Divorce & Legal Separation
Understanding the Complexities of High-Net-Worth Divorce: A Guide to the Unique Challenges in Divorces Involving Significant Assets
The emotional fallout from a breakup makes most divorces difficult. But when significant assets are involved, the process becomes even more complex. High-net-worth divorces require careful steering through numerous rocks, from the division of valuable financial holdings to ensuring the preservation of privacy. For those in these situations, understanding the complexities of the process is…
Cheater Insurance: One Option if Your Spouse has an Affair
Infidelity is not a product of the twenty-first century. It’s been around forever. But what is relatively new are legal options for betrayed spouses. While Illinois has rejected considerations of fault in divorce, through some advance planning, a wayward spouse can potentially be held accountable for his or her extracurricular activities. Many affairs are circumstantial…
Hope for High Conflict Parents
The Illinois Supreme Court has made it easier for co-parents suffering high conflict relationships. With the adoption of Illinois Supreme Court Rule 909, courts can now require parents to use a parenting coordinator to resolve ongoing parenting disagreements. Rule 909 defines “parenting coordination” as “a child-focused alternative dispute resolution process conducted by a licensed mental…
What to Do if You Are Considering a Divorce
Navigating the intricate labyrinth of emotions and legal intricacies when contemplating a divorce can be an overwhelming and daunting endeavor. In such a pivotal moment, seeking clarity and guidance is essential to make informed decisions that will shape the course of your life. This blog post serves as a compass in those uncharted waters, offering…
How To Know When it’s Time to Divorce Your Narcissistic Spouse, By Dr. Natalie Jones, PsyD, LPCC
Divorce is not an easy decision to make, especially when you have always believed that you were going to be married forever. However, what you didn’t count on when you promised to stay with your partner forever is that they would drastically change. Your spouse literally became the living form of Dr. Jekyll and Mr./Mrs….
Navigating Divorce When You Share a Business
Division of assets in a divorce can be a difficult and contentious process under any circumstances. When there’s a business in the mix, the stakes are often higher and the process even more complicated. The options for divorcing business owners vary depending on several factors, such as: Whether one party owned the business prior to…
“marriage With No Rings Attached”: Rights Of Unmarried Couples Upon Breakup
Many couples reject the formalities of marriage and instead choose to live together in a committed relationship. Often referred to as a “common law marriage,” couples who live together do not have the same rights as married spouses. Illinois (like most states) does not recognize common-law marriages. But what happens when unmarried couples decide to…
Divorcing The Deep Narcissist: Get Out Of The Boiling Pot!
In recognition of the World Narcissistic Abuse Awareness Day on June 1, I wanted to address some of the very real challenges for anyone divorcing a narcissist. According to psychcentral.com, over 158 million Americans suffer from narcissistic abuse. As a divorce lawyer of over 30 years, I have seen patterns of behavior in divorces involving…
Effective Strategies to Handle a Divorce During Pregnancy
Having a baby is a joyful period in a couple’s life. Yet, in cases of infidelity, abandonment, abuse, or irreconcilable differences between couples, divorce may be the only option. The pain of going through a divorce can leave anyone emotionally distraught, but with pregnancy, the situation gets complicated beyond imagination. If you are an expectant…
The Best Co-Parenting Advice for Divorced Couples
Divorce is tough on kids; yet, research reveals effective co-parenting can help divorced couples raise independent and confident kids, thereby helping the family navigate future trials and tribulations. Conscious co-parenting can make your kids feel secure and assured of the love of both their parents, encouraging them to easily adjust to your marital split and…