It is common for engaged couples to make purchases before their wedding day, with the intent that the two will use these items when they are united in marriage. Often, soon-to-be spouses will invest in real estate or other high-ticket items. However, when the unfortunate happens and the once-happy couple decides to divorce, there are often questions regarding this property and how it will be equitably divided during the divorce process. The Illinois divorce statute speaks to exactly this situation, defining these items as purchases “in anticipation of marriage.” You should discuss the …

Signs on CTA vehicles and other heavily trafficked areas around town are common. They may state, “Low Cost Divorce, Just $99 Flat Fee,” or other similar text. At first glance, a “low cost divorce” might seem like a good idea, especially if you and your spouse can agree on most factors involving your divorce. However, there is a lot of information these ads leave out, including hidden fees that make your total cost much higher than the $99 as advertised. As a warning about low cost divorce in Illinois, consider a few additional factors these firms will not tell you upfront.

Under Illinois law, divorcing parents may present a mutually agreed plan for decision-making responsibilities and a schedule for parenting time regarding minor children. The statute encourages parents to agree by including a caveat if they cannot cooperate: The court will make decisions regarding parenting time, taking control out of the hands of a divorcing couple. Therefore, it is important to at least try to come to an agreement on parenting time in the plan you submit to the court as part of the divorce process. An Illinois divorce lawyer can assist you in covering the primary factors to…

Children are impacted by a divorce just as much as their parents, but their situation is also unique due to their age. Minors cannot represent themselves in court and are often too young to understand their own best interests, which is the paramount factor in determining parental responsibility allocation. In a contested case or under other circumstances, a judge may decide to appoint an advocate for the child. Under Illinois law, the court has three options:

Absent an agreement of divorcing parties regarding their assets, a court will make an equitable distribution of property to each spouse as part of the dissolution of marriage process in Illinois. However, before dividing up the items, it is necessary to establish which assets are considered “marital” and “non-martial” under state law. While the distinction may be clear-cut for certain assets, the line between the two types of property may not be as obvious for others. There are rules that establish the difference between marital and non-marital property in Illinois, so …

The Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act defines the allocation of parental responsibilities when parents of minor children divorce, stating that it includes both parenting time and decision-making regarding the child. The law covers various aspects of raising a child, like choices involving education, healthcare, and religion. The Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act also refers to extracurricular activities, which might be obvious interests and pastimes the child enjoys. However, many parents overlook the importance of online activities in a child’…

There are several matters that a court will determine during the divorce process in Illinois, and spousal maintenance is among the top issues that a judge will decide. The term spousal maintenance refers to the financial support that one ex-spouse pays to the other, commonly known as “alimony.”

Congratulations are in order if you have decided to move forward with adoption, but there is also a lot to do to get ready for your new member of the family. From initial legal considerations to making the child feel welcome on arrival, you want to make sure things runs smoothly through every step of the process. While every family’s situation is unique, you can set the stage for success by following a few tips on preparing for your Illinois adoption.

As the relationship between a couple starts to fall apart and divorce appears to be imminent, one spouse may be tempted to hide assets and income to avoid distribution with the other spouse in a disposition of marital property. Alternatively, one spouse may conceal property in order to have it excluded when a court determines child support or spousal maintenance.

When you file for divorce in Illinois and there are minor children involved, parents have 120 days to file a Parenting Plan with the court. If you and your spouse agree on decision-making for the child, living arrangements, and other critical factors, you can file jointly; where there are areas of disagreement, you will have to file separately. Moreover, there are certain requirements you will need to include in the Parenting Plan. Therefore, it is important to discuss these and other essentials required by law with an Illinois parental responsibilities attorney.

The most common reason for not hiring a lawyer to assist with divorce in Illinois isn not surprising: Many spouses believe they cannot afford legal representation, so they decide to go it alone. You may agree with this position yourself, thinking you can rely on the Internet for assistance with the process. However, attempting to represent yourself in divorce without a legal background is a mistake—similar to trying to fix your car without mechanical training.

Illinois law takes a child’s well-being very seriously, specifically recognizing the right of every child to the physical, emotional, and financial support of both parents—regardless of whether they are unwed, married, divorced, or adoptive.