Monthly Archives: October 2016

Divorce and Your Wallet: Five Ways You Can Protect Your Finances in the Midst of Separation

When faced with an impending divorce, the thought of further burdening yourself with the financial aspects of the split is less than appealing. It is understandable that soon-to-be ex-spouses would prefer to skirt over money matters, but sadly, money has to be addressed at the end of the marriage, otherwise both parties are in for a potential storm as the divorce process unravels. Damage Control AsContinue reading

Thinking About Divorce Without an Attorney?

Since the advent of the internet, more and more individuals have become “do-it-yourself”-ers. Regardless of the project or task at hand, there are online resources available to help you figure out how to do it—everything from car repairs to home network management to self-paced study courses to gourmet cooking. In fact, a quick Google search of the abbreviation “DIY” returns more than 1.6 billion results.Continue reading

Contesting a Proposed Relocation

It can be very difficult to maintain a healthy relationship with your child when your parenting time is limited by the circumstances of a divorce or breakup with your child’s other parent. Things can become even more difficult if the other parent decides that he or she wants to move out of the areawith your child. If you have a formal parenting plan in place, youContinue reading

Divorced Parents and College Expenses, Part 2: Eligible Expenses and Your Child’s Responsibilities

Last week on this blog, we discussed the basics of the Illinois law that allows a court to require one or both parents to contribute to their child’s college expenses following a divorce. To summarize, college expenses for a couple’s child are essentially considered to be a financial matter between the parents in divorce, as long as at least one parent is willing to help the child financially. TheContinue reading

Divorced Parents and College Expenses, Part 1: Will You Have to Pay?

With the current school year now in full swing, many high school seniors are starting to look ahead to next year and their plans to attend college. To those who have never experienced it, planning almost a year in advance may seem unnecessary, but the college admissions process can sometimes take longer than people realize. In addition, it is never too early to start figuringContinue reading

Dealing With a Spouse Who Wastes Marital Assets

For many couples in unhealthy relationships, the marriage is often over long before the divorce process even begins. The spouses may continue to live in the same house, possibly still sharing the same bed, but the marriage, in all reality, stands virtually no chance of being revived. While the marriage is breaking down or after the breakdown is complete, there are limitations provided by IllinoisContinue reading

Should Stay-at-Home Parents Expect Maintenance After Divorce?

While less common than in previous generations, there are still thousands—if not tens of thousands—of parents who do not work a traditional job, instead choosing to stay at home with their children. For these stay-at-home parents—primarily moms, if we are being honest—the prospect of a divorce can be incredibly frightening and overwhelming. Many stay-at-home parents have been out of the workforce for many years, and establishingContinue reading

Breaking the News of Divorce to Your Spouse

While divorce is certainly not rare in today’s society, it is still not an easy subject to discuss with your spouse. In every case, however, there comes the point at which the spouse who has made the ultimate decision to end the marriage must communicate that choice to the other partner. The way you tell your spouse that you want a divorce will set the tone forContinue reading