Parents should strive to work together in creating a parenting-time schedule for the holidays that prioritizes the children’s best interests. They can, for instance, come up with a plan that allows them to share school vacations or alternate holidays every other year. They can also agree to divide some holidays in half, and where possible, designate fixed holidays to either party. Parents should uphold the well-being of their children when creating a visitation plan for the holidays. If one … [Read more...]

In Illinois, children don’t have the prerogative to choose which parent to live with and can only do so after turning 18. Illinois courts view a person under 18 as a minor who cannot make crucial legal decisions. When a child turns 14 years, courts may take his or her preferences into account. Courts ensure that final decisions about parenting time and responsibilities serve the best interests of the child. As a general rule, courts try to maximize the parenting time for each parent. The … [Read more...]

Cryptocurrency issues arise in a divorce when the court tries to value the marital assets of the divorcing parties. Since cryptocurrency has never been officially classified as a specific type of asset, some spouses may fail to disclose it to the other party. Some may even use it as a way to hide assets that are part of the marital estate to avoid equitable distribution. If one spouse suspects the other party has cryptocurrency, he or she should always be on the lookout for large cash transfers … [Read more...]

Several misconceptions surround Social Security and divorce, even though the program has been around for over 85 years. To get things straight, here are 7 common myths about Social security and divorce and the facts that disprove them. Myth #1: A Claim Will Reduce the Ex’s Checks Up to 52% of adults surveyed said they believe that claiming social security based on an ex-spouse’s record could influence their benefits. The truth is, claiming Social Security benefits based on an ex’s record … [Read more...]

When children are born out of wedlock in Illinois, establishing paternity is required to ensure a father's rights and the rights of his children are protected. Illinois law assumes paternity in families where the parents are married, but it does not when the father and mother are not married. Without established paternity, a child's rights to a father's property and other benefits, and the father's parental rights and privileges, can be at risk. How to Establish Paternity in … [Read more...]