Posted on September 08, 2017 in Child Custody

Divorce is difficult, and there is probably no single person who would deny that. When a divorce involves children,  that difficulty rises to a new level as the daily routine of very young people is turned upside down. A big part of the anxiety for children is the question of where they will live and with which parent when custody is determined. The question then becomes, can a child pick the parent with whom they want to live?

Can Children Have a Say?

Generally speaking, custody and residency are matters determined by parents. In the event the parents disagree, the courts will get involved. When a judge listens to a custody case or a request for a change in custody, they will consider the child’s opinion depending on a few factors:

• Age and maturity of the child; there is no specific age, but if the judge feels the child is old enough and mature enough to express their opinion then it shall be considered.

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 Posted on September 04, 2017 in Child Custody

Throughout the divorce process, much of the stress and anxiety weighs on the adults, as well as their children. It is a very difficult time for everyone involved. However, when a divorce involves children, often times members of the extended family are affected. This is especially true for grandparents who have built a deep and loving relationship with their grandchildren.

Grandparents’ Rights in Illinois

As with many legal matters, laws pertaining to visitation vary from state to state, and the issue of Grandparents’ rights to spend time with their grandchildren is no different. Here is a summary of some key facts relative to visitation of grandchildren during divorce. A court may grant visitation if:

• The parents are not living together;
• One of the parents is absent;
• One parent is deceased; and

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 Posted on August 31, 2017 in Child Support

A new Illinois law signed last year that affects the way child support payments are calculated took effect earlier this summer. The new formula takes into account a number of variables previously not considered when divorcing couples and their attorneys negotiated child support payments to be paid by the noncustodial parent.

Details of the New Formula

Under the old law, child support was based only on the income of the noncustodial parent. Proponents of the change maintain the calculation now takes into account the actual cost of raising a child, and how those costs are divided between the custodial and noncustodial parent. The new model also places a greater emphasis on the amount of time each parent spends with the child(ren).

While a judge ultimately decides the amount of child support to be paid, the new law provides clear guidelines to help determine the proper amount. Among the criteria to be considered under the new “income-shares” model are:

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 Posted on August 25, 2017 in Divorce

Going through a separation and divorce is difficult for everyone involved. Even the spouse who initiates the process probably feels some level of guilt, anxiety, or apprehension. After all, a marriage is intended to last forever.

But instead of family vacations and parties, thoughts turn to matters of alimony, custody, division of assets, and other unpleasantries.

However, it is not unheard of for a separation and eventual divorce to take on an amicable tone. When both parties are willing to work through the process, then things can proceed more quickly and with less animosity.

If an amicable process is something you desire be sure to make your divorce lawyer aware of your preference.

Tips for an Amicable Separation and Divorce

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 Posted on August 22, 2017 in Divorce

When considering a divorce, or learning of a spouse’s intent to file for divorce, one usually looks to hire a skilled divorce attorney. This is a good first instinct. However, another hire you may wish to consider is that of a private investigator.

Even if you think the divorce might be amicable, the assistance of a professional and experienced investigator may be worth every bit of the expense.

How a Private Investigator Help

Depending on the issues surrounding your divorce, the information your private investigator uncovers may assist with matters related to alimony, child custody and visitation, asset allocation, and support payments.

Consider a summary of areas in which a private investigator may prove most helpful:

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 Posted on August 16, 2017 in Divorce

Divorce is often viewed by some as getting out of a bad situation. However, what many are unprepared for is the impact the divorce can have on their own credit score. Following a divorce, one can discover that his or her income, even with alimony or other support payments, is not enough to cover expenses.

Falling behind on monthly bills, running up large amounts of debt, or failing to curb your expenses to meet the new income restrictions a divorce often brings may all negatively impact your credit score.

Tips for Managing and Monitoring Your Credit Score During a Divorce

Consider implementing some or all of these tips to help monitor and maintain your credit history during and following your divorce.

• Get a copy of your credit report as soon as you know a divorce is looming. This helps you understand the bills and expenses that appear there, as well as those debts for you which you are responsible and those which are shared.

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 Posted on August 11, 2017 in Divorce

When one or both partners in a marriage decide to pursue a divorce, the thought of remarriage is not usually among the matters under immediate consideration. However, over time, remarriage is something  that many divorced individuals pursue, even remarrying the same person they previously divorced.

To some, the thought of remarrying the same person you just divorced may sound ridiculous. After all, whether the divorce process was amicable or hostile, so much time, energy, money, and emotion was spent settling issues such as alimony and support, custody and visitation, and division of marital assets. The reality is that some couples eventually realize, after time spent apart, that remarrying their “ex” is right for them.

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 Posted on August 08, 2017 in Divorce

Marriage is not something that runs on autopilot. All couples, regardless if they are married for a few months or several years, will inevitably experience some trying times.

Whether through communication, counseling, or some other means, it is often possible to resolve conflicts, repair the relationship, and continue living a happy life together. Disagreements and fights do not need to result in divorce.

Head Off the Possibility of Divorce Before Getting Married

One way to reduce the chances of divorce is to make sure you have answers to important questions prior to walking down the aisle. Consider the following list of topics for discussion to have with any potential spouse.

• What do you want to change about me? Is there something about the other person that you really think needs work? Be open and honest with each other, even if it means the end of the relationship. Better to find out before an expensive wedding and even more expensive divorce.

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 Posted on August 04, 2017 in Divorce

Even for couples who see it coming and accept its inevitable result, a divorce is not an easy experience. Divorcing spouses need all the help they can get and, in addition to the support of family, friends and a competent divorce attorney, software developers have created applications or “apps” for personal devices to help individuals manage certain aspects of divorced life.

Find an App That Meets Your Needs

When it comes to meticulous and thorough representation, there is no substitute for an experienced divorce lawyer. During the divorce process, issues such as alimony, child custody, visitation and other details can be settled as part of the final divorce decree. However, certain apps are available for

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 Posted on August 01, 2017 in Divorce

Much is written about divorce and the impact it has on the parties involved. A husband and wife who thought their marriage would last forever suddenly find themselves splitting marital assets, and creating schedules to see their children. It seems there is no shortage of articles addressing how wives and children are affected by divorce, and rightly. Just as important are the adjustments and coping skills the husband/dad must apply to his new, post-divorce life.

Tips and Tools for the Divorced Dad

Divorced dads must now navigate new and uncharted territory; helping raise children under very unique circumstances and with a whole new set of rules. While the divorce decree may establish certain details about support and visitation, there are things the divorced dad must come to realize on his own.

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