.

    If you plan to attend, please reply by January 15, 2024 to: https://forms.office.com/g/UmQaJcRXjz

    Click here for a copy of the Magistrate Judge History Project Invitation.
    Continue Reading Magistrate Judge History Project Invitation

    You were on your way home from a night out on the town when the police pulled you over for a minor traffic violation.  They asked you to perform some field sobriety tests and take a breathalyzer.  Should you do it?  Here are some pros and cons:
    PRO:
    (1) Taking the Test Cuts Down on the Length of Your Driver’s License Suspension:  After a DUI arrest, the Illinois Secretary of State will automatically suspend your driver’s license for a certain length of time (although you can try to fight this).  For a first-time DUI, the suspension lasts  six months. …
    Continue Reading THE PROS AND CONS OF TAKING THE BREATHALYZER

    The more beneficiaries there are in a will, the more likely someone will be left disappointed enough to attempt to contest it. It is not uncommon for family, friends, or colleagues to feel snubbed after a will reading. Some are grateful, whereas others feel they deserve more. When attempting to contest a will, it will require a reason that is more than “I think I deserve more.” An attorney with experience in probate litigation can offer assistance in having a will thrown out by challenging its validity.
    Common Reasons For Contesting A Will
    There are a few different reasons…
    Continue Reading How To Successfully Contest a Will in Illinois

    ABSTRACT: The public comment period has closed on a proposed rule from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau that would treat Big Tech firms and other nonbank payment operators more like banks regarding the CFPB’s supervisory authority.

    On January 8, 2024 the public comment period for a proposed rule published by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau on November 7, 2023 closed. The proposed rule seeks to extend CFPB supervisory jurisdiction to “larger participants” of the Fintech industry; specifically, the CFPB proposes greater regulatory authority of the big players in the digital wallet and peer-to-peer money transfer space. It is estimated that…
    Continue Reading The Financial Services Community and Tech Industry Waits to See if 2024 Brings CFPB Scrutiny to $1.7 Trillion Worth of Digital Payments

    Dividing assets accumulated during a marriage can be one of divorce’s most complicated and nerve-wracking processes. One question that sometimes arises is whether wedding gifts are subject to division. Suppose you have concerns regarding property division in your Illinois divorce. In that case, competent lawyers are available to ensure that your future is safeguarded and that the decisions made during the division of assets process can fully support and safeguard your best interests.
    Classification of Wedding Gifts
    In Illinois, wedding gifts are generally considered marital property. This is because wedding gifts given before the marriage are intended to benefit both…
    Continue Reading Are Wedding Gifts Subject to Division in a Divorce?

    Source: One Mom’s Battle
    ” The High Conflict Person’s actions are driven by revenge and anger. This person is unable to act in the best interest of their child and is unable to move forward in a healthy direction. They use every opportunity to berate, chastise or make digs at the healthy parent. They undermine the healthy parent by disrupting the child’s sleep schedule, diet and routines. They contradict established rules and withhold information. Ignoring school responsibilities, projects and homework to create chaos for the healthy parent. It’s also using the parenting time schedule as a weapon and, forcing custody…
    Continue Reading Illinois Divorce: Post Separation Abuse:

    In Contrast to Illinois Supreme Court, Utah Rules that Police Cannot Compel Suspect to Turn Over Password to Cell Phone
    In an update to our prior coverage of an Illinois State Supreme Court decision earlier this year, the Utah Supreme Court has reached the opposite conclusion and reversed the conviction for a Utah man convicted of kidnapping and assaulting his ex-girlfriend because prosecutors relied on his refusal to give the police his cell phone passcode in closing arguments, stating that said refusal undermined his defense. The Supreme Court said that this violated his Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination because the…
    Continue Reading Utah Supreme Court Rules Fifth Amendment Protects Cell Phone Passwords