All posts by kezylaw
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
Know the Dangers of Divorce Without a Lawyer
As you approach the process of divorce, you may consider your situation and decide that you can do this. You do not need to spend extra money for some lawyer to fill out a few pages of paperwork and to file them for you, right? You and your spouse—despite the fact that your marriage is ending—get along well enough to get through the process without anyContinue reading
Parent-Teacher Conferences for Children of Divorce
If you are the divorced parent of a school-aged child, you have probably spent the better part of the last month helping your child adjust to the rigors of the new school year. Reestablishing school routines after a several-month vacation can be quite challenging, to say the least. Now that school is well underway once again, the first parent-teacher conferences will be coming soon. It isContinue reading
Understanding the Division of Property in an Illinois Divorce
Unlike equal distribution states, where marital assets are divided right down the middle, Illinois is an equitable distribution state. This means that the marital estate is divided “fairly.” Of course, fair is an obscure term that can create a lot of confusion and contention. If you are filing for divorce in Illinois, learn what factors may be used to divide your assets and property, and how youContinue reading
The Joy of Inter-Family Adoptions
Coverage of last month’s Summer Olympics highlighted the touching story of an American gymnast and her inter-family adoption through which her grandparents formally adopted her and became her legal parents. With the support of a loving family, she was able to pursue her dreams of competing on the world’s largest stage. When a family issue becomes untenable, an adoption by a close family member mayContinue reading
The New Understanding of Child Custody
Beginning in January of 2016, new laws went into effect in Illinois that altered the state’s approach to child custody proceedings for divorced, separated, and unmarried parents. Proponents of the changes had held for many years that the previous version of the law had become outdated and often led to bitter, impassioned disputes between parents who each wanted to “win” custody of their children. While no lawContinue reading
Child Support for a Pageant Participant
There is an elite group of individuals who go on to become pageant queens and kings. However, they all must start somewhere. Many times, the desire to hold these titles begins with a nudge from one or both parents during the school-aged years. Participation includes effort of appearance in addition to positive personality traits and a high financial cost. If the parents are divorced, changesContinue reading