Posted on February 20, 2025 in Child Custody

Relocation can complicate custody arrangements, especially when one parent moves far away. Whether it is across the state or the country, relocation can create emotional and logistical challenges for both parents and children. A new job, family commitments, or a fresh start may make the move necessary, but how will it affect parenting time? An Illinois family law attorney can help parents navigate the legal relocation process and create a plan that allows for meaningful parent-child relationships despite distance.

What Does Illinois Law Say About Parental Relocation?

Illinois law requires the parent with primary custody to seek court approval before moving a significant distance with their child. The law defines relocation as a move:

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 Posted on February 14, 2025 in Asset Division

Divorcing with significant wealth at stake is rarely a simple process. High-net-worth divorces involve intricate financial matters, from dividing luxury real estate and investment portfolios to determining business ownership rights. Every asset must be carefully reviewed to ensure a fair distribution while safeguarding your long-term financial interests. Courts will weigh multiple factors when determining who gets what, so it is important to seek the guidance of a strategic Illinois divorce lawyer to protect your wealth during the process.

How Do Illinois Courts Divide Assets in a High Net Worth Divorce?

Illinois follows equitable distribution laws, meaning courts divide marital property fairly rather than enforcing an automatic 50/50 split. To make this decision, judges will consider factors such as:

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 Posted on February 06, 2025 in Asset Division

Divorce can feel like untangling a knot of shared responsibilities, emotions, and financial obligations. While dividing property often takes the primary focus, deciding who will take on marital debts can be just as important, and just as stressful. Credit cards, car loans, and even student loans all need to be addressed. If you are facing divorce, understanding how Illinois handles debt division can give you clarity and help you plan for the future. Partnering with an Illinois divorce lawyer can protect your financial interests during every step of the process.

What Is Considered Marital Debt?

In Illinois, marital debt includes any debt incurred by either spouse during the marriage. This can include, but is not limited to, credit card balances, mortgages, car loans, student loans, and medical bills.

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 Posted on January 30, 2025 in Spousal Maintenance

Divorce can bring many financial hurdles, especially if you are a stay-at-home parent who relies on your spouse's income. Spousal maintenance, or alimony, may help ease the transition by providing financial assistance. But how do courts determine eligibility, and what steps can you take to secure spousal maintenance? If you are a stay-at-home parent dealing with a divorce, a knowledgeable Illinois family law attorney can guide you through the process and advocate for your rights.

What Is Spousal Maintenance and Why Is It Important for Stay-at-Home Parents?

Commonly referred to as alimony, spousal maintenance is a court-ordered payment that one spouse provides to the other during or after a divorce to help balance financial differences. It allows the lower-earning spouse to maintain financial stability, particularly if they sacrificed career opportunities to raise children or manage the household. Stay-at-home parents may need to rely on spousal maintenance as they work toward becoming self-sufficient.

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 Posted on January 23, 2025 in Child Custody

In family law cases that involve children, a Guardian ad Litem (GAL) can play a critical role in protecting a child’s best interests. But when might the court appoint one, and how do you know if your case needs a GAL? Whether you are in a high-conflict custody battle or dealing with allegations of abuse, understanding the purpose of a GAL can help you navigate the family court process. An Illinois family law attorney can advise you about whether a GAL could be beneficial for your case.

What Is a Guardian ad Litem?

A Guardian ad Litem is a neutral party, often an attorney, who is appointed by the court to represent a child’s best interests during legal proceedings. Unlike a legal guardian, a GAL does not take custody of the child, but rather examines the situation to determine what arrangements will serve the child’s well-being and reports his or her findings to the court.

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 Posted on January 16, 2025 in Divorce

Child support payments play a vital role in sustaining a child’s well-being after parents separate or divorce. But life is unpredictable; jobs change, expenses fluctuate, and children’s needs evolve. When this happens, many parents may wonder whether child support payments can be adjusted. Navigating this process can be complex, so it is essential to consult with a lawyer. A knowledgeable Illinois family law attorney can help you pursue a fair outcome that aligns with your current situation.

What Are the Grounds for Modifying Child Support Payments?

In Illinois, child support payments can be adjusted if there is a substantial change in circumstances. Common reasons include:

• A significant income change: A job loss, pay cut, or considerable increase in earnings can justify a modification.

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 Posted on January 08, 2025 in Divorce

Divorce can be both an emotionally and legally draining process. For some, the idea of starting a new relationship during this time might feel like a step forward. However, dating during a divorce can have significant consequences that may impact your case and well-being. 

In Illinois, dating before your divorce is finalized can present certain risks within the legal framework of the family court system. If you have questions about dating while going through a divorce, an Illinois family law attorney can help you understand potential complications and help protect your interests.

What Are the Legal Implications of Dating During a Divorce?

Dating while your divorce is pending can have legal consequences. While it is not illegal in Illinois during a divorce, it is essential to understand how your actions might influence the legal process and key issues such as:

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 Posted on December 27, 2024 in Asset Division

One of the many challenges of a divorce regards how your assets will be divided. If you have inherited property, you might wonder how it will be treated during the divorce process. To protect what is rightfully yours, it is vital to conduct careful planning and have a clear understanding of the law. An Illinois divorce attorney can help you protect your inheritance and navigate the intricacies of asset division.

Is Inherited Property Considered Separate or Marital Property?

Under Illinois law, inherited property is generally classified as separate property. This means it will not be divided during a divorce. However, for the inheritance to maintain its status as separate property, it must remain separate from marital assets. Mixing, or commingling, inherited property with marital property can cause it to lose its classification as separate property.

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 Posted on December 17, 2024 in Child Custody

Understanding how paternity influences child custody disputes is essential for parents navigating the complexities of Illinois family law. Paternity does more than confirm a biological connection—it establishes a legal bond that influences decisions regarding custody, visitation, and child support.

For fathers, proving paternity can establish parental rights and the ability to play a meaningful role in a child’s life. For mothers, it ensures a pathway to support and helps secure the child’s relationship with both parents. With the guidance of an experienced Illinois family law attorney, parents can protect their rights and prioritize their child’s best interests.

What Is Paternity and Why Is It Important in Custody Cases?

Paternity is the legal recognition of a man as a child’s father. Without legal paternity, a father may not have rights to custody or visitation, and the mother may not have the ability to seek child support. In Illinois, this can be established in several ways:

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 Posted on December 12, 2024 in Divorce

Divorce typically brings a range of financial and legal considerations, particularly when children are involved. One significant question many divorced parents face is whether courts can require them to contribute to their child’s college expenses. This issue can be both financially and emotionally challenging, especially for families who are adjusting to life post-divorce.

Disagreements over public versus private schools or how expenses will be divided can complicate matters, making it essential to seek legal guidance. An experienced Illinois family law attorney can help you make informed decisions about your child’s education while also protecting your financial stability.

What Does Illinois Law Say About College Tuition After Divorce?

State law allows courts to order parents to contribute to their child's college expenses under certain circumstances. Unlike child support, which normally ends when a child turns 18 or graduates from high school, this provision explicitly addresses post-high school education.

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