Posted on August 05, 2024 in Child Custody

Parenting after divorce can be tough, and conflicts commonly arise. In Illinois, creating a well-planned, workable parenting plan can make a world of difference for both parents and children. A good parenting plan, created with the assistance of a family law attorney, offers clear guidelines and expectations, helping to reduce misunderstandings and tension. Here are three effective ways that these plans can help ease conflict.

Clear Communication Guidelines

Many disagreements between co-parents stem from poor communication. A parenting plan can set up clear ways for parents to talk to each other in ways that are documented and less likely to devolve into arguments. For example, parents might agree to use a specific app or email to share important updates or to have regular phone calls to discuss their children's needs.

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 Posted on August 01, 2024 in Divorce Decree Modification

After the gavel falls and the divorce decree is finalized, life's unpredictable nature does not necessarily care about the difficult process you just experienced. In Illinois, the law allows for post-decree modifications to existing divorce settlements that address significant changes in life circumstances. But how do you know if you require a post-decree modification? If you believe your divorce decree needs to be modified, contact an attorney to start the process.

What is Post-Decree Modification?

A post-decree modification refers to any changes made to the final divorce judgment. This could involve alterations in child support, spousal maintenance, custody arrangements, and more. These modifications are not automatic or granted on a whim; substantial changes in circumstances must be demonstrated to justify a post-decree modification. In many cases, Courts will not approve modification requests less than two years after a divorce has been finalized.

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 Posted on July 29, 2024 in Division of Property

Going through a divorce is tough, especially when you need to split up not only the assets but also the debts. In Illinois divorce, figuring out how to divide debt can be tricky, requiring the assistance of a trained attorney. During this process, you need to ask the right questions to make sure everything is fair. Here are some key questions you should consider if you have debt to divide in your divorce.

Did Your Spouse ‘Run Up' the Balance on a Shared Credit Card?

Here is what to keep in mind:

• Timing matters – When did the balance increase happen? Was it before or after you decided to get a divorce?

• Intentional spending – Is there evidence that your spouse intentionally increased spending in anticipation of the divorce to burden you with more debt?

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 Posted on July 20, 2024 in Marital Property

High net worth divorces often involve diverse and complicated assets. Unlike standard divorces, where property division might be more straightforward, splitting wealth in high net worth cases poses unique challenges that can complicate divorce proceedings. Understanding the types of assets commonly involved in high net worth divorce cases can help you navigate the complexity of asset division more smoothly. And remember, no matter the type of divorce you are facing, hire an experienced Illinois divorce lawyer to guide you through the process.

Real Estate 

When facing a high net worth divorces, a couple's real estate portfolio usually extends far beyond a single-family home, perhaps including multiple residences, commercial properties, and even international holdings. Each property can present its own set of challenges.

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 Posted on July 04, 2024 in Divorce

Divorce is an often intimidating process filled with uncertainty and strong emotions. Whether you are contemplating divorce or already are in the midst of one, consulting with an Illinois divorce lawyer is a crucial part of the process. Going into this consultation with a clear understanding of what you need to know and what you can expect from an attorney will help you set reasonable expectations, which will help the entire divorce process go more smoothly. Here are three essential questions to ask during a divorce consultation to help you better understand and navigate this difficult time.

How Much Can I Expect My Divorce to Cost?

One of the first things people worry about when considering a divorce is how much it will cost. The cost of divorce varies widely depending on many factors, such as the complexity of your case, whether the divorce is contested or uncontested, and the attorney's rate.

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 Posted on June 26, 2024 in Spousal Support

Alimony, often called spousal support, is a financial payment one spouse makes to the other after a divorce. Illinoisans often wonder if gender impacts who must pay or receive alimony. Simple put, no – gender does not matter when it comes to alimony. To explore how alimony works and to further understand why gender is not a factor, contact a lawyer to ensure you understand the alimony process and other processes related to your divorce.

Gender Equality in Alimony

One common misconception about alimony is that only women receive it. This belief comes from past decades when men were usually the primary breadwinners in the family. However, times have changed, and so have the laws. In Illinois, alimony is gender-neutral. This means that either spouse, regardless of gender, can receive or pay alimony. The Court's goal is fairness and balance, not favoring one gender over the other. This is true even if one spouse identifies as nonbinary, transgender, or any other gender besides male or female.

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 Posted on June 22, 2024 in Divorce

In Illinois, the process of divorce can take two primary forms: contested and uncontested divorce. Knowing the difference between these two types can help make this process a little easier by giving you a clearer picture of what to expect. Discuss with an attorney what each process entails to ensure you can choose the right method for you and your situation.

Difference #1: Agreement on Major Issues

One of the most significant differences between contested and uncontested divorces is whether both parties agree on major issues. In an uncontested divorce, both spouses agree on all major aspects, such as property division, child custody, and support arrangements. This agreement can make the divorce process smoother and faster.

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 Posted on June 12, 2024 in Marital Property

When it comes time to divide assets in a divorce, some spouses may resort to tactics such as asset dissipation. Asset dissipation is when one spouse uses marital assets for his or her benefit in an attempt to reduce the assets for division.  For example, a spouse may decide to withdraw large amounts of money from a shared marital account to fund a luxurious vacation and, in the process, decrease marital resources, so there is less money for his or her spouse to receive after the divorce. At other times, spouses will try to hide money or claim that marital money actually only belongs to them.

In divorces involving questions about how a spouse is handling marital money or whether money belongs to both spouses or only one spouse, forensic accounts can be helpful. While hiring a forensic accountant can be costly, these professionals' services may be worth considering. Talk with your lawyer and see if hiring a forensic accountant makes sense for your divorce.

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 Posted on June 03, 2024 in Marital Property

Dividing assets in a divorce is rarely straightforward, but splitting retirement accounts can be especially challenging. Retirement accounts can pose unique difficulties due to contributions made both before and during the marriage. From 401(k) plans to pension funds to IRAs, these assets require careful handling to ensure a fair division. Fortunately, a knowledgeable divorce lawyer can assist you through this process. Here is how a qualified lawyer can assist in dividing various types of retirement accounts, including stocks, bonds, and other investments. 

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 Posted on May 22, 2024 in Division of Property

The coming together of two people for a lifetime is not without its challenges. Couples' shared life experiences can sometimes present situations that create a lot of tension and are difficult to resolve. One effective tool to help manage these challenges and strengthen the relationship is a postnuptial agreement that an Illinois attorney can help you create. 

In many ways, a postnuptial agreement is the financial equivalent of marriage vows. A clear determination of how certain things will be handled can help prevent potential disputes and sources of tension. As a result, the married couple can focus more on nurturing the relationship rather than fighting over money. Here are three ways a postnuptial agreement can improve your marriage.

Reduces Financial Stress and Arguments 

One common source of family discontent and disagreements is about money. Such conflicts can destroy even the most robust and loving relationships. A postnup is created to ensure that spending, saving, and the family's financial goals are clear and well-established. A postnup can discuss how the parties' income will be allocated, how debts will be settled, and how assets will be divided in the event of a divorce.

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