Though permanent spousal maintenance is rare in Chicago-area divorces, it does happen. Spousal maintenance, commonly known as alimony, is meant to provide financial support to one spouse. The purpose is to give the spouse time to develop the job skills necessary to be...
Naperville Family Law Blog
Is it reasonable to expect a 50/50 child custody arrangement?
As in other states, Illinois law now uses the term “parenting time” in lieu of “physical custody”. This reflects the fact that family courts prioritize the best interests of the child when determining whether he or she lives with one parent or alternates between...
What Illinois considers when awarding parental responsibilities
When you and your spouse are unable to come to an agreement about parenting time and parenting responsibility, you may ask Illinois' family court system to make such decisions for you. When tasked with doing so, the court system typically refers to the same set of...
5 financial challenges women face in divorce
When you are facing divorce, especially if you are a parent, you may worry about how your split will impact you financially. Often, women facing divorce are surprised when they realize they end up with fewer assets than they thought or spousal support that ends sooner...
How your Tollway I-Pass could affect your divorce
When the Illinois Tollway began offering drivers a way to pay their tolls electronically, few drivers thought that the new system might impact their case if they ever got a divorce. But thanks to an unusual legal loophole, your ex might be able to find out information...
3 things to consider before filing for divorce
If you decide to file for divorce, now is the time to think about items to gather before you start the process. Make a list of everything you will need in terms of paperwork, but also include outcomes you would like to see during the divorce and after it is final....
The relationship between an empty nest and divorce
Raising children is much more than a full-time job. Their needs dictate the day-to-day goings-on in a household for 18 years, sometimes longer. It is a responsibility that takes up much of the space in a parent’s life. When those children leave home, it creates a...
Is your small business part of your marital estate?
Like other small business owners, you are proud of the progress your venture has made in recent years. Thanks to your hard work, financial investment and business acumen, you have turned your startup into a well-oiled machine. If you are thinking about ending your...
Will My Ex Get My Economic Impact Payment (Stimulus Check)?
Updated April 3, 2020. The Treasury Department and the Internal Revenue Service are currently working to provide Americans with an economic impact payment as part of the $2.2 trillion economic relief package recently signed into law. The IRS announced that the...
Couples who use a “strategic divorce” could see major tax savings
When couples divorce, the common assumption is that there will be significant impacts on their finances. They may need to divide retirement accounts. Alternatively, they may need to sell real estate holdings or other assets as part of the divorce agreement. While the...