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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

Navigating joint custody in Illinois is complex and nuanced, especially when it involves the sensitive matter of relocation. In Illinois, the decision to move to a new location with a child is not merely a personal choice but a significant legal one. The challenge becomes even more pronounced when both parents share custody of the child, and one parent decides to relocate.
In Illinois, the legal system places paramount importance on the welfare and best interests of the child in custody matters. This principle is the cornerstone of all decisions related to child custody and, by extension, relocation. For parents
Continue Reading How Does Relocation Work If You Have Joint Custody In Illinois?

As you prepare for your divorce, it is vital to have a thorough understanding of the laws and regulations governing the process in Illinois. One of these critical areas to understand is how property is divided in an Illinois divorce.
Below, learn about property division laws and rules in Illinois, and then speak to our Chicago property division lawyer if you have follow-up questions. Attorney Michael C. Craven is an experienced, fierce advocate for his clients, and he will fight for a proper settlement in your divorce.
Is Illinois A Community Property State?
No. In divorces, Illinois uses an equitable
Continue Reading Is Illinois A Community Property State?

A prenuptial agreement is a critical legal tool in Illinois that can protect your property in case you divorce. A prenup can also be used to address other common problem areas in a divorce, including alimony, the rights of the surviving spouse if the other passes away, and more.
However, certain things cannot be put in a prenuptial agreement, which are described below. If you want to consider a prenup, speak to our experienced prenuptial agreement lawyer in Chicago, Michael C. Craven. Attorney Craven is recognized as an Illinois Super Lawyer, and he can assist with a prenuptial or
Continue Reading What Are 5 Things That Cannot Be Included In A Prenuptial Agreement?

A prenuptial agreement is a contract that spouses enter into before marriage to establish the terms of a divorce, separation, or disposition of property upon death. Although many people believe a prenuptial agreement should be considered if a person has significant assets before marriage and wants to protect them if there is a divorce, there are many reasons one may want a prenuptial agreement even in cases where the present assets are not large.
 
While a prenup can protect your finances and assets in case of divorce, that protection can crumble if the divorce court deems the prenuptial agreement
Continue Reading What Makes A Prenuptial Agreement Invalid?

If you are divorcing and have children, child custody and parenting plans are probably at the top of your mind. Nothing is more vital during divorce than ensuring that your children are cared for and provided for. Note that the term custody is no longer used in Illinois but it is used herein as a generic term generally understood by the public.
 
Even if you have a relatively amicable divorce, Illinois laws regarding child custody and parenting time can be convoluted and confusing. But the Chicago child custody lawyer Michael C. Craven is an experienced, knowledgeable attorney who can
Continue Reading Are There Differences In Custody Rights Of A Father Vs A Mother In Illinois?

When property must be divided during a divorce, Illinois follows an equitable distribution rule, meaning the division must be equitable, which is not necessarily equal. One of the most challenging issues that arise with property division is what is marital and non-marital property.
For example, if you have compensation from a personal injury or workers’ comp case, are those considered marital or non-marital property? If you have questions about property division after reading this blog post, our property division attorney in Chicago, Michael C. Craven, can help today.
How Is Property Divided In An Illinois Divorce?
As stated earlier,
Continue Reading Are Personal Injury And Workers’ Comp Awards Considered Marital Property In Illinois?

Child custody matters can be among the most contentious in a divorce, and disagreements between a divorcing couple regarding parenting decisions and custody can complicate the case and prevent resolution. That is why the Illinois Supreme Court recently announced adopting new Rule 909, which sets up a framework for family courts to use parenting coordinators to resolve minor problems that cause conflict in family law cases.
This article details Rule 909 and how it could affect a child custody case. Chicago family law attorney Michael C. Craven can help if you have questions about Rule 909 on parent coordinators
Continue Reading New Rule 909 Regarding Parenting Coordinators From Illinois Supreme Court

All parents are legally required to support their children. When parents are married, they directly support their offspring, but if they divorce, the state court may order one party to pay child support. If you are in this situation, it is essential to understand Illinois’s child support laws. Below are common child support questions we receive. If you have additional Illinois child support questions, our Chicago child support lawyers can help today.
How Is Child Support Determined In Illinois?
Illinois once used a percentage-based model to calculate child support, but today, an income shares model is used. The income shares
Continue Reading Frequently Asked Illinois Child Support Questions

Divorce is typically less contentious and difficult when both parties agree to end the marriage. But sometimes, one party will not want to end the marriage, so it is understandable to wonder ‘What now?’ This article explains the path forward if one spouse does not want to sign the divorce papers. If you have questions, our divorce lawyers in Chicago can help you today.
What Is A Contested Divorce In Illinois?
A contested divorce means that the spouses do not agree on the outcome of their divorce and a judge will need to decide. This might be because a spouse
Continue Reading Must My Ex Sign Papers For Illinois Divorce To Be Final?

Deciding to get a divorce is never easy, but it can be more difficult if one party does not want to get divorced. Learn more about getting divorced in Illinois in this blog post, then our divorce lawyer in Chicago Michael C. Craven can answer any detailed questions you may have.
Illinois Is A No-Fault Divorce State
The first thing to understand is that Illinois is a no-fault divorce state. This means that the court does not require you to prove that the other party did anything untoward, such as committing adultery. No-fault divorces are beneficial because they can often
Continue Reading Does My Spouse Have To Agree To Divorce In Illinois?

Most people are familiar with prenuptial agreements, but they may believe that these agreements are only for the wealthy. This is not true; middle-class couples are more likely than ever to sign a prenuptial agreement than in the past.
 
A prenuptial agreement can be helpful for people in all income brackets to protect their assets if divorce happens. Learn more in this article, then, to protect your assets from division during a divorce, please contact our prenuptial agreement attorney in Chicago today.
 
Prenuptial Agreement Overview
 
A prenup is a written agreement between potential spouses before
Continue Reading How A Prenuptial Agreement Protects You In Divorce

After a divorce in Illinois, one spouse could receive alimony from the other, also known as spousal maintenance or support. But what about pensions? Are you entitled to the other party’s pension after divorce? Learn about this topic in this article, and talk to our divorce lawyer in Chicago Michael C. Craven if you need help with divorce issues.
Illinois Is An Equitable Division State
Illinois has an equitable division rule for divorces, meaning the judge will divide the couple’s property based on what is fair under the case circumstances. It could be a 50/50 division, but that is not
Continue Reading Am I Entitled To My Spouse’s Pension If We Divorce?