Posts By: MICHAEL C CRAVEN

What Happens When Your Ex Fails to Co-Parent?

If you’re involved in child custody and visitation issues stemming from a divorce or paternity case in Illinois, you’re probably familiar with the concept of co-parenting. In many cases, the arrangement is preferred by courts, since the prevailing view is the child benefits by having strong relationships with both parents. This perspective is supported by experts as well. Child psychology experts point out the advantages of co-parenting for a child include higher self-esteem and enhanced soc...   Read more ...  

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Are Gifts and Loans Considered Income for Child Support Purposes?

If you’re dealing with child support issues in connection with divorce or paternity proceedings, you probably already know there are multiple factors that affect the amount. The Illinois statute on Property, Support and Attorney Fees (Section 505), lays out the calculation basics and authorizes relevant state agencies to establish rules regarding child support guidelines. In general, the determination depends upon the income of both parents and the amount of parenting time each is allocated; h...   Read more ...  

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Legalizing Marijuana and My Child Custody Case

Illinois first allowed marijuana for medical reasons through legislation enacted in 2013 and followed up this effort by legalizing marijuana for recreational use in May 2019. Though the most recent statute doesn’t become effective until January 2020, Crain’s Chicago Business has already predicted that revenue from recreational-use marijuana is expected to top $1.6 billion in the state.   Another issue regarding legal marijuana may come as a shock to anyone going through child custody pr...   Read more ...  

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How to Spot the Narcissist Holding up Your Case

  Published in the Thursday November 7, 2019 edition of the Chicago Daily Law Bulletin   “Just who do you think you are?”   If you find yourself constantly asking that question while handling a case or legal matter — you might be interacting with a narcissist, a personality type that craves and demands special treatment.   In our legal world, a narcissist can make our lives difficult. The problem person can be your client, another party or even opposing counsel. To get...   Read more ...  

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Cohabitation Agreements in Illinois

The days are long gone that cohabitation without marriage was a scandalous, immoral proposition. Data compiled by the U.S. Census Bureau reveals that more heterosexual and same-sex couples choose to enjoy unmarried relationships than ever before, with 13 and 30 percent increases in the respective groups from 2009-10. However, even as cohabitation becomes more mainstream, these relationships aren’t immune to conflict. As such, it’s just as important to plan for a break-up as it is for engaged...   Read more ...  

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How a Premarital Agreement Can Positively Impact Your Marriage

It may not be the most romantic topic of conversation, but having a realistic, honest conversation about premarital agreements may be the best decision you make. While prenups have traditionally been viewed unfavorably by soon-to-be spouses who would never even consider getting a divorce, there are multiple benefits that can be achieved through the use of a prenup. It’s essential to comply with legal requirements and understand the effect of the document, which is why you should discuss your c...   Read more ...  

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