Posted on June 30,2023 in Illinois Divorce

In reality, stress-free divorce may vary among couples and is certainly not always possible. Divorce is an intricate process that comes with multiple potential economic, legal, and emotional setbacks and is one of the most traumatic and stressful life events someone can endure, challenging a person’s strength and resolve to push forward. For any hope of having a divorce that does not shatter you emotionally and psychologically, you must hire a divorce attorney to help you through the process, as trying to handle the divorce on your own will lead to unimaginable stress, making the entire situation worse than it already is.

Factors that May Contribute to Lessening the Stress of Divorce

Generally, a stress-free divorce will likely depend on multiple factors. First, opting for alternative methods such as mediation or collaborative divorce can eliminate the need for lengthy court proceedings, minimizing the emotional strain of the situation. Effective communication between the parties involved can also promote constructive dispute resolution, thereby reducing hostilities.

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 Posted on June 23,2023 in Illinois Divorce

Unlike an amicable divorce, divorce cases with disputed and complicated finances can be very challenging, especially when it comes to issues of alimony, property division, and child support. If finances are a point of contention in your divorce, hiring a forensic accountant may be necessary to determine calculations of spousal and child support and uncover the worth of various types of assets. Forensic accountants are professionals in the field of financial accounting and fraud investigations, able to work with divorce attorneys to uncover hidden assets, resulting in a more efficient and fair division of assets.

Here is Why Hiring a Forensic Accountant May Be Worth the Fees

Consider these reasons, including:

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 Posted on June 13,2023 in Child Custody & Allocation of Parental Responsibility

In Illinois divorce cases, the role of a guardian ad litem is to represent the child involved in the case. This individual is appointed by the court to act as an advocate for the children and to offer recommendations regarding custody, visitation, and other matters related to the child’s welfare. If you are interested in how they may be pertinent to your case, contact an experienced divorce attorney to learn more about how they and your divorce lawyer could be beneficial in your situation.

Everything You Need to Know

The guardian ad litem is a licensed attorney who is specially trained in working with children and determining what is best for them, given the specifics of their situation. This is because children do not have the same capacity as adults to understand divorce proceedings’ legal processes and ramifications. The guardian ad litem, therefore, is responsible for bridging the gap between the legal system and the children involved.

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 Posted on June 08,2023 in Illinois Divorce

Divorce can be a difficult and expensive process. One of the greatest concerns for anyone going through a divorce is how much the divorce will cost. Several factors can contribute significantly to the cost of divorce, including legal fees, court costs, and other miscellaneous expenses. Today, we will take a deep dive into the key factors that impact the cost of a divorce and what to keep in mind as you traverse this often challenging process. To get started with your divorce, contact a divorce lawyer to represent you in your case.

Here is What Can Impact Divorce Costs

The first and most obvious factor affecting divorce costs is lawyer fees. Lawyers may choose to charge by the hour or by a retainer fee. Rates vary and may depend on the attorney's experience and other factors, such as the geographic location of the law office. Many attorneys also have payment plans available, which can be great for helping clients afford their divorce. In many instances, at the outset of divorce proceedings, clients will ask their attorney to estimate how much their divorce will cost. Please be advised that it is quite difficult to predict at the very beginning of the process how much the divorce will cost in the end. It is not uncommon for family law cases to drag out for quite some time.

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 Posted on May 31,2023 in Illinois Divorce

As a stay-at-home parent approaching a divorce proceeding, you likely have many questions about how divorce will affect you. It is essential to have a clear understanding of your legal rights and responsibilities to ensure that the process goes as smoothly as possible. Today, we will discuss considerations for stay-at-home parents going through a divorce and how topics like spousal support and child custody may affect you and your situation. Regardless of whether you are a stay-at-home parent, hire a divorce lawyer to direct you through the process while always advocating for your legal rights.

Child Custody Considerations for a Stay-at-Home Parent

In cases where parents cannot agree on a parenting schedule, the courts in Illinois will step in and prioritize the child’s best interests when making custody decisions. In many cases, since the stay-at-home parent spends the majority of the time taking care of the child and their needs, the court will likely consider this as they look to allocate parental responsibilities to each parent. The court will likely wish to interfere in the child’s life as little as possible, which may, in turn, favor the stay-at-home parent since so much of the child’s routine will likely be associated with that parent. However, every case is unique, and other factors, such as the child’s relationship with each parent, will also be considered.

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 Posted on May 26,2023 in Illinois Divorce

Going through a divorce can be a stressful time in anyone’s life, but what many people do not realize is that it can also drastically affect their taxes. Therefore, if you live in Illinois and are considering a divorce, it is critical that you understand the tax implications that may arise as a result of your divorce. In any event, if you are considering divorce, contact an experienced divorce lawyer to get the process started and to learn more about how you can protect your financial future as you go through your divorce.

Here Are the Ways Your Divorce Can Affect Your Taxes

When it comes to taxes, the most significant financial issue in a divorce is typically property division, child support, and spousal support payments.

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 Posted on May 10,2023 in Illinois Divorce

In Illinois, the division of assets in a divorce follows the principle of equitable distribution, meaning that marital assets are divided in a fair and just manner. When it comes to inheritance, matters become a little more complicated. An essential question that must be answered is whether inheritances are considered marital or non-marital property. Well, in the majority of cases, inheritances are treated as non-marital property, but not always. Discuss with your divorce attorney whether this inheritance is marital or non-marital property, as it will likely depend on a couple of key factors that you can discuss with your attorney.

Here is What to Know About Inheritances and Divorce

First, it is essential to identify the nature of the inheritance. Illinois law defines separate or non-marital- property as anything acquired before marriage, inherited or gifted to one spouse, kept separate from marital assets, or obtained through non-marital sources like personal injury settlements. Thus, if your husband inherited the money before your marriage, it is unlikely to be considered marital property unless he commingled it with marital funds. However, if he inherited the money during the marriage, there is a chance it may be subject to equitable distribution.

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 Posted on May 04,2023 in Family Law

Divorce can be an emotionally traumatic experience for children that they may struggle to comprehend fully. It can be particularly difficult for divorcing parents going through a contentious divorce to help their children with everything that is going on, which may lead to further complications with the children, making the entire situation even more difficult. If you are a parent getting divorced and are concerned with how you can help your child cope with the situation, consult with a family attorney, as an experienced family lawyer will likely have past experience helping families and will have advice on how to improve the situation.

Tips on Helping Your Kids Get Through This Difficult Situation

Here are tips on how to proceed, including:

• Speak to them openly and in an age-appropriate manner – It is essential to be transparent and help your child understand the concept of divorce. Sit them down and explain to their level of comprehension the events that are happening. Please be advised to avoid engaging in degrading verbal tirades regarding your spouse, and their parent. Children often interpret a parent badmouthing another parent as a reflection of them. This can lead to lifelong emotional trauma.

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 Posted on April 28,2023 in Child Custody & Allocation of Parental Responsibility

 Child custody disputes during a messy divorce can be emotionally challenging for parents and children. The Illinois court system aims to prioritize the child’s best interests when determining custody arrangements, but child custody disputes can be complicated and challenging to navigate. That is where a skilled and experienced lawyer can be invaluable.

Common Challenges in Child Custody Disputes

When divorcing couples battle over child custody, they often face many complex issues, including parental alienation, false allegations, and divergent parenting styles. Through parental alienation, one parent may attempt to separate their offspring from the other, consequently damaging both relationships irreparably. False accusations of abuse can equally be destructive emotionally and legally in court cases regarding children. 

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 Posted on April 24,2023 in Illinois Divorce

During a divorce, both parties must be transparent about their assets--particularly businesses. However, some spouses may attempt to deceive or minimize the value of their business investments to gain an unfair advantage during settlement negotiations. If you sense your partner is lying about the extent of their corporate property, taking action without delay can be vital for safeguarding your rights and interests.

Legal Requirements for Asset Disclosure in Illinois Divorce Cases

Every divorce must fully disclose all assets, income, and liabilities in the marriage. This mandate is critical to achieving an equitable settlement since it guarantees that both parties will accurately grasp their financial circumstances. Whether those resources are shared or held separately, complete transparency is necessary for a successful resolution.

Failing to disclose assets can result in serious consequences, such as financial penalties, sanctions, and even contempt of court charges. The court may also alter the divorce decree once concealed assets are disclosed.

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