Tips For Managing Difficult Situations
When we represent clients in Chicago facing a high-conflict divorce, we know how emotionally draining and legally complex the process can become. Emotions run high, communication breaks down, and every issue—from property division to parenting time—can turn into a heated battle. Yet Illinois law provides structures and tools to manage conflict and protect your interests. By understanding these legal frameworks and following strategic approaches, you can reduce stress, avoid unnecessary expenses, and move forward with your life.
Understand Illinois Divorce Law And Your Rights
Under the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act (IMDMA), marriages…
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When you inherit assets—whether cash, real estate, or family heirlooms—you expect those assets to remain yours alone. However, Illinois follows an equitable distribution model under the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act (IMDMA), 750 ILCS 5/503, which can place inherited assets at risk if they become commingled with marital property. We understand how important it is for you to preserve what was passed down to you, and we guide our clients in taking proactive steps to protect their inheritance. From the moment you receive an inheritance, every financial decision can impact whether those assets stay separate or become…
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If you’re a physician going through a divorce in Illinois, one of the most pressing concerns is whether you can keep your medical practice. This isn’t just a business asset—it’s your livelihood, your professional identity, and the result of years of education and hard work. We understand that the idea of losing control or ownership of your practice can feel overwhelming. That’s why it’s important to understand how Illinois divorce law treats professional practices and what steps you can take to protect yours.
Medical practices are often considered marital property under Illinois law, even if the business was started before…
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As family law attorneys in Chicago, we understand how important it is for parents to stay connected with their children, especially after a divorce or custody judgment. In today’s world, technology is not only part of daily life but also part of modern parenting. For many separated or divorced parents, virtual visitation has become a very beneficial way to maintain strong bonds, even when physical distance or scheduling challenges make in-person visits difficult.
Illinois law recognizes the evolving needs of families. Courts now allow and encourage virtual visitation when it supports the child’s relationship with both parents. Whether you’re already…
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Dividing A Business In An Illinois Divorce
When a couple divorces in Illinois, one of the most complex issues that may arise is what happens to a business owned by one or both spouses. A business is often one of the most valuable marital assets, making its division a significant concern in the property settlement process. Under Illinois law, business interests may be subject to division if they are considered marital property under the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act (750 ILCS 5/503).
While courts strive to divide marital assets equitably, they do not always force one…
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When parents decide to divorce, one of the most important considerations is how to structure parenting responsibilities moving forward. In Illinois, parenting plans are legally required when parents share parental responsibilities. These agreements outline decision-making authority, parenting time, communication expectations, and other key aspects of co-parenting.
The goal of a parenting plan is to provide stability for children while making sure that both parents remain actively involved in their lives. A well-crafted plan minimizes conflict and confusion by setting clear expectations. Under 750 ILCS 5/602.10, divorcing parents must submit a proposed parenting plan within 120 days of filing for…
Continue Reading Creating A Parenting Plan Before Your Divorce: What To Consider

Divorce is a complex process, especially when intellectual property (IP) assets are involved. Whether you own patents, trademarks, copyrights, or business-related trade secrets, it is important that you understand how Illinois divorce laws impact these assets. Under 750 ILCS 5/503, Illinois follows an equitable distribution system, meaning the marital property is divided fairly but not necessarily equally. If intellectual property was created during the marriage, it may be considered marital property and subject to division. Protecting these rights requires careful legal planning and a strong strategy.
Understanding Intellectual Property In Divorce
Intellectual property includes unique creations, inventions, or trade…
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Divorce can be incredibly complex when one or both spouses own a medical practice. In Illinois, business assets—including medical practices—may be considered marital property, subject to equitable distribution under 750 ILCS 5/503. Whether a practice was established before or during the marriage, its value, ownership structure, and revenue streams can significantly impact the division of assets. Michael C. Craven works closely with his clients to protect their financial interests during divorce proceedings in Chicago.
Determining If A Medical Practice Is Marital Property
Under Illinois law, a medical practice is classified as marital or non-marital property based on when and…
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Enforcing an out-of-state custody order in Illinois can be complex, especially when parents live in different states. Many families face challenges when custody arrangements made in one state must be honored and enforced in another. Fortunately, the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act (UCCJEA) provides a legal framework to handle these situations. As family law attorneys in Chicago, we help parents understand their rights and take the necessary steps to enforce valid out-of-state custody orders under Illinois law. Our goal is to protect the best interests of the child while ensuring parents’ legal rights are respected.
The…
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A financial affidavit plays a critical role in Illinois divorce proceedings, providing the court and both parties with a comprehensive overview of each spouse’s financial situation. This document ensures transparency in matters such as income, expenses, assets, and debts, which is crucial for determining issues like spousal maintenance, child support, and the division of marital property.
The accuracy and honesty of the financial affidavit can significantly impact the outcome of a divorce settlement. Failing to disclose information properly can lead to serious legal consequences, including fines or adjustments to the final settlement. As divorce attorneys in Chicago, we help clients…
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Divorce is a challenging process for any family, but it is particularly difficult when children are involved. The end of a marriage changes family dynamics, and children often struggle with feelings of confusion, sadness, and fear. As a family law attorney who has handled countless divorce cases in Illinois, I understand that prioritizing the parent-child relationship during and after divorce is very important. 
Children require stability, emotional support, and reassurance that they are loved by both parents. Illinois divorce laws emphasize the child’s best interests. This is why we must make conscious efforts to maintain and strengthen the parent-child bond.
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Protecting your child custody rights in Illinois requires careful attention to the law and your actions during and after the divorce process. Parents often underestimate how certain behaviors can negatively affect their custody rights, even when they have the best intentions. Courts in Illinois prioritize the best interests of the child when determining custody, and specific mistakes can lead to losing or restricting parental responsibilities.
The Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act (750 ILCS 5/601 et seq.) outlines the rules governing child custody, referred to as the allocation of parental responsibilities. Courts assess several factors when deciding…
Continue Reading Mistakes That Could Put Your Child Custody Rights At Risk 

In Illinois child custody cases, disputes often center on ensuring the best interests of the child, which can be complex when parents disagree about what that entails. In such cases, the court may appoint a Guardian ad Litem (GAL) to represent the child’s best interests. A Guardian ad Litem is a neutral third party, typically an attorney with specific training, who is tasked with investigating the family dynamics and advising the court on what arrangement will serve the child’s welfare. Understanding the role of a Guardian ad Litem can help parents navigate custody disputes with greater clarity, ensuring that their…
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