While a single divorce lawyer may be able to help spouses finalize the dissolution of their marriage, representing both spouses is considered a conflict of interest. A lawyer could act as a mediator between the spouses to help the parties reach an agreement regarding the parenting and financial matters in their divorce, but he or she would not be able to provide legal advice. Self-Representation Is Not Recommended When both spouses agree to all terms of the divorce, it could be tempting to … [Read more...]

Dissolving a marriage isn't usually the real reason people head to divorce court. In fact, settling out of court might seem appealing to some divorcing couples. However, there are some circumstances where court intervention may be needed to proceed with a divorce. The Myth of Seeking Justice In many cases, one or both spouses in a divorce are drawn to court because it is a common misconception that the only way to obtain justice is to go before a judge. However, airing out disagreements before a … [Read more...]

There are many different ways to divorce in Illinois. A family law attorney will recommend which type(s) are best for his or her client’s unique situation. The recommendation is usually based on the reasons behind the divorce, the couple's willingness to work together, whether children are involved, or whether valuable assets need to be divided. #1. No-Fault Divorce In the past, a spouse filing for divorce would need to prove that his or her spouse committed some type of wrongdoing, such as … [Read more...]

Pensions are considered marital property in a divorce in most cases, however, how a pension is divided and whether survivor's benefits are payable is generally up to the divorce court. All or a portion of a spouse’s pension could be considered in the couple’s marital assets. How much is considered depends on when contributions were made to the pension account. How Marital Assets are Divided When determining how property will be divided in a divorce, the Court considers three categories: Spouse … [Read more...]

When one spouse wants a divorce, there are a few simple steps the other partner can take to ensure his or her rights are protected. While the divorce may seem to be clear cut, complications can arise quickly, especially in a contentious divorce or one with high-net-worth individuals. Having legal representation and getting prepared for what's in store is almost always the best choice when divorce proceedings are inevitable. After the Initial Shock Wears Off It might come as a shock to be told by … [Read more...]