Category: Divorce

Chicago courts are criticized for a poor track record of enforcing child support orders. Parents who openly defy court orders are routinely able to avoid their obligations. Moreover, even parents armed with wage garnishment orders are unable to enforce child support orders because courts often order redundant hearings to re-issue orders prior to executing them.

Any engaged couple with personal assets or business assets should take the time to fully understand the benefits of Illinois prenuptial agreements. Divorce can bring about hard feelings, animosity, and spitefulness. The most basic prenuptial agreement will simply list all premarital assets that remain with each person if they divorce. By minimizing the potential points of contention and areas of possible dispute in a divorce, prenuptial agreements help maintain healthy communication and civility during what can be a highly stressful time. That is especially important for any couples planning to have children. The following are some other important things any person considering marriage should know about Illinois prenuptial agreements.

Effective July 1, 2017, the Illinois Legislature will change the formula used to determine child support. The current “Percentage of Income” formula will be changed to an “Income Shares” formula. For Illinois parents who pay child support, divorce attorneys in Illinois can explain the differences between the two formulas and how they impact child support payments.

During a divorce, complex issues related to the marital residence often arise. Whether one spouse keeps the house or both spouses decide to sell, it raises financial concerns about marital assets. Many couples consult a divorce attorney to discuss concerns and address legal questions that impact their interest in the house.

Divorcing spouses must take steps to protect their finances and credit early on in the divorce process. The impact of not doing so can last for years after the ink on the divorce decree dries. In order to protect assets, income, and credit, the following are steps that everyone going through a divorce must take. Start with an Asset/Debt Inventory

A post-nuptial agreement can protect assets and define debts in the event of a divorce. Under Illinois law, a post-nuptial agreement is a legal contract between a husband and wife. Usually drawn up by top Chicago divorce lawyers, it is a binding contract that is enforced in Illinois courts during a divorce.

Divorce can be an extremely difficult experience for children. As moms and dads adapt to single parenting methods and new ways of communicating, children are often left feeling confused, hurt, and lost in the shuffle. Fortunately, there are things divorcing parents can do to help protect their children from many of the effects of divorce.

Couples with children who want to get divorced in Illinois are required to take a parenting class, even if the divorce is uncontested. The class can be arranged through the parents or through a family law attorney who is handling the divorce.

Getting divorced is seldom easy, but getting divorced with a blended family can be complicated and full of legal challenges. Stepchildren, half-children, and adopted children may all be involved. An experienced divorce attorney can be crucial for a fair custody and support settlement.

After child custody, the most hard fought battles in a divorce are over the division of assets. Often one party attempts to hide or shield assets from the divorce court in order to retain the full value of the asset for themselves. With the help of a family law attorney, clients can bring all of the hidden assets to light.