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Like anything else in life, you probably do not know a great deal about the process of divorce if you have never gone through it yourself. Another reason people may not be well-versed in what happens during divorce proceedings is that every divorce is different. Some couples might be able to finalize their divorce through amicable mediation; other couples might need their lawyers to negotiate the specifics; and still others might be involved in a more contentious scenario where a deposition is required. If you are considering divorce but feel confused about what happens in the proceedings, an experienced Chicago,
Continue Reading What Happens in a Divorce Deposition in Illinois?

Nowadays, there are numerous ways that the average citizen can plan for their retirement. You could have a 401K, an IRA, and/or a pension fund. These might even become the source of serious debate during divorce proceedings.
When a couple first gets married, they are sure they want to share not only their time but also all their assets, bank accounts, property, and anything else for the rest of their lives. However, if they decide that marriage is not the right choice and they should split up, it can be confusing trying to figure out how everything can be
Continue Reading How Will Retirement Funds Be Divided in an Illinois Divorce?

Most people are familiar with the usual issues that need to be settled in a divorce: Who will get to keep the family home? How will custody of the children be divided? What will happen with retirement funds and insurance policies? But something that is less commonly discussed as a divorce issue is the fate of a family pet.
Since a pet is an animal, it would generally be considered property. However, in many families, the pet is regarded as a genuine part of the family. In such cases, it is no longer a simple matter of dividing up
Continue Reading What Happens to My Pet in an Illinois Divorce?

Divorce can be an extremely complicated process for parents. Several important decisions need to be made about how the parents will proceed with raising their children once they are no longer one family unit. But the complexities do not end once a divorce settlement is reached. 
What if one spouse does not fulfill the conditions of the divorce? What if, for example, your spouse has stopped making the child support payments that you depend on? If you are divorced and your ex-spouse has suddenly stopped paying child support, a Chicago, IL divorce lawyer can discuss with you the options you
Continue Reading What Can I Do if My Ex Stopped Paying Child Support?

A postnuptial agreement is like a prenuptial agreement in that it describes how a couple’s finances will be split after a divorce. The key difference is that a prenuptial agreement happens before the marriage begins, while a postnuptial agreement takes place after a couple is already married.
Married couples who want to protect their assets in case of divorce should consider a postnuptial agreement. For more information on postnuptial agreements, hiring an attorney can help. They can provide insights on what should be written in the agreement and help prepare the paperwork if necessary.
Reasons For a Postnuptial Agreement
The
Continue Reading What Are the Pros and Cons of a Postnuptial Agreement?

You and your partner have been arguing for quite some time. Sometimes the arguments can get ugly and turn physical. After too many quarrels, you are ready for a divorce. As you experience this process, you may be wondering if your spouse will claim that you are responsible for domestic abuse. The thought of this claim being your reality can be very worrying.
But there is hope. An Illinois family law attorney can assist you. Here at NextLevel Law, we are here to help you navigate your journey. Our team of experienced family law attorneys will do our best
Continue Reading Am I Guilty of Domestic Abuse in a Divorce Case?

Have you ever wondered how a business will be valued when going through a divorce? The total value of the business will determine what you and your spouse receive in the divorce settlement. If you disagree with the results of a business valuation, you can challenge it. However, you need to have strong evidence to support your case.
Get Your Own Business Valuation
Get a business valuation from a neutral expert. This will give you a second opinion on the value of your business. When choosing an expert, make sure they have experience in business valuations and a strong
Continue Reading 7 Things to Do When Challenging a Business Valuation in a Divorce

 
There may be unique considerations to address during the division of marital property in a same-sex divorce. Now that same-sex marriages are legal across the U.S., couples must understand their rights and navigate the process of dividing assets equitably. Here are the top 10 things to consider to ensure a fair and smooth division of marital property in a same-sex divorce.
Understand State Laws
The first step in dividing marital property in a same-sex divorce is to become acquainted with Illinois divorce rules that regulate marital property division. Illinois follows the principle of equitable distribution, meaning that property
Continue Reading Top 10 Ways to Divide Marital Property Equitably in a Same-Sex Divorce

Working out child custody arrangements can be a sensitive matter for divorcing parents in Illinois. How parents decide who will have custody of their children and how much parenting time they will share is one of the most difficult parts of any divorce case. At Next Level Law, we understand the significance of joint custody in ensuring a child’s well-being. We are here to help find solutions to these hard problems. 
What is the Right Balance for Parents Sharing Parenting Time? 
Illinois courts commonly favor parenting plans that have shared parenting time (visitation) and parental responsibilities (custody) arrangements, enabling both
Continue Reading How To Get Joint Custody of Your Child in Chicago, Illinois

When your spouse threatens to file for divorce, the situation can be tense and emotionally draining. At NextLevel Law Firm, we understand the importance of protecting your rights and interests during this challenging time. In this guide, we will provide you with practical steps to take and valuable advice to help you navigate the divorce process effectively.
What To Do When Your Spouse Threatens Divorce
If your spouse is threatening to file for divorce, take these important steps right away:

  • Seek Legal Counsel – One of the first and most crucial steps is to consult with a skilled divorce


Continue Reading What to Do When Your Spouse Threatens Divorce: A Practical Guide

Divorce is undoubtedly a challenging and emotionally charged experience. Amidst the emotional turmoil, property division often emerges as a critical aspect that requires careful consideration. At [[title]], we understand the complexities surrounding property division during a divorce in Chicago, and we can provide effective guidance and legal representation to ensure that these issues will be handled correctly during your case.
Understanding Property Division Laws in Chicago
Divorce laws and regulations vary from state to state, and Illinois has its own unique set of guidelines governing property division. The state’s laws follow the principle of equitable distribution. Marital assets and debts
Continue Reading Property Division in a Chicago Divorce: Maximizing Your Assets and Rights

Divorce is a complex and emotionally challenging time for anyone involved. When business assets are at stake, understanding the process of business valuation becomes crucial for ensuring a fair division of assets in compliance with Chicago, Illinois law. Whether you are a business owner or concerned about the division of business assets in your divorce, we hope to provide you with valuable insights within the context of Chicago, Illinois law.
Complying with Equitable Distribution Laws in Chicago, Illinois:
In divorce cases in Chicago, Illinois, the principle of equitable distribution governs the division of marital assets, including businesses. Equitable distribution does
Continue Reading Understanding Business Valuations in an Illinois Divorce

A prenuptial agreement, commonly known as a prenup, is a legal document created by couples prior to their marriage. Its primary purpose is to establish clear guidelines regarding the division of assets, spousal support, and various financial matters in the unfortunate event of a divorce. This document plays a crucial role in providing transparency, ensuring fairness, and protecting the interests of both parties involved.
However, there may be situations where contesting the validity of a prenuptial agreement becomes necessary. We understand that contesting a prenup can be an emotional and complex process. Our team of compassionate and experienced family
Continue Reading Contesting Prenuptial Agreements in Chicago

When going through a divorce, one issue that often arises is the question of spousal maintenance, also known as alimony. In Illinois, spousal maintenance is governed by the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act. If you’re going through a divorce in Cook County and are wondering about alimony, here’s what you need to know.
Factors Considered in Determining Spousal Maintenance
According to the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act, there are several factors that will be considered when determining if spousal maintenance is necessary. These include:

  • The income and property of each party
  • The needs of each


Continue Reading Chicago Divorce: Navigating Spousal Maintenance 

 Same-sex adoption is a critical issue that impacts many families in Chicago. Over the years, significant strides have been made in expanding the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals and families, and same-sex adoption is a crucial aspect of this progress. While the law is on the side of LGBTQ+ individuals in Illinois, it’s still essential to work with a law firm that understands the unique challenges of same-sex adoption. 
Same-Sex Adoption Laws in Illinois
In 2011, Illinois passed a law that allowed same-sex couples to adopt children, making it one of the first states to do so. Today, the state’s
Continue Reading Breaking Down Barriers: Same-Sex Adoption Laws in Illinois

Same-sex marriage has become an important issue across the United States, with federal and state courts ruling on its constitutionality. In Illinois, gay marriage was legalized in 2014, granting same-sex couples the same legal rights as opposite-sex couples. At [[title]], our attorneys are here to provide legal guidance for same-sex couples getting married or divorced.
Our attorneys are committed to helping our clients navigate the complex legal landscape surrounding same-sex marriage. We offer advice on important considerations such as financial implications, rights and protections under the law, and potential challenges that may arise during a divorce.
Same-Sex Marriage in the
Continue Reading Same-Sex Marriage in Chicago and the United States