Changes to the Illinois spousal maintenance law will make name changing easier, revise the method of calculating the duration of spousal support payments and increase the number of couples to whom the guidelines apply. As of September 2017, HB 2537 transitioned into Public Act 100-0520, which entailed changes to the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution Act (IMDMA) and the Code of Civil Procedure. The law will officially go into effect on June 1, 2018. Making Name Changes Easier The new act … [Read more...]

When couples decide to divorce after 40, mediation can help ensure that the marriage dissolution is less costly, time-consuming, and stressful than a litigated divorce. There are a number of issues older couples face when divorce is imminent. Mediation is often an attractive solution that enables couples to reach an appropriate settlement when going through a divorce later in life. Avoid Spending Too Much on the Divorce Individuals who are over 40 and are divorcing following a long-term … [Read more...]

A spouse who files first for divorce can experience several legal and financial advantages, making the process go smoother for him or her. Here are some of the strategic benefits that can come with filing for a divorce before the other spouse. More Control Divorce typically happens when there are financial and emotional struggles in a marriage. Being the first to file for divorce may help a spouse feel more in control over his or her life, which can ultimately make it easier to draw boundaries … [Read more...]