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It is not uncommon for decades-long marriages to end in divorce. You and your spouse have been together a long time. You have experienced the ups and downs of marriages, raised your children, and are now approaching retirement or are already retired. It is a different time of life now, and you may both look forward to moving on with your lives separately. Because your children are adults, you may be tempted to believe your divorce will go smoothly. However, there are a number of unique challenge...   Read more ...  

There are many mistakes you can make when dissolving your marriage and they are all understandable. Divorce is an emotional time and usually a new, unexpected experience. However, you can work to avoid the most common errors by partnering with an experienced Chicago divorce attorney and understanding the best steps to take before, during, and after a divorce.   During your divorce, strive to avoid these common mistakes:   Not Planning for Life After Divorce. A divorce can absorb all of yo...   Read more ...  

For most of our country’s history, only heterosexual couples were entitled to get married. This began to change in 2003 when Massachusetts became the first state to legalize marriage. Within 10 years, twelve of the 50 states and Washington, D.C. had legalized marriages for same-sex couples. During this time, Illinois did not legalize same-sex marriage, however it came as close as possible by creating civil unions. By February 2014 though, same-sex marriage was legalized in the state. Ultimatel...   Read more ...  

A study recently published in the American Psychology Association’s journal of Psychology, Public Policy, and Law, found children 2 years old and younger benefited from spending equal time and having overnights with both mom and dad when their parents were not together. I’m writing about this study only to report its findings. One should not infer that I support or disagree with the study. However, this new information may run counter to many people’s beliefs in regard to the best parentin...   Read more ...  

No one heads into a marriage preparing for a divorce. However, a significant number of marriages end in divorce and no small amount of them because of money. Being conscious of you and your spouse’s finances can not only help you avoid marriage troubles, it can also help both of you handle the financial repercussions of divorce, if that is where the road leads you. Marital Money Tips If you are getting married, newly married or you and your spouse are contemplating a divorce due to money iss...   Read more ...  

A $20 million wrongful conviction settlement received by Juan Rivera in 2015 raised a significant question for Illinois divorce courts: Was this settlement part of marital property? Rivera was convicted in 1992 of the rape and murder of a child in Illinois. During his imprisonment, Rivera met a woman and married in 2000. He was later cleared by DNA evidence and a court vacated his conviction in 2011, which led to Rivera suing various parties based on wrongful conviction. Had Rivera and his wife ...   Read more ...