Posted on May 12, 2025 in Divorce

A divorce can disrupt nearly every aspect of your life, and the future of your financial situation is likely to be a top concern. If your spouse handled the money, if you gave up a career to raise children, or if you are walking away from years of shared assets and debts, it is only natural to ask: Will I be left with nothing? 

The good news is that Illinois law is not designed to punish one spouse or reward another. Instead, it focuses on equitable outcomes that reflect each person's contributions, financial or otherwise. Whether you were the breadwinner, the caregiver, or somewhere in between, a Kane County family law attorney will fight to ensure you receive a fair share of what was built during the marriage. 

How Does Illinois Divide Property in a Divorce?

Illinois adheres to the principle of equitable distribution when dividing marital property. This approach is not necessarily a 50/50 split; instead, it focuses on achieving a division that is fair to both spouses based on the unique circumstances of the marriage.

Continue Reading ››

 Posted on May 05, 2025 in Spousal Maintenance

Imagine this: You are making monthly spousal maintenance payments to your former spouse as required by your divorce agreement. You then discover that he or she is living with a new partner. Understandably, you may wonder if you still have to pay spousal maintenance, especially if the couple shares a home, splits expenses, and appears to provide for each other. Since this new relationship has changed your ex’s financial situation, does it justify modifying or terminating support payments?

Many people face this scenario after divorce, and it can raise several questions when long-term maintenance is involved. However, specific situations under Illinois law can allow for a modification or termination of spousal maintenance. A Kane County divorce lawyer can help you understand whether your circumstances meet the legal criteria for modifying maintenance and guide you through the proper steps to request a change.

Continue Reading ››

 Posted on April 30, 2025 in Divorce

When your lifestyle, legacy, and financial future are on the line, a divorce can feel like a high-risk negotiation. For those who are going through a high-asset divorce, it can be stressful to deal with complex asset divisions, business valuations, and intense emotional strain. In these situations, a divorce coach is essential to maintaining your well-being. With a coach guiding your mindset and an Illinois divorce lawyer protecting your legal rights, you can approach each decision with strength, strategy, and composure.

What Is a Divorce Coach?

A divorce coach is a trained professional who helps people manage the emotional and logistical challenges of divorce. While not a therapist or legal advisor, a divorce coach focuses on helping you stay clear-headed and focused on your long-term goals. In high-asset divorces, where decisions often involve business ownership, intricate property division, and lifestyle transitions, a divorce coach plays an important role in helping you move forward with intention.

Continue Reading ››

 Posted on April 29, 2025 in Divorce

Divorce is rarely simple, but what happens when your spouse vanishes—no texts, no forwarding address, not even a social media post to track him or her down? For some, the end of a marriage does not come with closure, but instead with unanswered questions and a missing partner. Whether your spouse intentionally disappeared or simply drifted out of contact, you might feel trapped in a legal limbo.

The good news is that Illinois law does not require you to remain married just because your spouse cannot be found. If you are ready to move forward but do not know where your spouse is, a skilled Illinois family law attorney can help you explore legal alternatives and guide you through the process.

What Happens If My Spouse Cannot Be Located?

In Illinois, a person can still file for divorce even if his or her spouse is missing. Normally, both spouses must be notified of the divorce proceedings through a legal procedure called "service of process". However, when a spouse cannot be found after a diligent search, the court may allow a different method known as "service by publication".

Continue Reading ››

 Posted on April 24, 2025 in Family Law

When parents divorce or separate, many focus on immediate needs like child custody, parenting time, and child support. But what happens when that child is ready to attend college? Illinois parents may be surprised to learn that their financial responsibilities do not always end when their child turns 18. A judge can order one or both parents to help pay for college—even years after a divorce is finalized.

Whether you are planning for your child’s future or facing a dispute about education costs, an Illinois family law attorney can help you understand the legal rights and options for your specific circumstances.

What Does State Law Say About College Costs?

Illinois courts can order separated or divorced parents to contribute to a child’s college expenses, which can include tuition, housing, books, transportation, and even health insurance. This law treats college-related expenses separately from typical child support. These contributions can be court-ordered even if the child is legally an adult, as long as he or she is actively pursuing a college education.

Continue Reading ››

 Posted on April 22, 2025 in Divorce

 Posted on April 22, 2025 in Divorce

When going through a divorce, conversations with your attorney can feel like the only safe space to vent, strategize, and seek guidance. However, it is natural to wonder—is anything I say to my lawyer truly private? With emotions running high and relationships strained, protecting your legal conversations becomes just as important as protecting your assets or parental rights.

Fortunately, Illinois law offers clear protections to ensure confidential discussions with your lawyer stay confidential. An Illinois family law attorney can help you understand these protections and what actions might put your privacy at risk.

What Is Attorney-Client Privilege?

Attorney-client privilege is a legal concept that protects communications between a client and his or her attorney from being shared without the client’s consent. This was created to allow clients to speak openly and honestly with their lawyers, which is vital in building a strong legal case. Therefore, if you tell your lawyer something about your marriage, finances, or personal concerns during a divorce case, that information is generally protected.

Continue Reading ››

 Posted on April 18, 2025 in Family Law

When a couple separates or divorces, they often work hard to maintain emotional, logistical, and financial stability for their children. Sometimes, parents may agree that formal child support is unnecessary, especially if they earn similar incomes or equally share parenting time. Even when both parents are on the same page, waiving child support is not as simple as signing an agreement. It is important to understand what the law allows, and an Illinois family law attorney can help you navigate your legal responsibilities and make informed decisions.

Can Parents Make a Private Agreement to Waive Child Support?

In Illinois, parents cannot waive child support simply because they agree to do so. Child support is considered the right of the child, not the parents. Under state law, the court is required to ensure that a child’s financial needs are met, regardless of whether the parents agree to waive support.

Continue Reading ››

 Posted on April 15, 2025 in Divorce

 Posted on April 15, 2025 in Divorce

Spousal maintenance can have a major impact on your financial future after divorce. One of the most pressing questions for those ordered to pay is: How long will these payments last? In Illinois, the answer is not always straightforward. The duration of maintenance depends on several factors, including how long you were married, the type of support awarded, and whether circumstances change over time. Navigating these rules can be overwhelming, but an Illinois divorce lawyer can help you understand your obligations and work toward a fair outcome under state law.

What Types of Spousal Maintenance Are There?

Illinois courts can order different types of spousal maintenance, each with its own purpose, duration, and rules for modification. These include:

Continue Reading ››

 Posted on April 14, 2025 in Divorce

While divorce marks the end of a chapter, the decisions you make during the process can impact your future for years to come. Whether you and your spouse are parting on good terms or navigating a more contentious split, divorce is rarely simple. Mistakes made during this time can lead to unnecessary stress, financial setbacks, or unfavorable custody arrangements. By working with an Illinois family law attorney who can help you understand what to avoid, you can protect your rights and make smart choices.

Hiding Assets or Income

Some people may attempt to protect their finances by hiding assets or not reporting income during a divorce. However, both spouses are legally required to fully disclose their assets, debts, and income. Attempting to conceal information can result in court sanctions, loss of credibility, and an unfavorable financial settlement. Therefore, it is important to be honest and transparent in all financial disclosures.

Continue Reading ››

 Posted on April 08, 2025 in Divorce

Divorce is never easy, but understanding your legal options can help you take back control during this emotionally difficult time. One of the first and most important choices you will face is whether your divorce will be uncontested or contested. These two paths can look very different when it comes to time, cost, and emotional stress. Knowing the difference and which path fits your situation can help you make informed decisions. An Illinois family law attorney can guide you through the process and work toward the best possible outcome for your future.

What Is an Uncontested Divorce?

In Illinois, you can file for a no-fault divorce based on irreconcilable differences. This allows couples to divorce without having to prove any wrongdoings or disagreements.

Continue Reading ››