When is Shared Custody Appropriate?
Shared custody of a child is appropriate in any divorce case where both parents are fit to care for their child and the court determines that a shared custody arrangement is in the child’s best interest. In nearly all cases, it is best for a child to have a consistent, substantial relationship with both of his or her parents. With this in mind, the court does its best to create child custody arrangements that allow for these relationships to develop and flourish. If you are a parent goin... Read more ...
What If My Ex-spouse Hits The Jackpot?
While many people assume or anticipate that their legal disputes with their ex-spouse will end after a divorce, the reality is that parties often find themselves continuing to negotiate, or returning to court, sometimes long after the divorce. Co-parents may decide that they need a new parenting arrangement or that the child support is too high or too low. Ex-spouses may want to adjust alimony or spousal support. The impetus for all of these disputes is usually a change in circumstances, ... Read more ...
The Divorce Process Explained
Going through a divorce can be one of the most stressful experiences that a person can face. A married couple never starts their marriage with the expectation that a divorce awaits in the future, but sadly divorces do happen, and they can become very emotionally taxing. The institution of marriage is controlled by the laws of our society – there are laws that say who can get married, when they can marry, and a marriage license is required in order to make the union officially recogn... Read more ...
Social Media and Divorce: Adultery in the Age of Technology
As technology develops, it inevitably seems to impact our love lives and relationships. Applications for smart phones and tablets now allow people to meet in new ways (such as identifying others using the application who are nearby). Websites also exist that offer not just ways to meet, but near matchmaking – asking questions and finding other site users that are compatible. Websites like Facebook allow couples to identify themselves with “relationship statuses,” as well as by p... Read more ...
Illinois Supreme Court Ruling Impacts Use of Social Security in Asset Division
Earlier this summer, the Illinois Supreme Court ruled on a dispute between divorcing parties regarding the division of assets, and, in particular, how spouses’ pensions plans and future Social Security benefits should be taken into account when dividing marital assets. Division of Assets and Marital Property The Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act (IMDMA) addresses the division of assets related to a divorce. Upon divorce, parties can either reach an agreement or ha... Read more ...
How to Choose a Divorce Lawyer
For many people, the decision to separate or divorce can be difficult. The decision carries a whole host of other issues and questions. Many people want to know where they will live, what will happen to their finances, who will have custody of their children. The first step to getting answers to those questions is finding, and hiring, an experienced divorce lawyer. The prospect of meeting with and hiring a lawyer can be intimidating, and may itself deter or delay some people from proceedi... Read more ...