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While it is encouraging to know that the overall divorce rate in the US is at a 50-year low, a closer look at the data reveals a shocking trend. Recent US Census Bureau figures indicate that the dissolution of marriage rate is highest among individuals aged 55 to 64, a phenomenon familiarly known as “gray” divorce or “silver splitting.” If you are contemplating divorce after 50, you probably expect certain challenges with asset division and alimony. The length of the marriage, age of the...   Read more ...  

While it is true that every divorce case is different, there is one common issue that most parties going through the process will face:   Addressing the property that you share Divvying up these items according to state divorce laws There are generally two legal approaches to assets in divorce:   Community property Equitable distribution Illinois falls into the second category. In general, the process for dividing assets under Illinois equitable distribution statute revolves around...   Read more ...  

The school year is underway for children throughout the Chicago area, and many families continue to adjust to the new schedule to accommodate classes, sports, and other activities. For co-parents who share custody, the start of school might also mean addressing your Illinois parenting plan. The arrangement that was in place over the summer may not be workable now that children have a different structure. Plus, the holidays and vacations that are closely tied to school will impact your family ove...   Read more ...  

When their marital relationship breaks down and spouses are looking at options for ending the marriage, most will immediately turn their thoughts to divorce. What you may not realize is that legal separation could be a route to consider, depending on your situation and objectives.   The concept once referred to the period of time a couple lived apart before divorcing, which is why there is some confusion about separation. Additional misunderstandings arise because the relevant statutory sec...   Read more ...  

Regardless of whether parents are in an intact relationship and living under one roof, both will have child support obligations under Illinois law. It is typically the nonresidential parent who will have to pay, as the residential parent is presumed to be contributing financially with the child living in his or her home.   However, beyond this general arrangement, the legal details under Illinois child support laws are far more complex. The state recently enacted legislation that implements...   Read more ...  

Marriage has always been a legal relationship in addition to being a personal one. As a result, there are certain requirements involved with the Illinois divorce process just as there were leading up to your wedding day. At one time, you needed to prove that you had grounds for divorce in Illinois as a reason to end the marriage.   Parties had to include allegations regarding adultery, cruelty, abandonment, or other misconduct defined by law. However, changes to the Illinois statute on the ...   Read more ...