Every year, thousands of Americans choose to file for divorce. In many cases, the couples elect to separate amicably, and they may believe that their divorce will be a seamless transition into independent life. Some people are so confident in the mutual nature of the separation that they elect to represent themselves throughout the divorce process. This process is known as pro se divorce litigation. 

People may decide to navigate the divorce process without the guidance of a legal professional for a number of different reasons. The couple may believe they can separate peacefully, there may be no children or substantial assets involved, or a person may not believe they can afford an attorney. Regardless of the rationale behind the decision to pursue pro se divorce litigation, the consequences of self-representation can be crippling to your future. If you are seeking a divorce, your best option is to speak with a qualified attorney as soon as possible.

The Benefits of a Legal Professional 

Although many couples believe that they can complete their divorce in a peaceful and mutually beneficial manner, in all reality, almost every single divorce process comes with unforeseen complications and obstacles. Listed below are just a few of the reasons why hiring a divorce attorney can save you from difficulties down the road:

On February 8th, 2019, a man shot and killed his wife in their home in Blaine, Minnesota. The 46-year-old victim had served her husband divorce papers the previous November, but the couple continued to live together. While it has not yet been established whether or not the marriage was violent prior to the tragic incident, for victims of abusive relationships, the event served as a startling reminder of the risks of staying in a situation involving domestic violence. If you are seeking a way out of an unhealthy or abusive relationship, our legal team can work with you to expedite the divorce process and help you obtain the protection you need. 

The Risks of Domestic Violence 

According to a recent study conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over 50% of homicides with female victims are committed by intimate partners of the victim. It is important to understand the urgency to escape a violent relationship. Listed below are a few reasons why it is important to leave a violent or abusive situation as quickly as possible: 

• Potential for Gun Violence: According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV), the presence of a gun in an abusive relationship increases the chance of homicide by 500%. Unfortunately, roughly 19% of all domestic violence cases involve a weapon. Do not be afraid to seek out help as you look to remove yourself from a violent situation. 
• Impact on Children: A violent marriage can have a severely damaging impact on your children. Approximately 1 in every 15 American children are witnesses to some form of domestic violence. Being around a violent relationship as a child can lead to depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues down the road. In the most tragic situations, relationship violence can also lead to violence against children. 
• Mental and Emotional Health Implications: When experiencing intimate partner abuse, it can be difficult to leave the relationship for a number of reasons, including the desire to protect someone you once loved. Still, it is crucial to remove yourself from the relationship for your own personal health. Experiencing regular abuse can lead to severe post-traumatic stress, depression, and addiction. 

Contact a Wheaton Divorce Lawyer

At The Stogsdill Law Firm, P.C., our legal team fully understands how emotionally difficult domestic violence is for the victim. Fortunately, our team can assist you in obtaining an order of protection, if necessary, as well as speeding up the divorce process. No one deserves to be in a violent marriage. To schedule a meeting with an adept DuPage County family law attorney, call our office today at 630-462-9500. 

Preparing for a wedding is a time of love and happiness. Discussions about the location of the wedding, who to invite, and the potential of children down the road can all be fun conversations. However, some discussions are much more difficult to prepare for. Broaching the subject of a prenuptial agreement with your partner can be one of the most difficult conversations of your life, but it can also be one of the most important. In the case of a divorce, the lack of a prenuptial agreement could cost you. 

When Is a Prenup Needed? 

A prenuptial agreement is a document that details exactly what will happen to a couple’s finances in the event of divorce, including how certain property will be divided and whether one spouse will pay financial support to the other. In certain circumstances, a prenup can be incredibly important, ensuring that you have a secure financial future, no matter what happens in your marriage. A prenuptial agreement can be especially helpful if you have children from a prior marriage, if one party owns a business, or if you or your partner have significant assets going into the marriage. If you believe that a prenuptial agreement is important to securing your financial well-being, speak with a qualified family law team. 

Speaking With Your Future Spouse About a Prenuptial Agreement

Having a conversation with your partner about the future of your finances can be tricky, but there are ways in which you can approach the discussion in a compassionate and respectful manner. Here are some things to consider: 

A recent scientific study concluded that the divorce rate has been steadily rising over the past four decades. The study, which was published by a pair of sociologists at the University of California at Irvine, analyzed divorce statistics from 1970 to 2008 in countries from around the world, including India, Russia, and a number of Scandinavian nations, and it found that the divorce rate in most countries is primarily dictated by economic and religious factors. With more and more couples around the globe considering a separation, it is fascinating to look at the factors that are contributing to the steady rise in divorce. 

Primary Factors in Divorce Trends 

After conducting the four-decade study on divorce rates within 83 different countries, the results were clear: the divorce rate is rising in countries with increased economic development. This may be attributed to a variety of reasons, including:

• Women in the Workforce: In the vast majority of countries with high divorce rates, the study concluded that these nations had generally high numbers of women in the workforce. Having the ability to maintain a full-time job and financially support themselves provides women with the freedom to leave a toxic or unhealthy relationship. Unfortunately, many people elect to stay in loveless marriages due to the financial insecurity of independent life. 
• Higher Gross Incomes and Education Rates: After conducting their research, the two UCI sociologists were interested to find that the countries with higher divorce rates have higher gross incomes and generally higher education rates. The divorce process can be a costly procedure, and it is clear to see that there is a correlation between higher average incomes and higher divorce rates. It is also interesting to note that the nations with high divorce rates have many people attend some form of secondary education. 
• Lessening Religious Pressure: Another fascinating aspect of the study was the role that religion seems to play in divorce rates. In countries in which a large portion of the population practices Catholicism, such as Italy, the divorce rate was consistently low. It is also notable that predominantly Muslim countries had relatively low rates of divorce. However, the pressures to stay in an unhealthy relationship can come with some unfortunate ramifications, so couples should be aware of their options for ending their marriage.  

Contact a Wheaton Family Law Attorney 

At the Stogsdill Law Firm, P.C., our legal team is experienced in helping clients navigate the divorce process. A divorce can represent a new opportunity for independence and happiness, but divorces can also be incredibly complicated and emotionally difficult. After decades of operation within the state of Illinois, our team is confident in our ability to assist you with issues such as child custody, property division, and other aspects of your divorce settlement. To schedule a meeting with a knowledgeable DuPage County divorce attorney, call us today at 630-462-9500. 

Over 100,000 children are adopted throughout the United States each year. It can be a wonderful thing for children needing a family and parents looking for a child to love. While many families yearn to adopt a child, the adoption process can be incredibly complicated. Every single adoption comes with its own complexities, and the process can be quite difficult for families to tackle on their own. If your family is interested in adopting a child, an experienced adoption attorney can assist you as you look to welcome another member into your family.

Types of Adoption in Illinois

Here in the state of Illinois, there are four primary types of adoption: private adoptions, agency adoptions, international adoptions, and related adoptions.

• Private adoption is when adoptive parents and biological parents set up the adoption without the use of an agency;
• An agency adoption is facilitated by a private agency. When foster children are involved, the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services may handle the adoption. They, too, are considered a private agency; 
• International adoption is an adoption in which a family adopts a child from another country;
• Related adoption is the technical term for an instance in which a family member adopts a child within their own family. These types of adoptions are common among step-parents, grandparents, and extended family members, such as aunts and uncles.

Preparing for Your Adoption

Regardless of the type of adoption that you are pursuing, success in the process is only possible through extensive preparation. Listed below are a few steps that your family can take to prepare for the adoption: