Sometimes, no matter how promising the beginning, relationships must come to an end. When a partnership is no longer viable, and the parties involved seek a way out, divorce is the best solution. That doesn’t mean it’s the easiest solution, which can be especially true during the era of COVID-19. While much of society ground to a halt, specific industries can’t do the same – … Continue reading Divorce and COVID-19: New Challenges and Smart Solutions →

A divorce is never an easy process, but the COVID-19 pandemic has presented both lawyers and clients alike with an unprecedented set of circumstances. Gathering in a small room for mediation or divorce hearings is no longer a feasible option for many individuals, and the demand for divorce proceedings has been on the rise as the pandemic drags on. To better serve their clients, the … Continue reading COVID & Divorce: A New Process for a New Age →

The holiday season is a painful reminder of loss and the absence of people no longer in your life. Recovery from divorce or other loss is more challenging during the holidays. As the season is upon us, be mindful of your feelings. Here are some suggestions to help those transitioning during this challenging time: 1.) Start New Traditions You no longer are obligated to participate … Continue reading Holidays and Divorce: When the Holidays aren’t so Jolly →

Escaping an abusive relationship can be a difficult and scary situation. Victims of domestic abuse are often afraid to speak out, and many have trouble finding the resources they need. Fortunately, spousal abuse claims are taken very seriously by family courts, which means that the most important thing a victim can do is act as soon as possible. Take the Necessary Measures Right Away If … Continue reading Divorcing an Abusive Spouse →

Divorce can be difficult and stressful under the best of circumstances. Domestic violence–or even allegations of domestic violence–can trigger additional issues and challenges. If you are the victim of domestic violence, you may need a protective order before or at the same time you file for divorce, to secure temporary possession of your home and protect against any backlash the divorce petition may trigger. On … Continue reading Domestic Violence and Divorce in Illinois →

I recently wrote about the options for dividing, disposing of, or continuing to operate a business that was owned jointly by a divorcing couple. But, that’s just one of many scenarios that may arise when a business or interest in a business is at issue in a divorce case.  Here are the key questions in play when one spouse wholly or partially owns the business:  Is … Continue reading Dividing Assets When One Spouse Owns a Business →

Co-parenting under optimal circumstances requires prompt communication, incredible patience, and the flexibility to change a parenting arrangement with little, if any, notice. Some parents thrive with routines, while other parents adapt well to rapid changes. Rapid change for a child is called summer break, where the educational routines of the past nine months go out the proverbial window to be replaced by an active schedule … Continue reading CO-PARENTING IN SUMMER: HOW TO AVOID THE LEGAL SUMMERTIME BLUES →

Sharing parenting time can be a challenge, even when both parents live in the same town. Distance, of course, makes splitting time and exchanging children even more complicated. When the parents live in different states, there may be added legal issues and procedural requirements, as well.  Practical Issues in Interstate Custody Cases One obvious challenge in most interstate cases is the way travel time and … Continue reading Parenting Across State Lines →

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. Hyde. To say that living with them has become unbearable … Continue reading How To Know When it’s Time to Divorce Your Narcissistic Spouse, By Dr. Natalie Jones, PsyD, LPCC →

In recognition of the World Narcissistic Abuse Awareness Day on June 1st. Life with a malignant narcissist is crippling.  These cads chip away at your self worth and confidence every day. Like a slow-growing cancer, you often don’t recognize the danger until it’s too late. They always blame you even when it’s not your fault. After being told daily that you are worthless (both directly … Continue reading Stare down the Serpent: A Guide for Divorcing a Narcissist →