The coronavirus and resulting lockdowns may lead to a rise in the number of divorce cases in the United States as couples must adjust to living together without a break for weeks on end. In China, COVID-19 lockdowns have already led to increased divorce numbers, and the British Parliament is experiencing the same thing. As states start to slowly open across the United States, similar reports are likely to come to light. The Emotional Toll of Quarantine Hurts Marriages In most families, the … [Read more...]

All divorces are not created equal, and a high net worth divorce is more complicated than traditional divorce because of the amount of wealth involved. Dividing assets and determining community assets becomes more common in these cases. These divorces involving wealthy individuals actually vary in four distinct ways. Understanding these will help those entering divorce know what to expect out of the process. High Net Divorce Costs More Because of the complexity involved, and the absolute … [Read more...]

In Illinois divorce cases, the judge's ruling often makes one party unhappy, but if that party believes the law was misapplied, there are steps to take to appeal the decision. While it is normal for one spouse to feel unhappy with the ruling in a disputed divorce, there are instances when accepting the decision and moving on is not the best course of action. In Illinois, individuals in this situation have two options to consider. File a Motion for Reconsideration If the individual feels … [Read more...]

Determining the amount and duration of spousal maintenance in Illinois is based on the income of each spouse and the length of the marriage. Spousal maintenance, also known as spousal support or alimony, refers to ongoing payments to an ex-spouse to help maintain the quality of life once enjoyed during the marriage. Determining Whether Maintenance Is Appropriate Spousal maintenance is not mandatory in Illinois. While maintenance is often awarded when one spouse earns significantly less … [Read more...]

Injury settlements are generally classified as marital property when people divorce in Illinois, but there are exceptions. Although judges consistently rule that awards for injuries acquired during the marriage should be equitably divided, property interest begins on the date of the accident, not when the settlement check is received. Settlements may be determined to be non-marital property when people were hurt before they became married. How Marital Property Is Defined in … [Read more...]