Monthly Archives: November 2017
Protecting Professional Practices in Asset Division
During a divorce, asset division is almost always the most complex and fraught part of proceedings, if only because both spouses are very invested in fairness. However, the process can take on an even more personal bent if one of the marital assets is a spouse’s professional practice—as a doctor, dentist, attorney, and the like.
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Adoption and the Holidays
The holiday season has officially begun, and many shoppers have already decided what they are giving their loved ones this year. For some, however, welcoming a child into their home is the greatest gift of all.
Problems with Children and Parenting Time
During the long Thanksgiving weekend, families often have plans to spend time together—go bowling, shop at a local mall, eat at a restaurant, etc. Yet when a couple is divorced, there may be days when one parent desires to see his or her children but the children do not have the option to stay with him or her due to the divorced couple’s parenting plan.
Thanksgiving and Divorce
Thanksgiving is just days away and many families are planning their festivities with extended family. Yet while these celebrations may be gleefully anticipated for some, recently divorced couples and those experiencing irreconcilable differences may not feel the same.
Divorce Mediation as a Healthier Alternative
Statistics indicate that at least 20 percent of all first marriages end in divorce within the first five years. By 20 years, 48 percent of all first marriages dissolve. Even though many divorces are complex, there are alternatives to litigation. To make the divorce process more bearable, many couples seek mediation.
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The Race to the Courthouse: Does Filing First Matter in Divorce?
Once you have reached the decision to end your marriage, the real work must begin. You and your spouse will need to decide how to divide your property, how to make arrangement for your children, and how to adjust to your new post-divorce lives. Before you can get there, however, one of you will need to start the legal process of divorce by filing a petition for the dissolution of marriage at the county courthouse. Many clients approach us with questions about this, often wondering how important it is to be the one who file for divorce and whether it makes any difference at all.
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Prenuptial Agreements on the Rise for Millennials
Forty years ago, 8 in 10 people were married by the age of 30. Last year, that same number applied to people getting married at the age of 45.
In today’s world, millennials often postpone marriage until they are financially secure. Moreover, during their marriage planning process, they are more likely to protect their assets by establishing a prenuptial agreement in the event of a divorce.
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Young Adults and Divorcing Parents
There is a common misconception that children over the age of 18 are emotionally stable enough to handle the divorce of their parents. Even though young adults can process thoughts more rationally than younger children, the divorce process can still take a negative toll on a young adult’s life.
Parental Responsibilities and Parenting Time in Illinois
For nearly two years now, the terms “parental responsibilities” and “parenting time” have been used in place of the terms “child custody” and “visitation.” Illinois family laws were updated in January 2016 to better recognize and support children’s rights, encourage a healthier relationship between parents and children, and ensure more positive parental decision-making.
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Understanding Key Factors About Adoption in Illinois
The decision to adopt a child is an exciting time in one’s life — a time to establish a family or add to one’s family. However, there are several factors in adoption that are overlooked, including the cost of adoption and the types of adoption.
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