Spouses do have the right to work on property division matters together to reach a fair settlement. Most judges in Elgin, Illinois, encourage this approach to keep courts from getting bogged down. However, planning to work it out yourselves is easier said than done...
ELGIN FAMILY LAW BLOG
How does Illinois law treat pets in a divorce?
When you hear about a custody battle, you might assume it is over children. Yet even childless couples can find themselves in expensive custody battles -- over who gets the pets. Many people consider their animals as part of the family. They are heartbroken at the...
How to share custody of an infant during a divorce
Sharing custody of minor children can be a challenge, but infants create unique needs for co-parenting situations. Some people immediately assume that it is not possible to share custody of an infant. However, research on the psychology of child development and...
Can I claim a share of my spouse’s retirement plan in a divorce?
One of the things you may need to divide in your divorce is your employer-sponsored retirement plans. That is if you did not exclude them from division in a prenuptial agreement. You might only be able to claim a share of some of your spouse's entire retirement plan...
Don’t let your feelings about your co-parent spoil your child’s graduation
Graduation season is always one of mixed feelings for parents. Your child has completed part of their education, but they're moving on to the next stage of their life where they probably won’t need you as much. For divorced and divorcing parents, upcoming graduations...
What does Illinois law say about pets in divorce?
Several years ago, Illinois became only the second state to recognize pets as more than mere pieces of property to be divided in divorce. State lawmakers amended the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act to say that judges are required to consider what’s...
Will your criminal record affect your custody rights in a divorce?
Illinois family law judges always aim to make decisions that they believe are in your child's best interests. When you and your co-parent split up, you can expect the judge to take a close look at your ability to provide a safe, secure home for your child. With this...
What you need to know about custody interference
When a relationship ends on bad terms, some parents will work together for the sake of their children and be relatively co-operative. Others will not. Some parents are even willing to use their children as pawns in custody games, which is hurtful to both the children...
Advice for divorce
Divorce can be an adversarial process that requires a substantial amount of time and resources. In addition, divorce is often an emotional process that has a massive impact on one's personal life. Nevertheless, there are a few suggestions that residents of Illinois...
3 ways to approach the family home during your divorce
You don't necessarily have to fight over your home in a divorce. Still, it is a good idea to have an idea of your preferred outcome for that major asset. There are numerous ways a couple can handle their house in the divorce. The Illinois family courts apply an...
