Domestic violence is much more prevalent than many people realize. The Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority reports that 42 percent of Illinois women and 26 percent of Illinois men have experienced intimate partner violence. If you have been harmed by a former or current family member or household member, you are not alone. Domestic violence may involve married couples, ex romantic partners, family members, or roommates. If you or a loved one were a victim of domestic violence, an order of protection may give you the legal protection you need.
When is an Order of Protection Necessary?
An order…
Continue Reading Top Questions About Illinois Protection Orders, Answered

 High net worth divorces share the same legal process as non-high net worth divorces, but the legal steps require a much more polished approach. With so much at stake, your spouse may go to greater lengths in an attempt to conceal finances and dividable assets. In the weeks and months leading up to a high net worth divorce, someone with a well thought out plan on how to conceal those assets may display some early warning signs to keep an eye out for, such as: 
Early Warning Signs:
Financial fraud in a divorce can take many…
Continue Reading Early Warning Signs a Spouse is Concealing Assets in a High Net Worth Divorce

If you are ending your marriage, you may be exploring the various divorce options available in Illinois. There are many routes to divorce, and the path you choose will depend on your unique circumstances and needs. Mediation is an alternative resolution method that may help you and your spouse end your marriage without Court intervention. Mediation can be a cost-effective means of resolving disagreements about child custody, the division of marital assets, spousal maintenance, and other divorce issues. However, many people are unfamiliar with the mediation process and how mediation can help them during a divorce. They ask, “What does…
Continue Reading What Does a Mediator Do During Divorce Mediation in Illinois?  

When a divorce involves a greater degree of disagreement than typical divorce cases, we often refer to this as a “high conflict divorce.” Spouses in a high conflict divorce face unique challenges both personally and legally. When spouses cannot cooperate, reaching an out-of-court agreement about divorce issues like property division or child custody can seem nearly impossible. Each situation is different and there is no perfect way to handle a contentious divorce. However, the following actions may help. 
Do Not Try to Face This Alone 
Many spouses underestimate just how complicated and frustrating a high-conflict divorce can be. They assume…
Continue Reading How to Meet the Challenges of a High Conflict Divorce 

One of the most consequential factors in any divorce case is the division of marital assets and debts. Dividing the funds in a checking account or deciding which spouse will keep the furniture may be accomplished with relatively little complication. However, complex assets like pensions and other retirement accounts are much harder to deal with during a divorce.  One reason pensions are especially hard to divide is that the final value of the pension is often unknown at the time of divorce. If you or your spouse have a pension, a skilled divorce lawyer can help you decide how…
Continue Reading How Are Pensions Addressed in an Illinois Divorce?

 Divorce often creates an opportunity for a second chance at love. If you are engaged to be married, and the union is your second or third marriage, you are likely excited and enthusiastic about the upcoming wedding. However, it is important to remember that marriage is a legal partnership. Consequently, you should be aware of the legal concerns you may face.  
Your Marriage Can Influence Spousal Support and Child Support
Spousal support or spousal maintenance is usually ordered for a specific length of time. However, spousal maintenance almost always terminates when a recipient gets remarried – even if the…
Continue Reading Legal Considerations To Be Aware of in a Second Marriage

For many, divorce marks the beginning of a new adventure. Unhappy spouses who finally decide to end their marriages may be excited and anxious to start their new post-divorce lives. If you are like many people getting divorced, you may wonder, “When is it a good time to start dating?” You may worry that dating before the divorce is final could count as adultery or negatively impact your divorce case. While the decision to date during divorce is completely up to you, you must consider how dating before the divorce is finalized may influence the divorce’s outcome.
Dating Before Finances…
Continue Reading Can I Date Others While I Am Going Through a Divorce?

Many people assume that having money makes everything easier. However, owning high-value assets can actually make your divorce case much more complicated. If you or your spouse have a high income or own substantial assets, you must understand how this wealth will impact your divorce case. The division of property and debts, child support, spousal support, and other divorce issues are largely determined by the parties’ financial circumstances. Consequently, it is important for high-net-worth spouses to work with a divorce lawyer familiar with the types of challenges commonly encountered in high net worth divorce cases.
You Will…
Continue Reading How Does Wealth Impact an Illinois Divorce Case?

Digital currency or “cryptocurrency” has skyrocketed in popularity in the last few years. Cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Cardano, Ethereum, and Tether rely on cryptography to secure and verify transactions. The currency is not regulated by the government or tied to any bank. Unfortunately, these features make cryptocurrency a popular choice for spouses who wish to hide assets in a divorce.
Financial Fraud in an Illinois Divorce
Nearly every part of a divorce case is affected by finances – especially in a high net worth divorce. Even if spouses reach an out-of-court property division settlement, the agreement they come to…
Continue Reading Cryptocurrency Like Bitcoin May Be Used to Hide Assets in a Divorce

As a parent, you want the absolute best for your child. This includes the best possible child custody arrangement after a divorce. However, many divorcing parents disagree about what is best for their children. This blog explores some of the most popular dispute resolution methods for parents who disagree about parental responsibilities and parenting time. There is no one-size-fits-all solution for child custody disputes. The right approach will depend on your relationship with your soon-to-be-ex, your child’s needs, and a variety of other factors.
Family Law Mediation May Help You Resolve Child Custody Disagreements
A family law mediator is trained…
Continue Reading How Can Divorcing Parents Resolve Custody Disputes in Illinois?