Many adults experience mental illness during their lifetime. In fact, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), 43.8 million adults experience mental illness in any given year. While mental illness can be naturally occurring, it can also be triggered by major events in your life, such as divorce. Mental illness will not typically factor into divorce decisions, but it can be an issue to address when making decisions related to children, namely, decisions about parenting time or decision-making responsibilities. Elements to Consider When Making Child-Related Decisions Any child-related issue that must be settled during a divorce…

If you are one of the lucky people who get to live out the American dream by buying and owning your own home, you know how rewarding it can be to have a place of your own. When you are married, real estate property becomes more than a house – it becomes a home. Dealing with your family home can be one of the toughest decisions you will make when dividing your property during your divorce. In many cases, the family home is the most valuable asset a couple owns, both from a financial and sentimental perspective. Generally, three…

Aside from the death of a loved one, getting a divorce is the most stressful event that is likely to happen in a person’s life. This is because a divorce encompasses almost everything in your life, from where you live and how much time you spend with your children, to your monthly expenses and tax implications. The process of divorcing your spouse is not just a legal one; it is as much an emotional process as it is anything else. While people may tell you that you will be much happier after your divorce is over, there are plenty of…

If you have made the decision to pursue a divorce, the first few steps of the process can be frightening and overwhelming. It is understandable that you would not know exactly what to do or what you should expect. You could also just be emotionally drained from trying to handle everything on your own. The good news is that a qualified divorce lawyer can help. Your attorney is an ally who is committed to protecting your rights and best interests while he or she guides you through the divorce process — and it all begins with your initial consultation.…

Under Illinois law, virtually any property that either spouse acquires during a marriage is considered marital property, which means that it is subject to being divided between the spouses if they ever get divorced. Such property usually includes wages from your job, even if the money was invested or deposited in a retirement account established in just one spouse’s name. This is also true for a vested pension plan because the value of a pension is based on the efforts of the working spouse, which, according to Illinois law, makes an asset part of the marital estate. How Much…

Many Illinois couples choose adoption for a variety of reasons: growing a family, infertility, giving a permanent home for a child in need, providing a sibling for an existing child, etc.  Familiarizing prospective parents with the Illinois Adoption Act is a wonderful way to communicate the adoption process and outlines the various laws that protect adoptive families and children. These laws also outline the adoption types available. Basic Requirements for Adoptive Parents There are certain requirements in place that all prospective parents must meet before adopting a child. These are put into effect for the child’s safety. The requirements include:…

Divorce has become common enough that some couples seek to lower costs by purchasing “at-home” divorce kits and filing their own legal paperwork. In some situations, this approach can work, but most couples will save time, money, and stress by partnering with a skilled divorce lawyer to walk them through the process. There are a number of very important reasons to consult with a lawyer on all divorce-related concerns. Consider some of the most common: Reason #1: Experience Is Key Divorce lawyers handle divorce cases on a daily basis. As a result, even lawyers who have been practicing for only…

In most cases involving divorce or family law matters, the parties are able to negotiate an agreement outside of the courtroom. They only require the court to approve and formalize terms already drafted, with very little actual decision-making happening during the approval. Sometimes, though, the parties cannot reach an agreement and the matter is left to the court to decide. Such a ruling by the court typically carries an air of finality, especially if it feels like you were on the “losing” end. A less than favorable judgment is not necessarily the end, however, and filing an appeal could potentially…

We all know how challenging interpersonal relationships can be. Unfortunately, difficult situations like divorce and child-related legal proceedings can bring out the worst in people, making such relationships even more trying. Thanks to modern technology, individuals are more readily accessible to one another and connected like never before. Thus, it is easier than ever for your soon-to-be ex-spouse to lash out and send an angry text or email, tempting you to respond in a similar manner. Doing so, however, can be detrimental to your case, so it is important to keep your focus on moving forward. Responding Is Not Always…

While parenting after a divorce or a breakup of unmarried parents will nearly always be challenging, your child will benefit from determined cooperation between you and your former partner. Parents have long been permitted to develop their own agreements regarding child custody—as long as they promoted the best interests of the child—however, the law in Illinois was recently amended regarding child custody and parenting concerns. Today, divorced or unmarried parents are not only allowed to create a parenting plan, but they are fully expected by the court to do so. One element that must be considered in drafting…

It is no secret that marriage is the most difficult and rewarding relationship that one can commit to. All couples have their good and bad days – on some days, you could never imagine being with anyone else, and on others, the fighting seems to never stop. The highs and lows of marriage are unavoidable and many relationship professionals say that the “lows” of the relationship can often bring the couple closer together when all is said and done. Unfortunately, not all marriages are meant to make it to the lifelong-finish line. The fighting can become too common, you may…