Even the lengthiest marriages may come to an unexpected end with divorce. When one spouse has served as the primary earner during a marriage, the other may request short-term or long-term financial support known as alimony. A divorce court may then approve, reject, or modify this request. Whether you expect to make alimony payments or [...]
If you're contemplating asking your spouse for a divorce, you've probably done a lot of soul searching. Evaluate your reasons for wanting a divorce, and be honest about what your life will look like once it's all settled. Asking for a divorce is a big matter. You must prepare for that talk ahead of time. [...]
For many people going through a divorce, life must continue on in a variety of ways. There are children to be taken care of, bills to be paid, and social functions to attend. And, for most people, there is still a job or career to manage. If you’re juggling work obligations as well as a stressful divorce, you can find success at both by knowing how to address the matter with others at the office before, during, and after your divorce proceedings. Here are a few key communication tips. […]
Illinois has one of the lowest divorce rates in the country. However, many couples end up deciding they just can’t continue with a marriage. When the decision to divorce is made by both parties, Illinois offers a simplified process known as the joint petition for a simplified dissolution of marriage. If you know your marital union is heading for a divorce, taking the simplest route is for the best. Not everyone who wants a simplified dissolution of marriage will qualify, however. Take a look at some of the conditions that must be met when applying for a joint petition for a simplified dissolution of marriage in Illinois. […]
A prenuptial agreement is a document one or both spouses use to protect themselves in case they get a divorce. A prenuptial agreement helps to safeguard financial assets, business interests, and to set the parameters of alimony if a divorce happens. Part of a valid prenuptial agreement is to ensure all parties receive full disclosure of all the financial assets of all involved. A judge will throw out a prenuptial agreement if the agreement was signed without full knowledge of financial information by both spouses. […]
Effective January 1, 2015, Illinois attorneys and judges will have stricter guidelines in calculating spousal maintenance pursuant to Public Act 98-0961. The guidelines will be used only for couples whose combined gross income is less than $250,000 annually. The court is still required to first consider whether maintenance is appropriate, after consideration of all relevant [...]
Filing for Divorce - Contested vs. Uncontested If you want to end your marriage you can file for divorce. Reasons for divorce in Illinois include: Mental Cruelty Physical Cruelty Drug Addiction or Drunkenness; or Irreconcilable differences. There are two kinds of divorces - contested and uncontested. Contested The parties do not agree either about getting [...]
