Divorce rates among people over age 50 have more than doubled since the 1990s and many of these breakups involve adult children with families, careers, and long histories of shared financial responsibility. If your son or daughter is going through a divorce in Naperville or elsewhere in DuPage County, you may be wondering how to help without overstepping. While the process is different than it would be for a younger couple, it is no less emotionally complex.
As of May 2025, Illinois divorce law continues to apply the same statutes regardless of age, but the way families navigate divorces for
Continue Reading Supporting Your Adult Child in Their Divorce
Latest from Calabrese Associates Blog - Page 2
What Does Divorce Mediation Look Like?
You have probably heard that divorce mediation is cheaper, faster, and less stressful than courtroom divorce. That is sometimes true. But what you may not have heard is that mediation is still a process that is emotionally raw, legally complex, and full of hard compromises.
In Illinois, mediation is not just an alternative to courtroom litigation. It is often a required step, especially when child custody is involved. If you are getting divorced in Illinois, you should expect to go through it. The question is not whether you will attend mediation, but how to make it work. At Calabrese
Continue Reading What Does Divorce Mediation Look Like?
What Can I Do if My Ex Does Not Follow Our Illinois Divorce Decree?
A court-ordered divorce decree can include judgments about property division, spousal support, allocation of parental responsibilities, and child support. When an ex-spouse does not follow the obligations laid out in the divorce decree, you may need legal assistance in the form of an enforcement of the judgment. If you are struggling with an uncooperative ex, you do not have to face the challenge alone – a Naperville, IL enforcement of judgments attorney can help.
Steps You Can Take if Your Ex-Spouse Does Not Follow the Divorce Decree
When your ex-spouse does not fulfill their post-divorce obligations, you have
Continue Reading What Can I Do if My Ex Does Not Follow Our Illinois Divorce Decree?
Understanding Marital vs. Non-Marital Property in an Illinois Divorce
The divorce process is different for every couple because it is extremely personal. Many elements impact what your divorce looks like, including whether you have children and how many assets you have separately and together. To understand the division of assets, you first need to know how Illinois law differentiates between separate, also known as non-marital, and marital property. A DuPage County, IL asset division attorney can help you navigate the process, which is especially useful if you have a complex portfolio.
How Does Illinois Law Define Marital Property?
The Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act addresses the
Continue Reading Understanding Marital vs. Non-Marital Property in an Illinois Divorce
What Happens if You Disagree with Your Parenting Plan?
Parenting plans are designed to provide clarity and structure for the children of parents who are no longer together. These plans outline everything from weekly parenting time schedules to holidays, decision-making responsibilities, and communication guidelines. But what happens when both parents genuinely believe they are following the plan — yet interpret it in different ways?
Disagreements over the wording or intent of a parenting plan are more common than many people expect. These issues can arise months or even years after a divorce or custody order is finalized, especially as children grow older and their needs evolve. Understanding your
Continue Reading What Happens if You Disagree with Your Parenting Plan?
5 Parenting Agreement Facts To Know During Divorce
In Illinois, parenting time is a critical aspect of parenting agreements, and you should understand the laws involved if you are planning to get divorced. An experienced Illinois divorce attorney at Calabrese Associates, P.C. is a key resource for your divorce and parenting time case.
Parenting Time and Child Custody are Different
Parenting time is different from child custody. Illinois has replaced “child custody” with “parental responsibilities” in the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act. This phrase refers to each parent’s parenting time and decision-making authority after the divorce is final.
Parenting time means the days
Continue Reading 5 Parenting Agreement Facts To Know During Divorce
Can I Challenge a Prenuptial Agreement in Illinois?
No one signs a prenuptial agreement thinking that they will definitely need it one day. Regardless, divorce is common, and often, with that process comes the division of assets, child custody, and more stressful considerations. Prenuptial agreements can simplify or complicate divorce. If you need to contest a prenup, a Naperville, IL prenuptial agreement attorney can help you understand the legal options available and what you need to seek a better arrangement.
What Are the Grounds For Contesting a Prenuptial Agreement?
A standard prenuptial agreement outlines what will happen to assets and liabilities should the marriage result in divorce.
Continue Reading Can I Challenge a Prenuptial Agreement in Illinois?
Will Your Business Be Divided in an Illinois Divorce?
In Illinois, a divorce can significantly impact a business, especially if it qualifies to be included as part of the division of marital assets. The state follows an equitable distribution rule, which means that marital property is divided fairly, and that can include a business. How the company is affected depends on several factors, and you should review the matter with an Illinois family law attorney to understand your rights. At Calabrese Associates, P.C., we can assist with asset division and how it relates to your business.
Business Classification
First, how can you know whether the business is marital
Continue Reading Will Your Business Be Divided in an Illinois Divorce?
When Should I Sign a Postnuptial Agreement?
Over the course of your marriage, you and your spouse will inevitably come across obstacles and opportunities. You may not have seen the need to sign a prenuptial agreement before your marriage, but circumstances can change after your vows, necessitating a guarantee of financial security. If you are thinking about drafting a postnup, an Illinois family law attorney can help you get the document in writing.
The purpose of a postnuptial agreement is to dictate how certain financial aspects of your divorce will be handled, if it ever comes to pass. At Calabrese Associates, P.C., our family lawyer can
Continue Reading When Should I Sign a Postnuptial Agreement?
Reasons to Modify a Court Order of Financial Support
After a divorce is finalized, you might find yourself responsible for paying child support or spousal support – maybe even both. These are both serious obligations, with serious consequences if you refuse to pay. However, the court does recognize some circumstances to modify these orders. An Illinois family law attorney can represent you in front of a judge, making a good faith case on your behalf.
At Calabrese Associates, P.C., we are sympathetic to the troubles people face after a divorce. When you work with our firm, you will receive qualified legal counsel and representation from an attorney with
Continue Reading Reasons to Modify a Court Order of Financial Support
Does 50/50 Parenting Time Always Work?
Divorcing as a parent comes with unique challenges. Whether you decide to litigate your divorce or settle outside of court, you will have to come up with a custody arrangement for your child. This custody arrangement, now known as parenting time, must be made with your child’s best interests in mind. An Illinois divorce lawyer can work with you to create a realistic parenting time schedule.
Although 50/50 is often thought of as the standard for joint custody, it is not suitable for every family. There are very good reasons as to why you might consider a different split of
Continue Reading Does 50/50 Parenting Time Always Work?
What Can I Do if My Ex Is Stalking Me?
When a former romantic partner or spouse refuses to leave you alone, you might feel threatened – maybe even in fear for your life. By petitioning for a stalking no contact order, you can get legal protections from stalking and other obsessive behaviors by your ex. An Illinois family law attorney can support you during this difficult time, helping you take action against your abuser.
Nobody deserves to be put in danger by a former romantic partner. At Calabrese Associates, P.C., we represent vulnerable people looking to obtain orders of protection. Our family law attorney can guide you through
Continue Reading What Can I Do if My Ex Is Stalking Me?
What Does a Parenting Plan Need to Include in Illinois?
If you and your spouse are planning on divorcing with children, you will be required to submit a parenting plan to the court. This is a legal document that details how you and your co-parent will raise your child for the foreseeable future. Spouses may decide to fill out a joint parenting plan or, if they do not agree about how to handle parenting time and parental responsibilities, create separate plans to submit to a judge.
An Illinois divorce attorney can walk you through this process to make sure that your parenting plan addresses all relevant issues. At Calabrese
Continue Reading What Does a Parenting Plan Need to Include in Illinois?
Three Damaging Myths About Divorce
The subject of divorce is often mired in societal stigma. This means that not a lot of people end up talking about it, and leads to false ideas being perpetuated about the whole process. If you or somebody you know is considering divorce, an Illinois family law attorney can clarify any questions you may have about the process.
At Calabrese Associates, P.C., we have seen it all, from quiet uncontested divorces to highly volatile litigated divorces. When you work with our firm, you will receive quality legal counsel to help you through any issue of family law. We will endeavor
Continue Reading Three Damaging Myths About Divorce
What Keeping The Marital Home Might Mean For Your Divorce
The marital home might be one of the most coveted items in your divorce. You might have good reasons to want to keep your house, such as sentimental value or wanting to keep young children in the home. However, if you are given the marital home in a divorce, you should know of the potential risks and liabilities. A skilled Illinois divorce attorney can advise you on the best course of action and advocate for your right to a marital home.
At Calabrese Associates, P.C., we have experience handling asset division cases involving real estate. We can represent you in
Continue Reading What Keeping The Marital Home Might Mean For Your Divorce
Reasons Why Post-Decree Support Modifications Get Rejected
After a divorce, you might come to realize that a judge’s order simply is not working. Petitioning for a modification of a court order can give you some relief from child support and alimony obligations. However, a judge will not approve a change to a court order without good cause. An Illinois family law attorney can help you petition for post-decree modification, providing you with sound legal advice and representation.
Attorney Michael Calabrese of Calabrese Associates, P.C. has 30 years of experience handling divorce and family law issues. Our firm can advocate for a modification that better suits your changed
Continue Reading Reasons Why Post-Decree Support Modifications Get Rejected