Here in Illinois, it can take months to go through the divorce process. In most cases, couples are separated during that time. When a couple has children, it’s generally advisable to put some temporary court orders in place to detail how parenting responsibilities...
family law
During divorce, can your spouse make you leave the house?
You have been thinking about filing for a divorce, but you are somewhat hesitant to do so. You are worried about the impact that is going to have on your life, especially since you know that your spouse will likely be unhappy to hear that you are thinking about ending...
What family law issues can be resolved through mediation?
Family law mediation offers a structured, confidential way for separating or divorcing couples to resolve disputes outside of court. Guided by a neutral mediator, parties can discuss sensitive issues, explore options and reach mutually acceptable agreements. The...
3 mistakes to avoid during your divorce
It shouldn’t come as a surprise that divorce is never easy. The emotional, financial and legal ties can be difficult to untangle, especially if you have children. The decisions you make during your divorce process can have lasting consequences. Illinois has specific...
How can you protect your credit score during divorce?
Finances rank among the top concerns for couples going through divorce. You worry about dividing assets, maintaining your lifestyle and securing your post-divorce financial stability. While many focus on splitting retirement accounts and property, credit scores often...
Can you take spousal support as a lump sum?
The traditional way to pay spousal support or alimony is by doing it monthly. This makes it similar to child support. If someone is ordered to pay $2,000 per month in spousal support, they write a check to their ex every month. One alternative, though, is to take lump...
Understanding how estate planning works during divorce
Divorce is often one of the most difficult transitions in life, and it can significantly impact how your estate plan is structured. While dividing your property, handling child custody, and negotiating support are usually the main focus, a lot of people forget that...
Changing a custody order in Illinois
Child custody orders in Illinois are meant to provide stability for children after a divorce or separation. However, circumstances can change, and sometimes an existing order no longer meets a child’s needs. In these cases, parents may request a modification, but the...
Do you think your prenup may be invalid?
Your spouse asks you for a divorce. You know that the two of you have a prenup. In fact, your spouse is very happy to have the documentation in place because they believe it is going to keep you from getting assets you otherwise would have received during property...
Can I change the locks during a divorce?
A divorce can feel like your world is shifting beneath your feet. When emotions run high and trust runs low, it’s natural to want space, and sometimes, that means wanting the locks changed. But even though the home may feel like your safe space, it’s also part of the...
