Posted on November 30, 2017 in Divorce

Whether you have been married for thirty years or three years, divorce is hard. You have to make decisions regarding what you want to fight for, what you can let go of and even how best to tell the kids. Unfortunately, it is easy to make some costly mistakes when you make these important decisions. However, there are multiple tools available to help you get through the process while mitigating potential losses.

When looking at the divorce process, it is important to take an organized and almost business-like approach. The following divorce tips can help you stay on track.

Take inventory

If you present an incomplete list of debts and assets to your attorney as a basis for dividing marital assets, you risk two negative outcomes. First, you could be giving up your right to unlisted assets without even knowing it. Second, a judge might decide that you are intentionally hiding assets and rule on the property division in a way that heavily favors your spouse. Be sure you include current bank balances, future income such as retirement accounts and pension funds, bonuses and all other funds.

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 Posted on November 16, 2017 in Child Custody

The most wonderful times of the year can be a little stressful, too. In between enjoying the company of family and celebrations comes the hustle and friction also. For families undergoing divorce in Illinois, that stress can sometimes be amplified. A detailed child custody plan along with a pinch of positivity may be the soothing balm for holiday flare-ups.

Who goes where, and when? There are a number of ways to settle care and visitation needs for a child. When the dust settles, and the family begins to implement the plan, feelings can pop up. One parent may feel sad or left out when the children are away, or it can be hard to hear about the child missing his or her other parent.

Some experts believe that approaching these issues with positivity can be fruitful. The basic guidelines are kindness, patience, gratitude and establishing new traditions. Remaining kind when thinking about how the other parent and child feels, and having the patience to understand may smooth the rough feelings. A person who is grateful for family, and also the new opportunities will probably feel more balanced. Creating new traditions will pave the path for even more happy memories.

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 Posted on November 07, 2017 in Divorce

A home is more than just a place to live. It's a place where memories are made. While some may see a standard kitchen, you see the place where your family gathered around for big Sunday morning breakfasts. And while others see the living room as a place to put the TV, you remember your son learning to sit up by pulling himself up along the furniture.

While these memories are certainly powerful, these memories alone should not be the reason for holding on to the family home after a divorce. Rather, you need to look at the big financial picture and do what makes the most sense for you and your family not only now, but also well into the future.

In this blog post, we will look at what some of the family home options are in divorce.

Option 1: Sell the family home
Buying a home is an investment. In fact, it may be the largest investment you ever make. A lot of time and thought - and paperwork - goes into buying a home. And while at the time of the signing, you and your spouse were no doubt excited, picturing living there for years to come, now that you are getting a divorce, you need to make a strategic decision on what to do with the family home.

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 Posted on November 07, 2017 in Divorce

With many big box stores breaking out the holiday decorations, it is safe to say it is officially the holiday season. Just thinking about all the shopping, planning and expectations can send any parent into a panic. However, for those who recently went through a divorce, the thought of the holiday season can be overwhelming.

Will the kids be with mom or dad? What about extended family? Do you need to have two Thanksgiving dinners? What about family traditions? These are just some of the many questions and concerns that commonly come to mind.

In this post, we are going to focus on a few tips for co-parenting this holiday season.

Tip 1: Listen to your child's concerns

Whether the kids are with you or with their other parent, it is normal for your children to have concerns about how the holiday is going to go, especially if this is their first time splitting up holidays between their parents.

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 Posted on July 28, 2017 in Domestic Violence

Domestic violence is a pervasive issue in America. In fact, it seems there is a news story almost daily on the death or injury of a domestic violence victim. Often, the reported violence is connected to a victim trying to leave, either through separation or divorce. It is, by far, the most dangerous time for them. Learn how to protect yourself and your children during a divorce with help from the following information, and the aid of an experienced attorney.

Leaving is the Most Dangerous Time for Abuse Victims

Abusers who are losing control of their victim can become unpredictable and exceedingly violent. Some may even resort to showing up at the victim's place of employment or home. Thankfully, there are ways to mitigate against this type of behavior. Victims can seek help with an order of protection, which bars the abuser from coming within a certain distance from the victim. Divorcing victims can also let their attorney handle all communications between themselves and their spouse, which can limit any opportunity for an argument. Above all, remember to contact the authorities if you fear you are in immediate danger.

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 Posted on July 26, 2017 in Family Law

Prenuptial agreements are making a comeback, which means more couples have a clear understanding of their financial obligations in marriage and are better prepared for divorce. Unfortunately, there are a few mistakes that couples often make when drafting their agreements. Learn how to avoid them with help from the following information.

Avoiding the Topic Altogether

Perhaps the biggest and most common prenuptial agreement mistake that couples make is simply not discussing it. True, it is not a very romantic topic, and it is easy to overlook when you are in love, but many couples end up regretting their decision. Some may even find themselves in complex and contentious situations, should they ever divorce. If you are apprehensive because the topic lacks romance, or you are sure you will not need one, at least be willing to approach and discuss the matter. It could save you from a headache and perhaps even a hefty attorney bill in the years to come.

Letting Emotions Get in the Way

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 Posted on July 25, 2017 in Child Custody

Obesity is a pandemic issue that costs Americans billions in healthcare costs each year. It can also increase one's risk of developing diabetes, heart disease, and other obesity-related conditions. In short, is a killer and a thief. Thankfully, things have slowly started to turn around; people are becoming more aware of what they eat and how often they exercise. They are taking back control over their health.

Still, there are things that can increase a person's risk for developing obesity. For example, a recent study found that children of divorce may be more likely to experience obesity as an adult than children whose parents stayed together. Learn more about this risk, including how you may be able to mitigate against it, in the following.

More on the Obesity Study

In their study, psychologists at Florida State University investigated a variety of unpredictable childhood experiences (family violence, divorce, moving to a new home, etc.) to determine if any of them increased the child's risk of obesity during adulthood. By far, divorce appeared to be the most influential factor. The researchers believe this may be because children of divorce are more likely to live for the "here and now," rather than the future, which may make them more likely to binge eat than children who have not experienced divorce. They may also be more likely to focus on short-term goals instead of long ones, which may also increase their risk of overspending, debt issues, early childbirth, and other potentially adverse life situations.

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 Posted on July 24, 2017 in Divorce

Recent changes in America's health care system has many citizens on edge, particularly when it comes to their health insurance coverage. The issue is so concerning, in fact, that some couples are delaying divorce. Thankfully, there may be other options. The following information explains these options, and it provides some tips on ensuring that your rights are well protected during an Illinois divorce.

Examining the Concerns of Divorcing Couples

Although the Affordable Care Act (ACA) made insurance easier to obtain and keep for many people in the United States - particularly those with pre-existing health conditions and individuals going through divorce - citizens were not as happy with it as the government had expected. Part of that was due to the rising costs of health insurance, which have been on a steep incline for years (as in, long before the ACA was initiated), but there were other factors behind America's dissatisfaction with the ACA. Now lawmakers are trying to repeal it, but finding a suitable replacement has been anything but easy.

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 Posted on July 13, 2017 in Mediation

Although mediation is ultimately about compromising with your spouse, you can (and should) attempt to tilt the scales in your favor as much as humanly possible. After all, the odds are that your spouse will attempt to do the very same thing. Learn more about the strategies that you can use your divorce mediation with help from the following information.

Why Choose Mediation?

Mediation may not be the most favorable option for every divorce, but it can be highly beneficial for some. For example, spouses that have minor children may find that mediation offers a more amicable approach than a litigated divorce. Couples with a high net worth may also prefer mediation since it can drastically reduce costs and improve their settlement. Mediation can also lead to a faster conclusion of your case if you and your spouse are willing to compromise. Still, if you have questions about whether mediation may be appropriate for you, it is wise to discuss your options with an experienced divorce lawyer before moving forward.

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 Posted on July 11, 2017 in Family Law

Children tend to do their best when they are supported and loved by both parents - that includes emotional, mental, physical, developmental, and financial assistance. The support system is typically built in when born to parents who are married; the child usually spends time with each parent, and even if a divorce occurs, the child will likely continue to have the support they need. What happens, though, when the parents are unmarried at the time of the child's birth? How, then, is paternity established, and how does the state of Illinois ensure the child is receiving the support they need?

The truth is, things can become a little more complicated. There may be questions as to whether the alleged father is, in fact, the child's biological parent. Until there is an answer, the child may lack the support that they need from one or even both parents. How can you keep this from happening to your child? First, you can ensure that you have worked to establish paternity. Second, you can seek child support, parenting time, and an allocation of parental responsibilities. Learn more about this process, including how the state of Illinois establishes paternity, with help from the following information.

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