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 health or family law professional, which combines assessment, education, case … Continue reading Hope for High Conflict Parents
Category Archives: Divorce & Legal Separation
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 the marriage How the business is structured and owned Whether … Continue reading Navigating Divorce When You Share a Business
“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 break up? What are their rights or claims against the … Continue reading “MARRIAGE WITH NO RINGS ATTACHED”: RIGHTS OF UNMARRIED COUPLES UPON BREAKUP
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 narcissists. Regardless of the ultimate outcome, one thing is certain–a … Continue reading DIVORCING THE DEEP NARCISSIST: GET OUT OF THE BOILING POT!
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 mother heading towards divorce, you have a lot on your … Continue reading Effective Strategies to Handle a Divorce during Pregnancy
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 the new living conditions. The hardest part of a divorce … Continue reading The Best Co-Parenting Advice for Divorced Couples
HOW DIVORCE LAWYERS CAN LEND A HELPING HAND IN DIFFICULT TIMES
Getting a divorce can be complex as well as harrowing. Though most divorce lawyers are experts in their domain, not all are capable of giving an honest opinion about your legal rights. When you hire a divorce attorney, you are entrusting him/her with the most sensitive aspects of your life. Consequently, a divorce attorney should not only be able to understand your personal situation and … Continue reading HOW DIVORCE LAWYERS CAN LEND A HELPING HAND IN DIFFICULT TIMES
Maintenance Merry Go Round: Further Changes to Illinois Maintenance Law
Introduction Under longstanding tax law, maintenance was tax deductible by the payer and taxable income to the recipient. By using maintenance, families could shift income from a higher earning spouse’s upper tax rate to the lower earning spouse’s often negligible tax rate. As a result, families had more cash available to divide as part of the divorce settlement. Due to recent changes in federal tax law, original … Continue reading Maintenance Merry Go Round: Further Changes to Illinois Maintenance Law
No Kidding: How to Talk to Children about Your Divorce
Regardless of their age, kids are the worst affected during a divorce. Statistics reveal, nearly 50 percent of all American kids witness their parental separation by the age of 16, affecting their physical and emotional state of mind. Sadly, when they are unable to cope with the stress, they display upsetting reactions of shock, gloominess, frustration, and anger. More often than not, divorcing couples become … Continue reading No Kidding: How to Talk to Children about Your Divorce
Headed for Divorce? Know What to Do and What to Skip
A divorce is one of the most stressful events in an individual’s life. Couples often experience mixed feelings of sadness, betrayal, depression, anger, and fear, forcing them to take certain actions, only to regret them at a later stage. If you are heading for a divorce, the emotional turbulence during this period can be very upsetting, leaving you in no state to make decisions in … Continue reading Headed for Divorce? Know What to Do and What to Skip