The way gifts are treated in an Illinois divorce depends on how they are classified, whether they meet the definition of "gift" under state law, and whether the assets were co-mingled with marital property. Gifts that are determined to be marital property are divided equitably. Assets that are non-marital property stay with the owner. Understanding what Illinois state law considers a gift will help divorcing spouses know what to expect. What Is a Gift? In Illinois, a gift is something given … [Read more...]

Professional help and careful protections are key in Illinois divorce proceedings involving an abusive spouse. A history of domestic violence adds a layer of danger to the divorce proceedings, putting the victim at risk for manipulation and additional abuse even during the divorce. Understanding the rights put in place by Illinois law, hiring an experienced divorce lawyer, and then taking measures to protect the victim’s best interests are important. 1. Preventing Continued Abuse An abusive … [Read more...]

While the familial home may have sentimental value, from a financial standpoint, keeping the house is sometimes the wrong decision in a divorce. From payments that are too high to handle on a single income to buying out the other spouse's interest, keeping the home may create several challenges that some individuals are best off avoiding. Understanding these challenges will help divorcing parties make informed decisions in the divorce process. Payments Can Be too High One reason for keeping … [Read more...]