Monthly Archives: August 2015

Can We Negotiate Our Own Maintenance Agreement?

As you navigate the process of divorce, you and your soon-to-be ex will have a large number of issues to consider. You will need to think about which of you will get what property, arrangements for your children, and how you will deal with life after divorce. For many couples, the issue of spousal maintenance, or alimony, can be particularly complex, as it is often difficultContinue reading

Support of a Disabled Adult Child

For most parents who make child support payments, their obligations often end when their children graduate from high school and turn 18 years old. These situations are well within the “normal” provisions of Illinois law governing child support. In certain cases, however, the law provides that either or both parents can be required to continue supporting a child after the child has reached the ageContinue reading

Standby Guardian of a Minor Child under the Illinois Probate Act

If you have children, you have undoubtedly begun to realize how unpredictable life can be. From simple, day-to-day events, to major, sometimes catastrophic occurrences, there is just no way to plan for every possible eventuality. As a measure of security, some parents, however, take a more proactive approach, in consideration that they may not always be able to properly care for their children. This couldContinue reading

New Law Ends At-Fault Divorce and Reduces Separation Periods

A few weeks ago, a post on this blog discussed a newly signed law that promises to bring sweeping changes to the application of family law provisions in the state of Illinois. In addition to the major updates regarding parental relocation and child removal, as covered in that post, the new law—originally introduced as Senate Bill 57—also revamps the existing statutes related to divorce. Set to take effectContinue reading

Noted Author’s Case Brings Attention to Problem of Elder Abuse

Earlier this year, the literary world was abuzz with the news that, after more than a half century, author Harper Lee was set to release her second book. Unfortunately, however, public excitement was tempered by rumors and allegations of elder abuse against the aging writer by those who stood to profit from the book’s release. Exciting Announcement  According to reports, the manuscript for Go Set a Watchman was writtenContinue reading

Defending a Dissipation Claim in Divorce

There are plenty of challenging aspects to any divorce situation. In addition to the unquestionably difficult emotional turbulence, most couples must also deal with a number of practical considerations as well, including arrangements regarding children, spousal support, and the division of assets and property. While each process, of course, includes its own unique intricacies, the dividing of assets and property can, in many cases, set the toneContinue reading

Studies Suggest Increased Risk of Suicide in Divorce Situations

It is well known by most people, whether through personal experience or a loved one, that divorce can often be the most trying time in your life. Effecting you socially, economically, and, more important, emotionally, these issues can weigh heavily on you, leading to severe and extremely dangerous psychological distress with consequences that can be deadly. The stress and emotional turbulence that divorce brings can prove toContinue reading

Forensic Accountants and the Divorce Process

In today’s media-driven society, the word “forensic” probably brings to mind episodes of CSI: Crime Scene Investigation or mini-documentaries like The FBI Files. Of course, forensic investigations certainly include the white-coated technicians equipped with blacklights, microscopes, and DNA-analyzing technology, but forensic science encompasses much more than crime scenes and lab work. Forensic scientists are trained to gather, analyze, and categorize pieces of evidence or information related to theContinue reading