Pets are creatures of habit. So, divorce is a massive disruption to their established routines. Fortunately, Illinois law recognizes that you treat your pet like your child, not like a marital property. In 2018, the state's policymakers included provisions about...
Divorce
Navigating divorce in Illinois: Essential information to gather
Divorce is a significant life event that requires careful planning and a thorough understanding of the legal process. If you're contemplating filing for divorce in Illinois, having the right information at your fingertips can streamline the process and ensure a...
Who advocates for the child’s best interests during divorce?
Amid the divorce whirlwind, couples may become too caught up in their interests that their child could end up being a secondary concern. For judges to maintain making well-informed decisions regarding the child, a child representative, a guardian ad litem (GAL) and a...
When can an Illinois grandparent petition for visitation?
A grandparent’s love will never grow old. In fact, their love even becomes more evident when they find their grandchild trapped in the middle of a contentious divorce. Unlike parents with fundamental rights in raising and spending time with their child, grandparents...
Do you qualify for Illinois’ joint simplified dissolution?
Not all divorces are as contentious and emotionally charged as most couples endure. Some Illinois couples who want to legally end their marriage have only been in the relationship for a short time and have neither children nor significant assets for distribution. If...
Are work patterns still a theme causing divorce?
A marriage is supposed to be a partnership of co-equals, especially regarding financial matters. But gender norms place men as the employed breadwinner while women stay home looking after the kids. However, ever-evolving societal shifts have seen women assuming a work...
Child custody mistakes you should avoid
One of the most painful aspects of divorce is losing time with your child. In Illinois, the court shall make a child custody determination based on factors relevant to your child's rearing and overall well-being. You should avoid these mistakes if you hope to have a...
Why do couples divorce?
A love story begins when a prince and princess fall madly deeply in love, and—very quickly—live happily ever after. We never do get to the part after they ride off into the sunset. Perhaps because it is all downhill from there. You may feel like you and your spouse...
In a divorce, how do you decide who gets a rental house?
It seems like a million things need your attention when you’re going through a divorce. The inherent complexity of the divorce process puts an emotional strain on everyone involved. One of the primary drivers of tension involves financial concerns. How you choose to...
Could an engagement ring complicate an Illinois divorce?
Couples share everything for years, and it can be hard to determine how to equitably divide the assets that they have acquired. Some property can pose particular challenges in a divorce because of how much money it is worth. Other assets will lead to conflict because...