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...]

Illinois couples who are concerned about the cost of divorce may have reason to be worried. Illinois is one of the 10 most expensive states for divorce, with an average cost of around $13,800 to end a marriage. Add in parenting time disputes, property division, alimony, and child support, and that number can quickly rise to more than $35,000. Fortunately, there are steps divorcing couples can take to control the cost of divorce. Why Is Divorce so Expensive? Conflict costs money. When … [Read more...]

Adequately preparing for mediation can help divorcing couples increase the likelihood that their disputes will be resolved without the complication and expense of going to trial. Whether financial issues are a concern, assets are at stake, or parenting time is up for debate, preparation should include identifying issues that need to be addressed, gathering relevant information and documentation, and developing a negotiation strategy to encourage a mutually acceptable agreement. Identifying … [Read more...]