Our Blog
Pensions, which must be divided in Illinois divorces, may not be offset by the other spouse's future expected Social Security benefits. The amount of a spouse's future Social Security benefits may not be used to reduce the amount of marital assets that he or she receives in the property division portion of the divorce. This is true even in cases in which one spouse only makes contributions to Social Security while the other contributes to a government pension. Social Security may not be used to equalize the division of property in Illinois. Divorce lawyers may work to help their clients to negotiate fair property settlements that protect their clients' interests, including the division of pensions, retirement accounts, real estate and all other assets from their clients' marriages.
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.
Child support is essential to the health and well-being of children following divorce. When a parent refuses to shoulder this responsibility, it creates a significant burden for the primary parent and the children. In Illinois, there are several mechanisms in place that help protect children and help parents collect child support arrears.
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.