Is My Civil Union Still Valid Since Same-Sex Marriage is Legal?
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 ...
Study Finds Children Benefit From Equal Time and Overnights With Both Parents
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 ...
Tactics to Effectively Manage Your Marital Finances
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 ...
How Are Legal Settlements Treated in Divorce?
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 ...
Do You Fear for Your Safety and Want a Divorce?
Do you want out of your marriage but are too afraid to bring up divorce? You may feel stuck in your relationship if you have previously been the victim of violent behavior or you are worried that asking for a divorce will lead to abuse. You might feel like you will never be able to leave. However, you do have options. In addition to pursuing criminal charges, you can use civil orders of protection to gain distance and safety during and after a divorce. Warning Signs of Domestic Abu... Read more ...
Does My Spousal Support Duty End When I Retire?
Along with the freedom of retirement comes a number of financial questions: What is my new monthly budget? How much will I receive in Social Security? Should I make changes to my lifestyle? You may also wonder if you are still required to pay maintenance to your ex-spouse. The usual answer is yes. While alimony can end for a number of reasons, your retirement does not automatically terminate your duty to pay spousal support. However, if your retirement dramatically changes your financial circums... Read more ...
