Posts By: MICHAEL C CRAVEN

Asking the Court for an Increase in Child Support

In the years after an Illinois court issues an order on child support, it is quite common for a change to take place. In fact, if your children were young at the time of its entry, you may request a higher amount at some point. Illinois’ statute on modification of child support provides reasons that justify an increase: A substantial change in circumstances, such as your child is spending more time with you than under a previous parenting schedule; or, A discrepancy between what you are recei...   Read more ...  

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Fathers’ Rights in an Adoption Decision

For an adoption to become legally effective, the legal parents must usually consent to giving up their rights and responsibilities regarding the child to be adopted. The issue is relatively straightforward when the mother agrees to the adoption, but legal issues become more complicated regarding the rights of a “putative” father as defined by Illinois’ adoption statute. In using this term, the law refers to a man who may be the child’s father, but:   Was not married to the mother o...   Read more ...  

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Benefits of Mediation

While some Illinois divorce cases will go through a full trial to determine disputes, many more divorce cases are resolved through less adversarial processes, such as mediation, where parties sit down with their lawyers and a mediator trained in techniques for resolving disagreements. Often, mediators can get divorcing couples to settle their case, instead of conducting a trial to have a judge decide asset division, spousal maintenance, and issues related to minor children. Illinois laws allow j...   Read more ...  

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Am I Required to Provide Life Insurance?

Most couples going through divorce in Illinois realize they need to address asset division, spousal support, and issues regarding minor children. Not many understand the role life insurance plays as part of this process. It may seem strange that a court would require one or both parties to maintain or purchase a life insurance policy, but many judges will order it as part of a final divorce decree – or even while a case is still proceeding. Once you learn the reasons behind such an arrangement...   Read more ...  

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The Trend of Young People and Prenuptial Agreements

For many years, the popular belief was only the rich and famous would execute prenuptial agreements before getting married. That traditional line of thinking quickly diminished when people began realizing the benefits. However, one key misconception remained: The idea that only older adults consider prenups, especially those walking down the aisle for the second time.   The truth is, the number of millennials requesting prenuptial agreements is on the rise, as more than half of divorce atto...   Read more ...  

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What Do I Do If I Cannot Afford Child Support?

You know both parents have the responsibility to provide financial support for their children and, in a perfect world, you are more than willing to do your part. However, your circumstances can abruptly change or other developments in your life may render you unable to afford child support. In such a situation, you probably understand the consequences for non-payment are harsh. Illinois actually defines the failure to fulfill child support as a Class A Misdemeanor under certain circumstances, wh...   Read more ...  

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