All posts by Abear Law Offices

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.

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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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Millennials’ Perspective on Marriage and Divorce

Marriage has always been considered a rite of passage for many people. However, over the past 15 years, marriage rates have drastically decreased.

In Illinois, 49 percent of the whole population is married, with a breakdown of 50 percent of Illinois males being married and 47 percent of females.

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The #MeToo Movement and its Impact on People Affected by Domestic Violence

In mid-October, social media exploded with one simple hashtag: #MeToo. After the allegations against Harvey Weinstein were widely reported, thousands of people, mostly women,  expressed themselves by using #MeToo—either by simply posting the hashtag itself or by posting the hashtag along with their personal experience of sexual assault or harassment.

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Dissolving a Civil Union in Illinois

civil union is defined as a legal relationship given to Illinois adult partners who are not married. On January 31, 2011, the Religious Freedom Protection and Civil Union Act was signed to allow both heterosexual and same-sex couples to be in a civil union with the same obligations and rights as married couples. The Civil Union Law became effective June 1, 2011.

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