Posted on July 07, 2026 in Divorce

Today, the divorce rate in America is on a steady decline. In large part, this decline is due to the fact that many young Americans are not pursuing divorce. However, among elderly Americans, the divorce rate has been rising over the past few decades. According to the Pew Research Center, divorce has doubled among Americans over the age of 50 since 1990. If you believe that a gray divorce is the right choice for you, it is time to speak with an attorney you can trust.

At The Stogsdill Law Firm, P.C., our attorneys have over 100 years of combined experience, and we have earned a reputation as one of the most respected firms in the area. Our DuPage County, IL gray divorce lawyers are ready to discuss your case with you and work to protect your rights.

Are Retirement Accounts Considered Marital Property in a Gray Divorce?

In Illinois, retirement accounts earned during a marriage are usually treated as marital property. This includes pensions, 401(k) plans, and individual retirement accounts. It does not matter whose name is on the account. If the money was saved while the couple was married, a court will often view it as property that belongs to both spouses.

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 Posted on June 19, 2026 in Divorce

Many decisions made during a divorce have long-lasting consequences, both personally and financially. One such decision may involve choosing between opening new lines of credit during the divorce or waiting until the process is finalized. If you are considering opening a new line of credit during your divorce, discussing the matter with your experienced Wheaton, IL family law attorney is prudent.

At The Stogsdill Law Firm, P.C., we know that divorce can come with serious financial stress. As one of the most respected family law firms in the area, we can advise you of your best option to safeguard your wealth in the long term. We also have over 100 years of combined experience, allowing us to provide qualified, confident counsel.

Is It Worth It to Open a New Line of Credit During Your Divorce?

Opening new credit cards during a divorce can offer a sense of freedom and the ability to manage expenses. However, it can also complicate the division of assets and debts. Any debts incurred during the marriage, even if only one spouse's name is on the account, may be considered marital debts, potentially making both parties responsible for repayment.

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 Posted on June 13, 2026 in Child Support

The majority of the children in the United States who are not in school have parents who are in the workforce. This makes childcare critical, not only for working parents but also for the early learning and development of the children. Options for childcare can be limited, and costs are high. Many parents barely make enough at their jobs to pay for childcare. High-quality childcare is simply inaccessible for many families in the United States.

One parent may be designated as the primary residential parent, with the other having parenting time. A comprehensive parenting plan is meant to ensure the child's best interests are consistently met. If you are going through a divorce, having an experienced Wheaton, IL family law attorney from The Stogsdill Law Firm, P.C. to help you is highly advisable. As a large law firm with over 100 years of experience, we have the necessary resources to support you throughout your divorce, yet we offer the highly personalized services of a smaller firm.

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 Posted on June 06, 2026 in Divorce

Unfortunately, there is no easy way to get around the average cost of divorce. While it may be possible for some spouses who own very few assets and who get along reasonably well to save money by filing for an uncontested divorce, most couples have numerous issues that take time and resources to negotiate. While you may already know that divorce is likely to be expensive, you may not know exactly which expenses to anticipate. 

At The Stogsdill Law Firm, P.C., we believe that the more information you have about divorce, the better prepared you will be to manage yours. Our DuPage County, IL family law attorneys can help you stay on track throughout your divorce to avoid unnecessary expenses. With over 100 years of experience, we have become renowned in our local community for our dedicated counsel and representation.

What is the Cost of Filing for Divorce in Illinois?

While every case is different, several expenses can contribute to the cost of divorce. Typically, the more contested it is, the more it will cost.

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 Posted on June 02, 2026 in Property Division

Marriage can come with serious financial responsibilities that may raise questions in the event of a divorce. One very common concern that arises during the property division part of divorce proceedings is the issue of medical debt, and whether one spouse is responsible for the other's medical expenses. In Illinois, understanding the laws about medical debt in the context of divorce is crucial for protecting your financial well-being. For issues involving divorce, medical debt, and more, contact a Wheaton, IL family law attorney for tailored legal assistance.

The Stogsdill Law Firm, P.C. is recognized as one of the most prestigious family law firms in DuPage County and greater Illinois. With over 100 years of combined experience, we have molded our firm to meet the needs of families and individuals facing a variety of legal circumstances. We have successfully represented many clients, and we are ready to represent you.

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 Posted on May 21, 2026 in Divorce

Divorce can be a complicated and emotionally charged process, and property division is often one of the most contentious issues. In Illinois, inherited property is generally considered separate property and not subject to division in a divorce settlement. However, some exceptions to this rule can make things more complicated. 

If you are getting a divorce, it is in your best interest to seek skilled legal representation to help ensure your rights are protected. At The Stogsdill Law Firm, P.C., our Wheaton, IL divorce lawyers can help you pursue a favorable division of property, as we have over 100 years of combined experience. We are recognized as one of the most prestigious law firms in DuPage County thanks to our devoted counsel and representation, so you can trust us to address any concerns about inherited property with care.

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 Posted on May 15, 2026 in Property Division

QDROs (Qualified Domestic Relations Orders) and QILDROs (Qualified Income Reduction Orders) are legal orders issued by a court to divide retirement assets between divorcing spouses. If you are getting a divorce, consider working with a qualified Wheaton, IL family law attorney who can guide you through the legal process.

At The Stogsdill Law Firm, P.C., we have more than 100 years of legal experience representing clients in serious matters, including divorce. If you are concerned about what will happen to your retirement assets, our firm can take a firm stance in negotiations on your behalf.

What Is a QDRO?

In Illinois, a QDRO is a legal order that provides instructions for dividing a qualified retirement plan, such as a 401(k) or pension plan, in a divorce. QDROs are considered beneficial tools in protecting retirement accounts' tax benefits.

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 Posted on May 08, 2026 in Property Division

When any couple gets divorced in Illinois, one of the many issues they will have to address is how property will be divided between the two of them. The property division process can be taxing, especially if spouses cannot agree on how the property should be distributed. In some cases, issues can arise when one spouse does not agree with the marital and non-marital property designations assigned to certain assets. 

Many couples have expensive and valuable assets, such as the family home, vehicles, and perhaps even a business or professional practice. Determining a correct designation for those assets is crucial to getting a fair distribution of marital property. However, determining what is and is not marital property is not always as clear-cut as you would think. At The Stogsdill Law Firm, P.C., our Wheaton, IL divorce lawyers have over 100 years of shared legal experience, allowing us to shed light on complex property matters.

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 Posted on May 02, 2026 in Divorce

In the early stages of divorce proceedings, the petitioner, or the party who files for divorce, must submit a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage. The individual who is served divorce papers, also known as the respondent, is then given the opportunity to reply to the divorce petition and participate in the divorce proceedings. During this period, the respondent may take issue with some of the petitioner's choices concerning matters such as the division of marital property, child custody, or other issues. The petitioner and respondent can negotiate terms to try to reach a settlement with help from their attorneys. If a settlement cannot be reached, the divorce case then progresses to a trial where a judge will handle unresolved issues.

However, what happens if the respondent relinquishes their opportunity to partake in the divorce, refuses to respond, or cannot be located? In this situation, the court can choose to enter something called a default judgment.

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 Posted on April 22, 2026 in Mediation

Couples seeking a divorce in DuPage County, IL often have a difficult time reaching an agreement on important issues like property division and child custody. Although couples are encouraged to resolve their differences themselves outside of court, the nature of divorce makes it very difficult for most couples to do so. When a couple cannot achieve a compromise, and the divorce process has already begun, the judge presiding over the case may appoint a mediator at the couple's expense.

As with any dispute in which a mediator is involved, the goal is to reach a resolution that is satisfactory to both parties. However, a court-appointed mediator has its limitations, and couples sometimes find that a private mediator better suits their needs. At The Stogsdill Law Firm, P.C., our Wheaton, IL family law attorneys can help you explore your options for mediation, drawing on over 100 years of combined experience and past successes in disputed divorces.

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