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Choosing a divorce attorney is a big decision. You want to find someone who is experienced, knowledgeable, and who you feel comfortable with. However, one of the most common mistakes people make when choosing a divorce attorney is choosing the one closest to their house or close to the courthouse

Divorce can be a difficult and emotional process on top of it being a confusing legal process. One of the most important aspects of divorce is the division of property. In Illinois, property is divided equitably, which is not always split 50/50. The court will consider a number of factors when dividing property, including the length of the marriage, the contributions of each spouse to the marriage, and the needs of any children. As a general rule, if it was created in your marriage, it is probably marital property, no matter how you categorize it in your life.

Have you ever heard the phrase, “you can always appeal”? It is true but an option rarely taken. The process of appealing a ruling or decision is a legal right you have when you don't agree with the outcome of a court case. But what exactly is an appeal and how does it work?

Divorce is a difficult and expensive process. The average cost of divorce in Illinois is $13,800, but it can be much higher, depending on the circumstances. There are many ways to save money on a divorce, but not all cases are able to be done for less than the average.

As an attorney, I have made the conscious decision to only take on one type of case — divorce and family law. While many attorneys practice multiple areas of law, I have found that focusing on a single area has yielded immense benefits for my clients. While many attorneys practice multiple areas of law, I have found that focusing on a single area has yielded immense benefits for my clients.

Mediation is a voluntary process in which the parties work with a neutral third party, called a mediator, to reach an agreement.

Getting a divorce is a big decision, and there is no easy answer to the question of when it is the right time.

It's not uncommon to feel overwhelmed when it comes to understanding the legal process of divorce. One of the more confusing aspects is the discovery process. But what exactly is discovery? Put simply, discovery is information gathering.

If you're going through a divorce or just learned your divorces has been finalized, chances are you've had your share of tears, sleepless nights and worrying about what the future holds. But it's also perfectly normal to feel relieved and even happy about being divorced. After all, the decision to end your marriage wasn't made lightly – and now that it's done, you can move forward with your life in a way that was impossible before.

If you are considering divorce, one of the first things you will need to do is consult with an attorney. This consultation will give you an opportunity to learn more about the divorce process and if the lawyer is a good fit to help you with your divorce.

Divorce is a major life change that can bring up a wide range of emotions, from grief and sadness to anger and resentment, and often, all at once. It is important to acknowledge and accept these emotions, even if they are difficult to deal with. Here are some of the common emotions that many have, and some tips to deal with them:

If you are getting divorced, you know that there are a lot of details to consider. One important thing to remember is that any agreements outside of your divorce papers – even verbal ones – may not be enforceable. That’s because of something called the “Four Corners Rule” which applies to contracts. The settlement you reach with your soon-to-be ex-spouse is a contract so these rules will probably apply.

Divorce proceedings involve sensitive and confidential information that must be protected from unauthorized access. To safeguard your digital life, here are some tips about best practices and considerations to protect your digital privacy, especially when it comes to confidential information you are sharing with your lawyer. Here are some good ideas and practices to use, both now and after your divorce.

When it comes to divorce, everyone has an opinion. From your sister’s dog-walker to your neighbor’s hairdresser, to Facebook and Google, and all the AI chatbots, it seems like everyone and everything has something to say about the best way to move forward with your case. While these opinions may be well-meaning, relying on them can be fraught with peril.

I was asked idly by a non-lawyer friend if I thought AI would replace attorneys any time soon. The answer is no and here is why.

Did you know that the place to file for your divorce might not be the same county where you got married? Yep - where you file your divorce is where you live now, which may or may not be where you said “I do”

In the age of technology, it's easy to forget that lawyers are people too. They're not robots who are waiting by the phone to answer any question 24/7. They have lives outside of work, and they can't be expected to be available at all times.

A divorce can be a complex and emotional time for everyone involved, especially children. Dividing assets and determining responsibilities can be overwhelming, but figuring out how to divide time with your children can be one of the most challenging aspects of a divorce. That’s why 50/50 parenting plans have become increasingly popular in Illinois, offering divorcing couples the opportunity to create a schedule that works for both parties without the harsh foundation of being a weekend parent

There has been a growing trend to give parents equal time with their children. Its not quite the law (yet) in Illinois, but if you agree with your soon-to-be-ex, equal parenting can be your reality.

When parents divorce, one of the most important decisions they have to make is how to allocate parenting time with their children. In Illinois, the law presumes that it is in the best interests of children to have a close and continuing relationship with both parents. This means that the court will generally order a parenting plan that allows both parents to have significant time with their children. While the plan itself has specific times when each parent is with their child, long term, flexibility is necessary.

The best interest of the child is the most important factor that the court will consider when allocating parenting time

When it comes to deciding your name after a divorce, there is no right answer. After all, you’ve been living with one name for years and suddenly you must make the decision whether to keep your married name or choose your birth or former name. How do you decide? Let’s look at the options and some of the considerations that come with them.

Pets are considered family members by many people - including by me. They provide companionship, love, and support. When a couple gets divorced, the question of what to do with the pets can be a difficult one. In Illinois, there are some laws governing the division of pets in divorce. However, the courts will consider the best interests of the pet when making a decision about custody.

In engineering, "rapid unplanned disassembly" (RUD) is a term used to describe the sudden and unexpected failure of a machine or system. As of right now, that term is trending on twitter because SpaceX’s Starship exploded during launch. A RUD can be caused by a variety of factors, such as a design flaw, manufacturing defect, or operator error. RUD can also be a metaphor for divorce. When a marriage ends, it can feel like a sudden and unexpected failure. One spouse may have through they had a happy marriage but then something happens and the relationship falls apart.

It's no secret that a major cause of divorce is financial infidelity. Whether it’s hidden bank accounts, undisclosed debts, surprise bills, or secret spending; all of these factors can put a serious strain on a marriage. And when the time comes to end things, financial infidelity can make navigating the divorce process even trickier. So, what should you do if your spouse is hiding money or trying to keep you in the dark about their finances. Here are some ideas to find hidden assests and debts,

Divorce is a difficult and emotional process, and it can be even more challenging if you don't have the right legal representation. If you're considering divorce, you may be wondering why divorce lawyers cannot give free advice over the phone (and why you get told different things by different lawyers).

When a couple with a child or children decides to divorce or no longer live in the same house, they have to create a parenting plan as a part of their divorce. One of the most common parenting plans I saw early in my career was the so-called “standard visitation plan”. It is the common default plan that is chosen by the court after trial because it is easy to draft and fits the older model of one parent should be the home base for children. But it does not have to be your default.

Divorce is a difficult process for the entire family, and it can be particularly trying for step-parents who have been involved in their step-children’s lives. If you are going through a divorce, or recently got divorced, you may be wondering what your rights are when it comes to your former step-child. The Troxel v. Granville case is an important precedent that can help answer this question. 550 U.S. 57 (2000)

Law school has long been considered a desirable career path - especially for those that like to debate. However, in recent years, the demand for lawyers has decreased, and the cost of attending law school has skyrocketed. This has led many people to question the value of going to law school and whether it is a smart financial decision - and it rarely is. So, here are some of the reasons why you should not go to law school:

As a divorce lawyer, I’ve seen my fair share of difficult and emotional cases. Navigating the complexities of the law can be challenging, but by drawing on lessons from my favorite pastime—watching baseball—I have learned that law, just like baseball, are both games of strategy, execution, and teamwork.

Most people know that getting a divorce isn’t cheap. But some websites suggest that divorces should be suspiciously cheap—as low as $500, in fact. At first glance, this might seem like a great idea. Who doesn’t want to save money? But when it comes to divorce, you get what you pay for. Let’s look at why the $500 divorce myth is just that—a myth—and why hiring an experienced attorney is your best bet when it comes to navigating the complex process of getting divorced.

Navigating a divorce is never easy, and it can be tempting to try to cut corners or omit certain details in order to get the outcome that you want. However, it is essential that you always tell your lawyer the truth during a divorce. Not doing so can have serious consequences both legally and personally.

Divorce is a complicated and emotional process that can be both time-consuming and expensive. While the decision to end a marriage is rarely easy, it is often necessary for the well-being of both parties involved. However, the way that you approach your divorce can make a significant difference in the outcome by reaching a satisficing outcome. A "satisficing" decision is one that is good enough rather than trying to achieve a perfect outcome. Satisficing decisions and settling without fighting can be beneficial for both parties involved in divorce.

Divorce is one of the most challenging experiences anyone can go through because it is a death of your marriage. Apart from the emotional stress, there is also the legal process to deal with, which can be confusing and overwhelming. Unfortunately, there are many myths and misconceptions about the divorce court that can make the process even more challenging. Here are some of the untrue statements I have heard over the years

One of the questions I am asked the most frequently is whether I can represent both parties in a divorce. The short answer is no. But why? After all, if two people are legally permitted to enter into a contract with one another, why can’t they just pick one attorney to represent them both? Here’s an overview of the reasons why I do not represent both parties in a divorce.

Divorce is a difficult process. It requires making a variety of changes to ensure that your life is set up and running smoothly once the proceedings are finished. One of the most difficult parts is coming to terms with the change—and making sure you’re covered in every way possible.

I can sometimes make a super-fast divorce happen.

Filing for a divorce is not easy and its not cheap. It can be an emotional and confusing time, and the last thing you need is to worry about legal paperwork. Unfortunately, a lot of people are turning to online divorce papers without understanding the complications or true cost that come with it.

Mediation is an alternative dispute process that is required when parents are unable to resolve disputes around parenting time (custody & visitation) or parenting responsibilities, such as medical decisions for the children

If you're a divorcing parent, you may or may not have heard of the term "parallel parenting." But what exactly is it?

When spouses divorce, maintenance or alimony payments may become a part of the proceedings. The name of the payment changed, but every experienced Illinois family law attorney knows it by several names: maintenance, spousal support and alimony.

When it comes to divorce proceedings, one of the most complicated aspects is property division. Illinois law distinguishes between marital and non-marital property and handles each type differently, although occasionally, property can occupy both categories. Understanding the differences between these two types of property is crucial to navigating the property division process.

Getting a divorce can be a complex and emotional process, and having an attorney to help you navigate the legal system can be beneficial. However, many people think they can handle the whole process for themselves. If you are trying to decide if you should hire a lawyer. The primary benefit of having a lawyer represent you during your divorce is that they can ensure that all legal documents are correct and consistent with the laws in your state. This saves time, prevents any unnecessary mistakes, and ultimately makes for a smoother process overall. Additionally, since attorneys are often experienced in family law matters, they may be able to provide insight into certain aspects that you may have not considered before and help you consider ideas for your post-divorce life you had not thought of.

When it comes to legal matters, the phrase “simple case” is often thrown around. But the truth is, there are rarely simple cases for attorneys to work on—and this can be a red flag to the attorney for those seeking help with their divorce. The reason? Questions rarely have simple answers when it comes to the law.

When it comes to divorce, the most common piece of advice usually involves protecting one’s assets. But what if you don’t have any assets? Does that mean you should skip hiring an attorney? Absolutely not! Everyone has stuff that they want to keep after a divorce. Assets is the fancy legal term for your stuff. While may not have a lot of stuff, there are still plenty of ways in which an experienced family law attorney can help protect your future and make sure you get the best possible outcome.

The holidays can be a stressful time for any divorcing couple, especially if there are children involved. With January being divorce month, now is the perfect time to start thinking about how you want to divide up the upcoming holiday season. Read on to learn more about how you can plan ahead and make sure that everyone knows the schedules for the holidays, has time to adjust, and heal before the major end-of-the-year holidays.

Every new year brings with it a chance for a fresh start. Is this your year to start fresh?

Why is January such a popular month to start on your divorce?

Navigating health insurance coverage after a divorce does not have to be a mine field

It can be a better decision, tax wise, to get divorced early in the year so you are ready for the tax season next year

If you're going through a divorce, chances are one of the first questions on your mind is "What happens to the house?" Well, there isn't a simple answer because it depends on a number of factors, such as credit worthyness, if you have a mortgage, whether you want to keep the home or sell it, and whether you can afford to keep up with the mortgage payments on your own. Here's a look at some of the most common scenarios and what you need to know about each one.

No one ever wants to hear the phrase "I want a divorce." But if you find yourself on the receiving end of those dreaded words, it's important to know how to react—both in the short-term and in the long-term. Here are some ideas if your spouse unexpectedly tells you that they want a divorce.

There's a lot of myths and misconceptions out there about parenting time and custody arrangements. It's time to set the record straight.

Let's get something out of the way right off the bat: adultery does not have a special place in divorce proceedings. Many people believe that if one spouse has committed adultery, that spouse will face some sort of punishment during the divorce, but that simply is not the case. In the eyes of the law, adultery is completely irrelevant to the divorce process.

So, if adultery doesn't have any bearing on the divorce itself, why do so many people believe that it does? Well, that's a complicated question with no easy answer. Here, we'll attempt to explore some of the reasons why adultery is often seen as a factor in divorce cases—even though it really isn't.

No one enters into a marriage expecting to get divorced, but unfortunately, it happens. If you find yourself in the situation where you need to get divorced, there are a lot of things to consider. Divorce can be an expensive process, but there are ways to save money. One way is by using a flat fee lawyer. Here's what you need to know about flat fee lawyers and how they can help you save money on your divorce

In the State of Illinois there is one reason to get divorced: irreconcilable differences. The Courts do not consider reasons why the marriage broke down. Instead, the Court simply says, alright, its over, lets make it official.

A divorce trial is considerably different than how it is protrayed in the movies or in TV Shows. They expose all the ugly and feel downright unfair.

There are some fairly common signs that your marriage is coming to an end.

No one gets married intending to divorce. But, as the old saying goes, "Sh!t happens." And when it does, it can get pretty pricey—especially if you're not prepared for it. Here's a short primer on how much a divorce can cost, both emotionally and financially.

In this day and age, anything and everything is just a click away. That includes finding a lawyer that can help you with your divorce or any other legal conflict you may be having. While it might be tempting to just go on the first search engine and pick the first lawyer that comes up (which was probably me), this might not be the best idea. Here are some pros and cons of searching for a good lawyer online to help you make a more informed decision

The short answer is no. The system of law we have here is one where both sides get a chance to have their case presented to the judge. Not everyone takes this opportunity, and some waive it, but it is the right of due process.

Annulments are possible for people not validly married in the first place

Even if your divorce is simple, you should have a divorce lawyer help you.

For some people, a judgment of separation makes more sense than a divorce. However, there are differences between the two and they can affect you. For the purposes of this, a marriage and a civil union are treated as the same thing.

We just don't want to give you wrong advice that hurts you.

Maybe...If you or your soon-to-be-ex added money ot a retirment account during marriage, then it could be divided. If you can reach agreements outside of court amicably, then you control if your retirement is divided.

Child support is determined by law. The calcualtions take into account the time you spend with your child.

Most attorney rankings are marking gimmicks, so I gave my self a trophy

Some ideas on where to start your discussions with your soon-to-be-ex

Ideas on how to tell your children before you start the process

If you need mental health help, do no let your divorce prevent you from seeking it

Holidays do not have to be a battlefield

If you are married, the answer is, likely yes

Business can check vaccine status without violating HIPAA

Being open to discussions can save you tons of money

Telling your attorney the truth is not going to get you judged

When I might begin seeing people in person

What your standard deduction is depends on your marital status on December 31.

When the other side has a lawyer but we all agree to work through the case without the court's help

The difference between do-it-yourself divorce papers and a lawyer drafting your divorce

Why someone familiar with the Metro East practice of law only handles work there.

I am telling people I don't know a lot more than I used to