As an experienced divorce mediation attorney practicing in Chicago and the surrounding area, Attorney Michael C. Craven has guided numerous clients through the mediation process, ensuring their rights are protected and their unique family needs are met. He often advises his clients that mediation should be their first consideration when facing the prospect of divorce. This advice isn’t just based on a preference for amicable resolutions—it’s deeply rooted in the practical benefits that mediation offers under Illinois divorce laws and statutes.
Understanding The Value Of Divorce Mediation
Mediation provides a platform for both parties to discuss and resolve their disputes…
Continue Reading Why Divorce Mediation Should Always Be Considered First

In Illinois, child custody battles are complex and emotionally charged proceedings that determine how parental responsibilities and parenting time are allocated between separated or divorced parents. When drug crime charges are introduced into the equation, the situation can become even more complicated. Understanding how these charges might influence the outcome of child custody disputes is crucial for any parent facing such legal challenges.
Under Illinois law, the primary concern in child custody cases is the best interests of the child. Courts consider multiple factors to ensure that the child’s health, safety, and welfare are prioritized. When one parent faces…
Continue Reading How Drug Crime Charges Can Impact Child Custody In Illinois

Navigating a divorce is invariably challenging, and the complexities only amplify when one of the spouses is pregnant. For couples in Illinois facing this situation, it’s crucial to understand the legal stipulations and emotional considerations associated with divorcing while pregnant.
In Illinois, there are no statutory prohibitions against filing for divorce while pregnant. The courts can process divorce petitions irrespective of pregnancy. However, the presence of a pregnancy can affect certain aspects of the divorce proceedings, particularly those related to parental responsibilities and child support.
Parentage and Paternity
Illinois law assumes that the husband in a marriage is the biological…
Continue Reading Can You Get Divorced While Pregnant In Illinois?

When life circumstances change significantly, it may be necessary or advantageous to modify a child support agreement to ensure it remains fair and meets the evolving needs of the child. In Illinois, the legal process to adjust child support is deeply rooted in the principle of prioritizing the child’s best interests. This involves several key steps that demonstrate a substantial change in circumstances that affects the child support previously agreed upon or ordered by the court.
Understanding Grounds for Modification
Understanding the grounds for modification is crucial as it provides a clear starting point for parents. To request a modification,…
Continue Reading What Must Happen To Initiate Child Support Modification In Illinois?

Finding the right family lawyer is crucial when dealing with personal and often complex legal matters such as divorce, child custody, or property division. The process demands careful consideration as the outcome can significantly impact your life and that of your loved ones. You, as the client, play a pivotal role in this process. Start with a clear understanding of your legal needs. Let us discuss some practical steps to help you locate and choose a family law attorney who can effectively represent your interests.
The first step in your search should be to define what you are looking for…
Continue Reading How Do I Find Experienced Family Lawyers Near Me?

Spousal support or alimony, technically known as maintenance in Illinois, is a critical aspect of divorce cases in Illinois. It involves one spouse providing financial assistance to the other spouse following the dissolution of their marriage. However, navigating the complexities of spousal support laws can be daunting without proper guidance. If you’re considering or currently undergoing divorce in the Chicagoland area, it’s essential to ask your maintenance lawyer the right questions about spousal support to ensure you understand your rights and obligations fully.
What Factors Determine Eligibility for Spousal Support?
The first question to ask your Chicago maintenance lawyer is…
Continue Reading Questions To Ask Your Chicago Maintenance Lawyer About Spousal Support

According to a news report on CNBC, the biggest mistake couples make during divorce proceedings is relinquishing their agency. By allowing lawyers to dominate the process, individuals inadvertently fuel conflicts. Celebrity divorce lawyer Laura Wasser says that couples often rely on legal professionals for tasks that do not require specialized legal knowledge, resulting in unnecessary expenses.
Statistics reported by CNBC reveal that the cost of divorce varies significantly, with uncontested divorces ranging from $1,500 to $5,500, while contested divorces can soar from $40,000 to $140,000. Our Chicago divorce attorney, Michael C. Craven, encourages couples to prioritize communication as one…
Continue Reading The Top Mistake People Make In Divorce

Child custody issues can be emotionally and legally complex, especially when one parent is neglecting their parental responsibilities toward their child. In Illinois, the primary consideration in child custody cases is the child’s best interests. Courts will always prioritize the child’s well-being and safety above all else. However, gaining full custody in Illinois if your ex is neglecting your child requires careful consideration of various factors and adherence to Illinois’ custody laws.
 
Under current Illinois law, the term “custody” has been updated and replaced with the concept of allocating responsibility among the parents to make significant decisions and the…
Continue Reading Can I Gain Full Custody In Illinois If My Ex Is Neglecting Our Child?

Postnuptial agreements, a rising trend among couples, offer a sense of security by clearly defining their financial rights and responsibilities during marriage. In Illinois, like in many other states, postnuptial agreements are legal documents that spouses can enter into after they are married to address issues such as property division, spousal support, and other financial matters in the event of divorce or death. However, the question often arises: Will a postnuptial agreement hold up in an Illinois court?
Enforceability of Postnuptial Agreements in Illinois
The short answer is that postnuptial agreements are generally enforceable in Illinois, provided they…
Continue Reading Will A Postnuptial Agreement Hold Up In Court?

In Illinois, what was once referred to as “custody modification” is now known by the more comprehensive term: Modification of Parental Responsibilities. This process encompasses two key areas: decision-making and parenting time allocation. Given recent legal changes concerning parental responsibilities, you should seek guidance from our experienced divorce attorney.
In Illinois, gaining full custody based on neglect by the other parent can be a complex legal process. Courts prioritize the best interests of the child when making decisions about parental responsibilities. If you believe your ex-spouse is neglecting your child, it’s crucial to gather evidence and document instances of neglect…
Continue Reading Can I Gain Full Custody If My Ex Is Neglecting Our Child?

Filing a restraining order is a crucial step for individuals seeking protection from harassment, abuse, or threats from another person. In Illinois, the legal process surrounding restraining orders is comprehensive and designed to ensure the safety and security of those who need it. However, before you decide to file a restraining order in Illinois, there are several important aspects you should be aware of to navigate the process effectively.
Types of Restraining Orders in Illinois
Individuals who have safety concerns can initiate the process of obtaining protection orders in Illinois. There are four distinct types of protection orders available in …
Continue Reading What Should I Know Before Filing A Restraining Order?

Postnuptial agreements, also known as postnups, aid couples seeking to protect their assets and clarify financial expectations in the event of divorce or separation. In Illinois, these legal contracts are recognized and enforceable, providing couples with valuable tools to safeguard their interests. They can be useful to couples who have a stable marriage as well as those at a higher risk of divorce. This article will explore the pros of postnuptial agreements in Illinois, highlighting the benefits they offer for married couples in various situations.
Asset Protection
One of the primary advantages of postnuptial agreements in Illinois is the…
Continue Reading Pros of Postnuptial Agreements

Divorce is a significant event that can profoundly affect children. While adults grapple with the legal and emotional aspects of this change, children often experience a unique set of emotional and psychological challenges. The dissolution of a marriage can disrupt a child’s sense of stability and security, leading to a variety of emotional and behavioral responses. Parents must understand and recognize these potential changes in their children to effectively support them through this transition.
The impact of divorce on children varies widely and can manifest in numerous ways, influenced by factors such as the child’s age, personality, and the circumstances…
Continue Reading Signs To Watch For In Your Children After A Divorce