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 Abuse &nbs... 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 ...
Illinois Now Requires Cosmetologists Receive Domestic Violence Support Training
As of January 1st, all cosmetologists in Illinois must receive domestic violence support training. This combination may seem odd, but to those familiar with the atmosphere within salons and the relationships formed between hairdressers and clients, the connection is clear. Many women go to the same stylists for years, forming friendships. Getting a manicure or touching up their highlights is also an opportunity to catch up and in some cases, confide in someone about trouble at home. Cosmetologis... Read more ...
Who is Responsible for Your Child’s College Expenses?
Raising a child is expensive. From diapers in the beginning to sports gear in high school, the bills never really go away. The latest data suggests raising a child who is born in 2013 into a middle-income family will cost more than $245,000 between birth and the child’s 18th birthday, The Wall Street Journal reported. However, this data does not take college into consideration. For divorced or non-married parents, your child may be eager to go to college, which raises some questions. Do you ha... Read more ...
Illinois Child Support Calculations Set to Change Next Year
Starting July 1, 2017, Illinois courts will follow new guidelines in determining child support. The new rules will take the income of both parents into consideration, joining 38 other states that use the “Income Shares” model. Legislators introduced the bill in February 2015, and Gov. Bruce Rauner signed it into law in August of this year. Prior to this adjustment, Illinois had not altered its child support policies since the 1980s, according to Sen. Michael Hastings (D-Tinley Park), who spo... Read more ...
Will I be Able to Receive Spousal Support?
If you are headed into a divorce and are worried about your finances, you should speak with Chicago divorce lawyer Michael C. Craven about seeking alimony. Spousal maintenance is not automatic in all divorces, but it is common in situations where there is a significant income disparity or one spouse delayed his or her education or career for the marriage. Historically, wives who spent years as primary caregivers and were later unable to earn similar amounts to their husbands received spousal sup... Read more ...
