During the divorce process, many of the most difficult decisions for parents revolve around the living arrangements and care of their children. If divorcing spouses are on relatively amicable terms, compromise and cooperation may be possible. For those in a more contentious environment, reaching a mutually acceptable plan may be a struggle. No matter how strained their relationship is, there are some situations that all parents going through a divorce should plan for in their parenting plan. An experienced divorce attorney can help guide you through the process.
Parenting Plan Elements
Residence, Schedules, and Holidays – To keep both…
Continue Reading What Should Be Included in a Parenting Plan in Illinois?

When parents divorce, they rarely walk away from the relationship entirely. Because they share children together, they will be in each other’s lives at least until their children are grown. Co-parenting with an ex or soon-to-be-ex is not always easy, but there are steps parents can take to make co-parenting less stressful for everyone involved.  
If you are recently divorced or intend to divorce soon, read on to learn some tips and tricks for co-parenting during summer vacation.
Effective Co-Parenting Starts with a Strong Parenting Plan
Divorcing parents in Illinois will create a parenting plan which describes parenting time,…
Continue Reading 3 Co-Parenting Tips for Summer Vacation 

Each state handles divorce slightly differently. Furthermore, divorce laws frequently change to better reflect the needs of modern families. Updates and modifications to divorce laws can make it difficult for some divorcing spouses to know which laws apply to them. The changes can also lead well-meaning friends and relatives to offer outdated or inaccurate divorce advice. If you are thinking about divorce, read on to learn about the grounds for divorce in 2022.
Illinois is Now a No-Fault State
The term “grounds” refers to the legal justification for an action. When someone files for divorce, he or she is effectively…
Continue Reading What Are the Grounds for Divorce in 2022?

Child support provides financial assistance to parents with the majority of the parenting time. The funds received through child support may be used for rent or mortgage payments, educational costs, groceries, and other expenses. Once the child becomes an adult, he or she is expected to become financially independent. Child support payments usually terminate when the child reaches adulthood and graduates high school. Sometimes, child support payments are extended until the child completes an undergraduate degree.
If a child has a disability, he or she may not be able to reach the same level of financial independence as a child…
Continue Reading Non-Minor Child Support for a Disabled Person in Illinois

Getting engaged to be married is one of the most exciting life experiences a person can have. If you are newly engaged, congratulations! You probably have a million things on your mind right now. You may be thinking about wedding plans, moving in with your partner, starting a family, and much more. You may also be thinking about whether you and your spouse should sign a prenuptial agreement. Premarital agreements or “prenups” offer numerous benefits to spouses. However, prenups are not exactly romantic. Bringing up the idea of a prenuptial agreement to your partner can be awkward. There is…
Continue Reading Tips for Introducing the Idea of a Prenup With Your Partner

The end of a marriage is always sad. However, many separated and divorced people also see divorce as an opportunity for a happier future. For many divorcing couples, the split follows months, years, or even decades of a miserable marriage. Consequently, many divorcing spouses are excited about the prospect of reentering the dating world and finding someone who is a better fit for them. However, many people in this situation are also uncertain about the consequences of dating during the divorce proceedings. Can you date when you are separated but not yet divorced? Will dating affect the divorce process in…
Continue Reading Can I Date During My Divorce?

A child’s parents are arguably the most important individuals in his or her life. Consequently, Illinois Courts do not interfere with the parent-child relationship unless there are extreme circumstances. Parents have the right to spend time with their children and be involved in their children’s lives. However, there are situations in which a parent may lose some or all of his or her parental rights. Parental unfitness can take many different forms, but the consequences of being deemed unfit are usually profound.
What is an Unfit Parent?
An unfit parent is incapable or unwilling to provide for a child’s…
Continue Reading Understanding Parental Fitness in Illinois

When someone passes away, they often leave an inheritance to their loved ones through their estate plan. Heirs may receive money, real estate, vehicles, jewelry, or other assets from a close friend or relative who has passed away. How is this type of property handled during divorce? Do both spouses have a right to funds or property obtained through an inheritance? What if the inheritance was acquired before the couple decided to divorce? Is there a way to protect an inheritance from being split between spouses in a divorce?
Are Assets Obtained Through Inheritance Marital or Non-Marital Property?
Divorcing…
Continue Reading How is Property Acquired by Inheritance Handled in an Illinois Divorce?

 Divorce can be complex legally, financially, and personally. Ending your marriage will likely have a profound impact on your life in a multitude of ways. Fortunately, there are steps you can take now to prepare for the divorce process and set yourself up for success.
Inventory Your Assets and Debts
One of the most consequential aspects of divorce is the division of marital assets and debts. You will need to determine who you and your spouse will divide bank account balances, real estate, vehicles, household items, retirement funds, credit card debt, and much more. Take some time to go…
Continue Reading Five Things to Do Before You File for Divorce in Illinois

When parents divorce, the final divorce decree will contain the terms of the divorce, including child custody terms. The parents are required to follow these terms. Failure one-size-fits-all to charges for contempt of Court. However, circumstances change, and sometimes, the initial child custody terms are no longer appropriate for the situation. Read on for several frequently asked questions about modifying child custody in Illinois.
How Can I Change My Parenting Plan?
Illinois parents use a Parenting Plan or Parenting Agreement to describe how they will share parenting duties. Illinois law classifies parenting duties into two main categories: Parental responsibilities are…
Continue Reading How Can I Make a Child Custody Modification in Palatine, Illinois?