While many people think how expensive your divorce attorney is can determine the outcome of the divorce, this is not necessarily the case. There are, however, dozens of nuances and skills a particular and skillful divorce attorney brings to the table that can have an impact on the outcome of your divorce.
If you are thinking of handling your divorce on your own, you should re-think that decision. If you need a broken bone set, you go to a qualified doctor rather than trying to do it yourself. If your car needs the alternator replaced, you take it to…
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If you are considering divorce and your spouse is currently living outside the United States, you may be wondering if you can still move forward with the process. In Illinois, it is possible to get divorced even if your spouse resides abroad, though there are several important legal factors to keep in mind. With the guidance of an experienced Illinois family law attorney, people in this situation can navigate the divorce process and ensure that their rights are protected.
Does Illinois Have Jurisdiction Over a Divorce if One Spouse Lives Abroad? 
One of the first considerations in an international…
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Health insurance is an essential part of any divorce plan, impacting both adults and children and adding a potentially significant expense to life after divorce. Divorcing spouses should understand their options for ongoing coverage, the potential financial impact of finding insurance coverage after divorce, and how to address health insurance needs in a divorce agreement. 
At The Stogsdill Law Firm, P.C., we understand that health insurance can add yet one more concern to an already full plate during divorce planning. Call our Wheaton, IL divorce attorneys to learn more about how we can help you solve insurance coverage issues and…
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If you are in the midst of a divorce in Illinois, you may be wondering who gets to keep the family minivan. Dividing assets can be one of the most challenging parts of a divorce, and the family vehicle carries significant emotional and practical value. From family vacations to daily school runs, it represents years of shared memories and responsibilities. To ensure the process is fair and equitable, speaking with a lawyer who can provide guidance tailored to your situation is important.
Marital Property Basics in Illinois Divorces
Illinois law states that assets acquired during the marriage are usually…
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Going through a divorce is never easy, especially when there are a lot of assets involved. In Illinois, if you are divorcing and have significant assets, it is essential to be as prepared as possible. If you are in this situation, having a great lawyer is important. Your lawyer will guide you through Illinois’s complex legal system and help ensure everything is fair. Here are some simple steps to help you prepare for a high-asset divorce in Illinois.
Understand Your Finances
The first step is to understand what you own and owe. This is crucial because you need…
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Navigating the financial landscape during a divorce can be among the most stressful aspects of the entire process. With the guidance of a knowledgeable lawyer, it is crucial for people to implement effective financial strategies to protect their assets and secure their future. Here are three key strategies to consider.
Compile Comprehensive Financial Documentation
Getting a clear picture of your financial situation is the first step in managing finances during a divorce. This involves gathering detailed documentation of all assets and liabilities:

• Bank statements – Ensure you have access to past and current bank statements.

Continue Reading Three Strategies for Managing Finances During a Divorce

Asset dissipation is a significant concept in divorce proceedings, particularly in Illinois. It refers to the intentional spending or waste of marital assets by one spouse during the divorce process.  Recognizing and addressing asset dissipation can play an important role in ensuring a fair division of property.
At The Stogsdill Law Firm, P.C., we understand that many people approaching a divorce are seriously concerned about how the process may affect their finances. These fears can be dramatically worsened when asset dissipation is thought to be taking place. Our team of skilled lawyers has decades of experience identifying asset dissipation,…
Continue Reading What is Asset Dissipation in Illinois Divorce Cases?

When facing a divorce, one of the most daunting aspects is often the financial implications. Our knowledgeable lawyer will tell you that understanding your financial situation and knowing which documents are essential to the divorce process. Your lawyer will tell you what financial documents you need during your Illinois divorce and why these documents are so important.
Bank Statements Give a Snapshot of Your Finances
Your bank statements provide a critical window into your financial life during your marriage. These documents detail every transaction while also revealing income, savings, and spending habits. Understanding this information is important for several
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During divorce proceedings, tensions often run very high. There is no place where this is truer than in the courtroom. As you navigate all of the challenges the divorce process throws your way, it is important not to forget about the importance of courtroom etiquette. Believe it or not, courtroom etiquette, for better or worse, can even influence your case’s outcome. As a result, you must approach this situation with the guidance of a skilled lawyer who will be important for legal advice and for guiding you on how to best maintain yourself while in the courtroom.
Always Dress Appropriately…
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For a lot of people, especially those who are older, retirement assets may constitute the single largest asset that they have. In situations involving divorce in Illinois, the issue of dividing retirement assets can be especially stressful for people, as they fight to keep the assets they worked so hard to obtain. An experienced lawyer can help ensure you understand your rights and options, especially regarding Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QDROs). QDROs are essential legal documents in the division of retirement plans when getting divorced. Here is what you need to know about them in Illinois.
What is a…
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Divorce can be an incredibly difficult time for families, and experienced lawyers in family law often witness the emotional toll it takes on both parents and children. During this period of immense change, it is vital for parents to strive to be the best they can for their kids. Great parenting during a divorce means being present, nurturing, and creating a stable environment in which children can feel protected. Here are some strategies to help parents navigate this challenging time while ensuring their children feel valued and loved.
Spend Quality Time with Each Child Individually
One of the most impactful…
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When couples get a divorce in Illinois, one crucial concept that often arises is commingled assets. For couples contemplating divorce, understanding what commingled assets are and how they may impact the division of property is essential. Consulting with a knowledgeable lawyer can provide clarity on this often-overlooked aspect of divorce.
Defining the Basics of Commingled Assets
Commingled assets arise when separate property—owned by one spouse before the marriage—is intertwined with marital property. This blending creates challenges when it comes to determining ownership and the rightful division of assets during divorce proceedings.  
In Illinois, property obtained during the marriage is…
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Going through a divorce is often very tough, especially when both partners argue and disagree on many issues. If you are facing contested divorce proceedings in Illinois, having a good lawyer by your side can help greatly. There are also practical steps you can take to ease the tension and work toward resolving your divorce. Here is how:
Engage in Thoughtful Conversations
In contested divorce cases, speaking with your spouse may be a challenge. However, it can be hugely important, especially as you look to find any hope for common ground in your contested divorce. Here are some tips…
Continue Reading Steps to De-escalate a Contested Divorce in Illinois