Posted on July 31, 2023 in Divorce

Divorce is an emotionally, financially, and legally challenging process that can impact every aspect of your life. Navigating this complex terrain requires a holistic approach in order to pursue and achieve a successful outcome. While most individuals are aware of the importance of a competent divorce attorney, many overlook the unique benefits of also working with a divorce coach. Today, we will explore how the collaborative efforts of a divorce coach and an attorney can lead to a higher chance of favorable results in your divorce case.

Understanding the Role of a Divorce Coach

A divorce coach is a professional who combines emotional and practical support to help individuals effectively navigate the divorce process. While they are not always legal professionals, their skill lies in providing guidance, strategies, and resources to manage the emotional and relational aspects of divorce.

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 Posted on July 28, 2023 in Divorce

When it comes to filing for divorce, many individuals wonder if there are any advantages or disadvantages to being the first one to file. While it may seem like filing first could provide certain advantages, the reality is that, in most cases, it does not significantly impact the outcome of the divorce proceedings. Illinois is a “no-fault” divorce state, which means that the reason why the divorce is taking place, or who filed first, does not typically play a major role in the resulting settlement. However, it is important to consider various factors and consult with a divorce attorney to ensure the best possible outcome for your specific situation.

Someone Must Be at Fault, Right?

Regardless of why the divorce is taking place, the only grounds for divorce in Illinois are irreconcilable differences. This means that neither party needs to prove either was at fault for the disintegration of the marriage. Additionally, Illinois law dictates that the court does not favor one party over the other based on who filed first. Rather, the focus is on the equitable division of assets, child custody, and other relevant factors.

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 Posted on July 24, 2023 in Divorce

It is normal and common for a child to feel as if they are to blame when their parents get divorced. Many children struggle with self-blame when their parents begin to separate. They may reflect on times they have misbehaved and wonder whether it had anything to do with your decision to get divorced. Almost no parent would say that their child is the reason for their divorce. Reminding your child that they are not to blame in your divorce can help your child cope with the divorce in a more healthy way. It can be difficult for children to adjust to spending time with their parents in different households or only seeing one parent most or all of the time. Parents should take steps to protect their children’s emotional health during this time. Helping them understand that nothing happening is their fault can go a long way towards raising an emotionally healthy child after divorce.

Helping Your Child Understand That They Are Not at Fault

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 Posted on July 20, 2023 in Divorce

Substance abuse is an enormous social problem almost everywhere in the country. The large proportion of Americans who struggle with substance abuse means that illicit drugs are widely available and easily accessible. Many people are able to recover from addiction and go on to have normal, productive lives. However, if your spouse is addicted to drugs and has not put forth the effort to get clean, you may find that your marriage has become more of a burden than a boon. You are not obligated to stay and continue trying to take care of a person who will not do the work needed to take care of themselves. Divorce may be the best option for protecting yourself and any children involved. Unfortunately, getting a divorce from a substance abuser can be difficult. It is important to have skilled legal representation as you begin the often-difficult task of divorcing your addicted spouse.

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 Posted on July 14, 2023 in Family Law

When parents are getting a divorce or separating, one of the most contentious issues is often who will have more parenting time to spend with the children. Few parents are willing to give up any amount of time they could spend with their child in a shared custody arrangement. While Illinois has largely dispensed with the term “primary custody,” it does often work out so that one parent’s home is the child’s primary residence, while the other parent enjoys shorter amounts of parenting time. Determining which parent will have the children most of the time can be difficult for many families. One option that many parents choose is to enlist the help of a mediator and work out an arrangement by mutual agreement. However, in cases where this is not possible or practical for any reason, it typically falls to the court to make that decision. While a child’s input on the matter is important, it is not generally the deciding factor.

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 Posted on July 13, 2023 in Family Law

Many engaged couples feel that prenuptial agreements are unromantic. It can certainly feel less-than-hopeful when you and the person you are about to marry must discuss who keeps what in the event that you divorce later. During your engagement, you were likely focused on the details of your wedding and your dream of living happily ever after with your soon-to-be spouse. Once you are married, you may begin to think about whether you should have made a prenuptial agreement. Many married people believe that they have missed their chance to reach an agreement governing important issues. Fortunately, it is not too late to create what is called a postnuptial agreement. Both you and your spouse should be represented by an attorney when you begin the process of creating a postnuptial agreement.

Why Should My Spouse and I Make a Postnuptial Agreement? 

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 Posted on July 11, 2023 in Family Law

When parents with at least one child in common get divorced in Illinois and will share custody, they must file what is called a parenting plan. Parenting plans may also be needed for parents who were never married, but are separating. A parenting plan is more than a visitation schedule, and more than a child support order. Parenting plans include a wide variety of information and agreements or court orders. In many cases, parenting plans are developed by mutual agreement of the parents outside of court. These plans are of very high importance to both the parents involved and the children involved, as they make quite a few provisions regarding how co-parenting will work after the divorce is finalized. It is important to be represented by an attorney before you begin to discuss future co-parenting plans with your soon-to-be ex-spouse. An attorney can help you understand what rights you as a parent have and what rights your children have in this situation.

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 Posted on July 06, 2023 in Family Law

In Illinois, there are several paths to establishing that you are the father of your child. If you are married to the mother around the time the baby is born, you will likely be declared the father automatically. If this is the case, you do not need to take any further steps to become a legal father as well as a biological one. However, if you are not married to the mother, you will need to take additional steps. In some cases, you may even need to go to court to have yourself declared the legal parent of your child. A court can order a DNA test if the mother denies that you are the child’s birth father. However, the easiest way to establish legal parentage is usually by signing a voluntary acknowledgement of paternity. If you are unsure about your own path to legal parentage, it is best to speak with an attorney about what your options are.

Understanding a Voluntary Acknowledgement of Paternity

In nearly all contexts, Illinois law uses the term “parentage” instead of “paternity.” You may hear this document referred to as either a “voluntary acknowledgement of parentage” or a “voluntary acknowledgement of paternity.” This document is generally used by unmarried parents who want their child’s two legal parents established easily.

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 Posted on July 06, 2023 in Family Law

While most legal sources will strongly recommend using a prenuptial (or postnuptial) agreement in nearly all cases, there are quite a few negative things said about them. When you are engaged or newly married, you are likely to hear a lot of unsolicited advice pertaining to prenuptial agreements. Some of your friends may believe that these agreements are unromantic, while others may tell you that they are absolutely necessary in order to protect your personal assets in the event of a future divorce. It can be difficult to tell what is true about prenuptial agreements and what is misinformation. Before you begin working out an agreement with your soon-to-be spouse, it is best to speak with an attorney. An attorney can answer any questions you have about how prenuptial agreements work and what they should include.

Common Misinformation About Prenuptial Agreements

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 Posted on July 01, 2023 in Family Law

It is crucial to understand the importance of a prenuptial agreement in marriage, including its purpose, benefits, and drawbacks before making a decision. Even if you do not plan on getting one, it's helpful to have knowledge about it to be prepared in advance.

Understanding Premarital Agreements

A premarital agreement, commonly known as a "prenup," is a legal agreement that two indiviuals sign before getting married or entering a civil partnership. Prenuptial agreements have been used for a significant amount of time, but they have become increasingly popular in recent years.

Premarital agreements can be helpful for many couples, but there are misconceptions that they are only for the rich or signify a lack of trust. Actually, a premarital agreement is a sensible measure that couples can take before tying the knot.

Why People Choose Premarital Agreements

There are numerous reasons why a couple might opt for a premarital agreement. These can include protecting individual assets, clarifying financial rights and responsibilities during marriage, and streamlining the divorce process should it occur. Far from indicating a lack of trust, these agreements can foster open and honest communication about financial matters, helping to strengthen the relationship.

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