Posted on August 06, 2023 in Divorce

Divorce is often an emotionally turbulent and legally complicated process with life-altering implications for the couple going through it and the family unit as a whole. As with any important process, it is crucial to approach it cautiously and avoid making mistakes that could jeopardize your financial security, emotional well-being, and the outcome of the case. 

Today, we will discuss some common errors people make during the divorce process and provide insights on how to avoid them. By being aware of these critical mistakes and taking steps to prevent their occurrence, you can lay the groundwork for a smoother divorce and a better future. If you have any questions as your divorce case proceeds, work with your attorney to ensure you make the best decisions possible for your case.

Trying to Do it Yourself

While it is true that there is no law that says you have to hire a divorce attorney when getting a divorce, trying to navigate the process alone is a recipe for disaster. Even in the most friendly circumstances, failing to hire a divorce lawyer can result in a divorce settlement that will not be in your best interest. Furthermore, it will likely also mean that the process is more stressful. You will have to read the law as well as any relevant case law, do all the paperwork yourself, gather any evidence, and potentially cross-examine your spouse and their witnesses. This process is best left to the professionals. 

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 Posted on July 30, 2023 in Divorce

During the divorce process, emotions run high, and suspicions may come up. It is not uncommon for people to wonder if it is legal to access their spouse’s phone to gather evidence of an affair or even find hidden assets. Today, we will explore the legality of looking through your spouse’s phone during a divorce. For questions, concerns, or anything else related to your divorce, consult an experienced divorce attorney to ensure every decision you make is legal and in your best interest. 

Expectation of Privacy

In most jurisdictions, people have a reasonable expectation of privacy, including within their electronic devices, such as phones. Looking through someone’s phone without permission generally violates their privacy rights. However, the rules surrounding this issue can depend on the specific situation.

Consent and Ownership

Going through someone’s phone without consent is typically considered an invasion of privacy, regardless of the fact that you are married. Personal boundaries and privacy rights still apply even if you suspect your spouse is hiding important information. It is important to remember that you probably do not have automatic permission to look through your spouse’s phone, particularly without their knowledge or consent. 

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 Posted on July 27, 2023 in Divorce

In an Illinois divorce case, proving domestic violence can have a significant impact on various aspects of the proceedings, especially child custody. While Illinois is a no-fault state for divorce, meaning neither party needs to prove any specific wrongdoing, showing a marriage suffered from domestic violence can play a large role in making child custody arrangements. 

Today, we will look at how domestic violence can be proven in an Illinois divorce case. If you have suffered from domestic violence and are concerned with how it may affect your divorce, talk to an attorney to see what measures can be taken so that violence is not a threat to you or your children ever again. 

Documentation and Evidence 

In the legal system, it takes more than mere words to prove someone is guilty. To prove domestic violence, it is essential to put together as much evidence as you can. This may include: 

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 Posted on July 24, 2023 in Child Custody

In Illinois, when it comes to custody decisions, there are certain factors that the court takes into consideration to determine what is in the best interests of the child. While the perspective of the child may not be the sole deciding factor, Illinois law recognizes that the child’s wishes are important and, therefore, ought to be considered. If you have questions regarding custody or any matters related to family law or divorce, contact an attorney to ensure you are able to make well-informed decisions regarding your legal rights.

What Does the Law in Illinois Say?

Regarding custody decisions, the court’s greatest concern is preserving the child’s best interests. The best interest of the child standard encourages the involvement of both parents in the child’s life and prioritizes the child’s physical, emotional, and mental well-being.

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 Posted on July 20, 2023 in Alimony

In a divorce, the court aims to ensure that both parties can maintain a reasonable standard of living, especially when one spouse has a disability. Today, we will seek to provide a comprehensive understanding of whether a disabled spouse will be granted lifetime alimony in an Illinois divorce, incorporating various factors considered by the courts in such cases. If you are getting divorced and are concerned about alimony determinations or anything else related to your divorce, contact an experienced divorce lawyer to represent you throughout your divorce case.

Defining Alimony and Disability 

In Illinois, alimony is most often referred to as “spousal maintenance.” Spousal maintenance refers to the financial support one spouse provides after a divorce. The court has broad discretion in determining maintenance awards. Disability, on the other hand, is defined as a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities. Disability can significantly impact an individual’s income-earning potential, resulting in a potential need for lifetime alimony.

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 Posted on July 17, 2023 in Divorce

Divorce is a complicated process, often filled with deep emotions and sadness. On top of divorce’s typical complications, when both spouses serve in the military, there are additional factors that come into play that must be addressed. Today, we shed light on essential considerations that divorcing military couples in Illinois should be aware of in order to ensure the process can be as smooth as possible. 

If you are a military member getting a divorce, you need experienced legal guidance from an attorney who understands the divorce process for armed forces members. Contact a divorce lawyer to ensure your legal needs are met and that you have a legal advocate in your corner throughout proceedings. 

Residency Requirements for an Illinois Military Divorce

For any divorce in Illinois, especially in the early stages, residency requirements are important. The Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act states one spouse must be stationed in or reside in Illinois for a period of at least 90 consecutive days before filing for divorce. 

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 Posted on July 12, 2023 in Property Division

When a couple of modest means decides to divorce, they can expect a fairly complicated process, particularly when it comes time to divide assets. However, when a couple with significant assets gets a divorce, everything that is complicated about a divorce where the couple has “average” assets is amplified significantly. In a high-asset divorce, the stakes are higher, and the complexities often require specialized legal knowledge. Today, we will be discussing what is most important to know regarding high-asset divorce cases. If you are looking to dissolve your marriage and you and your spouse are coming to the table with significant assets to divide, contact an attorney with knowledge in this area so they can assist you with the unique challenges involved in such cases. 

Defining a High-Asset Divorce

A high-asset divorce typically involves significant financial holdings. Though there is no universally accepted threshold for what qualifies as high-asset, couples with a combined net worth of one million dollars and up are often considered a part of this category. High-value assets such as real estate, businesses, investments, retirement accounts, stocks, and luxury items are all common aspects of cases involving high-asset divorces. 

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 Posted on July 10, 2023 in Child Custody

Child custody battles can be emotionally and legally challenging for all parties involved. It is a common misconception that Illinois courts automatically favor mothers in custody proceedings. While historically there may have been a preference for maternal custody, modern legal practices prioritize, first and foremost, the best interests of the child. Today, we will explore the factors Illinois courts consider when determining custody arrangements while also debunking the idea of a “mother bias.” Work with your attorney to learn more about what you can do to ensure you have a favorable chance at receiving the custody arrangement most desirable to you and best for your child. 

Legal Standards and Considerations

First, courts in Illinois do not care what the gender of the parents is when determining custody arrangements. Instead, the guiding principle behind all decisions relating to children is what is in their best interests. Courts evaluate a variety of factors to reach a fair and just decision, including parental caretaking, history of abuse or neglect, the mental and physical state of each parent, as well as the child’s educational and day-t0-day needs.

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 Posted on July 06, 2023 in Divorce

One of the key aspects of filing for divorce in any state is meeting the residency requirements. In Illinois, these requirements determine whether you have a legal basis for filing for divorce in the state. Understanding the residency requirements is crucial to ensure a legally binding divorce. Today, we will delve deeper into the specific residency qualifications for Illinois, as well as other criteria required for divorce in the state, and how a divorce attorney can benefit you as you begin this important process. 

Residency Requirements for Divorce in Illinois 

Here is what you need to know, including:

• Residency duration – To file for divorce in Illinois, either you or your spouse must have lived in the state for at least 90 days preceding the filing. This means that the divorce can be initiated within the state as long as either spouse meets the residency duration requirement.

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 Posted on June 30, 2023 in Divorce

A divorce case can be a complex and emotional affair, particularly if there are disagreements over important issues like property division, alimony, child custody, and more. Sometimes, parties involved in divorce proceedings are unable to come to a mutual agreement about certain issues; therefore, it may be necessary to present or question witnesses to determine important factors of the case. It is essential to understand what situations, in particular, may warrant testimony from a witness. If you think witnesses may be relevant to your case, discuss with your divorce attorney whether witness testimony may help or detract from your goal of obtaining a favorable case outcome.

Witness Testimony in Divorce Cases

Here are some examples of when witnesses may be relevant to a divorce case, including:

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