What are the Grounds for Divorce in Illinois?

Are you at the point in your marriage or civil union where you are considering a divorce? You may have some questions regarding your next step; for example, under what grounds can you get a divorce. Illinois is not considered a pure no fault state, and therefore, you must have a ground for a divorce and a separation period before you can even file for a divorce. If you do not properly meet the ground and separation period, the judge may dismiss your case.

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Protecting the Best Interests of Children, Part 1: Guardian Ad Litem

It is not uncommon in divorce cases for each party to retain their own attorney for legal advice and representation through the process. Concerns regarding division of property, spousal support and arrangements for the couple’s children all need to be addressed and eventually resolved. Both sides typically have their own beliefs as to how the agreements should be established, often at odds with those of their spouse. In many cases, litigation is necessary.

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Mediation Can Reduce the Stress of Divorce

When a marriage ends, it often ends badly. Anger, resentment, and bitterness between divorcing spouses can make the process extremely stressful and difficult. It may even be impossible for some couples to sit in the same room together due to the powerful emotions involved. Many others, however, are able to peacefully work together as they navigate the necessary steps toward completing the divorce. For these situations, divorce mediation may fit the couple’s needs perfectly.

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Knowing the Grounds for Divorce – Part 2

Fault

It is simply a reality of modern life that marriages sometimes fail. Couples who marry with the best intentions often find themselves facing a divorce when, for whatever reason, the relationship breaks down. In many cases, there is not just a single underlying cause for the divorce, but the combination of numerous smaller issues. Like most states, Illinois law has provisions in place to allow for divorce in such a situation without assigning fault to either spouse.

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Knowing the Grounds for Divorce – Part 1

No-Fault Divorce

When the most couples enter into a marriage, they do so with the intention of spending their lives together. Both partners are happy, in love, and looking forward to a future full of possibilities and memories to be made. While newlyweds may be aware that a significant number of marriages end in divorce, the very idea of it is easily dismissed. They can rationalize divorce as something that happens to other people and insist that they love each other too much to ever go through it.

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Why Hire a Divorce Attorney?

There are so many issues and decisions to make during a divorce that one person cannot make an informed decision without consultation. If children are part of the marriage, the issues can get even greater and more complicated. Below are a few issues that can be made easier with a divorce attorney.

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The Ins and Outs of Child Support in Illinois

Child support is a likely conclusion if you have a child and are not married to the child’s mother/father, or if you are in the process of getting a divorce. Getting the full amount of support you are owed can be difficult and complicated. However, with the right attorney, you and your child can get the correct amount of child support due.

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Separation or Divorce Checklist: Changes You Should Make

USA Today recently published an article describing five online changes that you need to make when you are getting a divorce. However, there are more than just internet changes you need to make. Here is a suggested separation or divorce checklist of changes that people should make:

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Divorce and College Expenses for Children

Often during a divorce, the children of the separating parents are young and the thought of college is far in the future. However, if you are currently facing a divorce, you need to think about divorce and college expenses for children as one of the issues. Securing college expenses is an important part of relieving future stress and arguments.

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Protections for Surrogate Mothers in Illinois

Gestational surrogacy describes the process in which a surrogate mother is implanted with an egg and sperm, or in some cases only sperm, of the intended parents. The surrogate mother then brings the baby to term, delivers the baby, and transfers parentage to the intended parents, usually in exchange for compensation from the intended parents. Illinois enacted the Gestational Surrogacy Act in 2005, which provides standardization and legal protection for all parties involved in a gestational surrogacy contract.

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