Posted on September 19, 2023 in Child Custody / Parental Responsibilities

One of the most important concerns in a legal separation is figuring out what will happen to your children. It is important to put your children first and work together with your spouse to create a plan that is in their best interests. Failure to do so may require going to court to get a judge’s decision on child support and parental responsibilities. This can be a difficult process, but it is important to remember that the judge will make decisions based on your children’s best interests.

If you are considering legal separation in Chicago, it is important to speak with an experienced divorce and family law attorney. They can be an invaluable asset in helping you understand your legal rights and options and can represent you in court throughout the process.

Parental Responsibilities

One of the most important issues to be decided in a legal separation is determining who will be granted parental responsibilities for their children. There are two main responsibilities to consider: decision-making and parenting time.

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 Posted on September 07, 2023 in Domestic Violence

In Illinois, emotional abuse is considered domestic violence if it is used to control or intimidate the victim. The abuser can be charged with a crime, even if they do not physically harm the victim.

Emotional abuse is a form of domestic violence that is often overlooked. It can be just as damaging as physical abuse, and it can have lasting effects on the victim's mental and emotional health.

Has someone caused emotional harm to you or someone you know? If you feel as though you are experiencing emotional abuse, there are many resources available to help you. The best option to handle legal matters in Illinois would be a domestic violence attorney.

What Constitutes Emotional Abuse?

Domestic violence is a pattern of abusive behavior that a person uses to control another person in an intimate relationship. It can be physical, sexual, emotional, or financial. Emotional abuse can take many forms, including:

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 Posted on August 28, 2023 in Family Law

Investigations involving the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) can be complex and emotionally difficult. Understanding the process and your rights is essential when facing such investigations. Today, we will provide essential information about investigations involving the DCFS in Illinois, empowering you to navigate the process effectively. In such situations, hiring a family lawyer can be a helpful and necessary step to ensure your interests are protected.

Triggers for DCFS Investigations

DCFS investigations typically arise from reports of child abuse or neglect. Anyone, including professionals and community members, can make a report to the DCFS hotline. Common triggers for investigations include allegations of physical or sexual abuse, neglect, inadequate supervision, or exposure to dangerous environments. It is important to note that not all reports result in investigations, as the DCFS assesses the credibility and urgency of each report before initiating an investigation. 

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 Posted on August 15, 2023 in Divorce

Several complex financial issues may arise in an Illinois divorce that requires careful consideration and resolution. These issues often go beyond the basis division of assets and involve factors such as valuation, taxation, and ongoing financial obligations. Today, we will shed light on some common examples of complex financial issues that may be relevant in an Illinois divorce. For assistance navigating the complex financial issues that divorce sometimes entails, contact a seasoned divorce lawyer to ensure you can make well-informed decisions throughout the divorce process.

Business Valuations

Determining its value becomes a crucial financial issue when one or both spouses own a business. Properly valuing a business requires proficiency in business valuation, considering factors such as financial statements, assets, liabilities, and future earning potential. This valuation is necessary to ensure an equitable division of the marital estate and the potential distribution of the business itself.

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 Posted on July 31, 2023 in Divorce

Divorce is an emotionally challenging process that can have a significant impact on the mental health of the individuals involved. Consequently, mental health professionals often play an essential role in divorce proceedings to support the emotional well-being of the parties. Today, we will explore the roles of these individuals and discuss their involvement in divorce cases. Discuss with your divorce attorney whether a mental health professional may be of assistance as you juggle the turbulent emotions of a divorce.

Emotional Support and Counseling

Mental health professionals, such as therapists and counselors, can offer invaluable emotional support to individuals navigating the complexities of divorce. They provide a safe and confidential environment for individuals to discuss their feelings, anxieties, and concerns associated with the divorce process. These professionals can offer coping strategies, emotional guidance, and tools for effective communication, helping individuals better manage the stressful situations that arise during divorce proceedings.

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 Posted on July 14, 2023 in Prenuptial and Postnuptial Agreements

Entering into a marriage is an exciting and joyous occasion, but it is crucial to address practical matters such as prenuptial agreements. Today, we will aim to provide guidance on discussing the benefits of a prenuptial agreement with your fiancé, emphasizing communication, transparency, and the long-term well-being of both partners. For legal guidance in creating a prenuptial agreement, contact a family law attorney to ensure you understand the legality of signing a prenuptial agreement and what it will entail.

Dissecting a Prenuptial Agreement

Essentially, a prenuptial agreement is a contractual agreement entered into before marriage, outlining what will happen to marital assets and other liabilities in the event of a divorce or separation. Many couples regard it as a safeguard, ensuring clarity and fairness if unforeseen circumstances arise. While it may seem unromantic at first, discussing a prenuptial agreement demonstrates a realistic approach toward future planning, providing an opportunity for open communication concerning shared ambitions, financial matters, and long-term relationship building.

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 Posted on June 30, 2023 in Divorce

When most people think of divorce, they think of a long, drawn-out dramatic saga played out in court for all to see. While most divorces are intensely strenuous and emotionally grueling, uncontested divorce offers a less antagonistic option to the dissolution of a marriage. Does that mean hiring a lawyer is not necessary? Well, not quite.

An uncontested divorce simply means that both parties have come to an agreement on all aspects of the divorce, including property division, child custody, and support arrangements. But coming to an agreement in principle and reaching a legally binding divorce settlement created with your best interests in mind is a separate thing entirely. As a result, it is absolutely necessary to hire an attorney, even for uncontested divorces.

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 Posted on June 15, 2023 in Spousal Support

Illinois divorces are essentially dissolution of marriage suits, which require a range of objectives to be satisfactorily resolved before granting each spouse a clean legal break from the other. One essential objective for the court during a divorce is the issue of temporary relief in the context of spousal support. Many residents in Illinois are often unaware of the importance and significance of this type of spousal support and how it works. Hire a divorce attorney to ensure you understand how temporary spousal support works in Illinois.

This is What You Need to Know

Firstly, the purpose of temporary spousal support is to maintain the defendant’s standard of living while the case is pending. Such terms provide a spouse with alimony that enables that partner to maintain and provide for their economic needs until the divorce case is concluded.

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 Posted on May 19, 2023 in Divorce

Dividing marital assets during a divorce can be tricky. For couples with substantial wealth or high net worth, divorce often involves complex assets such as investments, stock options, savings for retirement, businesses, and professional practices, digital assets, and real estate. Even assets such as jewelry or artwork can present challenges when it comes to the valuation and division of these assets. Working with a skilled divorce lawyer experienced in complex financial issues is essential for these types of divorce cases.

Classifying, Valuing, and Dividing Marital Assets

During many divorces, a couple's assets are a combination of marital and non-marital assets. Any assets acquired before the marriage are non-marital assets, while assets acquired during the marriage are marital assets. However, classifying assets during divorce is rarely this straightforward, and numerous exceptions exist.

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 Posted on May 05, 2023 in Domestic Violence

The court urges parties involved to settle their differences during divorce cases. It is crucial for parties going through a divorce to come in with an open mind and be willing to negotiate and compromise. However, the court is aware that there are specific circumstances where a court intervention may be necessary. An example of this may be domestic violence against a spouse or children. Domestic violence can take various forms, whether it be physical abuse, emotional abuse, sexual abuse, or even financial abuse. Working with an experienced divorce attorney can help you understand how this can impact your case.

Custody and Visitation

Domestic violence will impact custody and visitation significantly. As always, the judge will consider the child’s best interest when deciding on visitation and custody matters. The court believes there should be cooperation and involvement between parents when deciding what is best for the child. There is little chance that a court will deny parental visitation for a child; if it comes to it, the visitation may be supervised or occur in the home of an adult the child trusts. However, if the court believes that a child may be endangered by allowing this, then the court will likely deny unsupervised visitation. If you are being accused of domestic violence, knowing what that means for yourself and the child involved is crucial.

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