Latest Blog Posts

Divorce often comes with numerous changes, among the most prevalent of which is a change of name. Please continue reading as we explore how you can change your name after a divorce in Illinois and how a knowledgeable Peoria Divorce Lawyer can assist you.  Do I Have to Change My…
Read More

In Illinois, a parent's criminal record significantly impacts child custody matters, though it doesn't automatically lead to a loss of custody. The court's paramount concern is the child's best interests, prompting judges to scrutinize all aspects of a parent's life to determine their fitness. While a criminal past complicates custody…
Read More

Divorce is emotionally and financially taxing. Many are unaware of their financial rights, particularly regarding financial disclosure in Illinois. This blog explores financial disclosure during divorce proceedings, steps if a spouse conceals assets, and the importance of connecting with an experienced Peoria Divorce Lawyer. What Does Full Financial Disclosure Mean…
Read More

It's common for people to dedicate a significant portion of their working lives to accumulating retirement funds to ensure financial security during their retirement years. However, approaching this life stage often prompts questions about ongoing alimony payments to a former spouse. Many individuals are unsure whether retirement provides grounds for…
Read More

Divorce proceedings in Illinois can be lengthy and contentious. One potential strategy to ease these difficulties is to request a bifurcated divorce from the court. If this approach interests you, it's crucial to work with an experienced Peoria Divorce Lawyer who can guide you on the best course of action…
Read More

Divorce is a challenging experience for any family in Illinois, but when a child with special needs is involved, the complexities multiply significantly. The legal system aims to ensure the best interests of the child, and this principle is even more critical when a child requires specialized care and support.…
Read More

Within a marriage, a couple's finances are often intertwined. Many spouses choose to maintain joint accounts ot amange their daily expenses. However, these commingled funds present complex issues during a divorce and frequently become a point of contention. If your spouse has emptied a joint account, it's essential to understand…
Read More

Child custody is often the most emotionally charged and critical aspect of Illinois divorce proceedings. The process of determining child custody can be particularly challenging, requiring careful consideration of numerous factors to ensure the well-being of the children involved. When parents are unable to reach an agreement on custody terms,…
Read More

Determining child custody arrangements is often one of the most critical and disputed issues during a separation or divorce. While many couples opt for a prenuptial agreement before marriage to manage financial matters in the event of an unexpected marital dissolution, a common question arises: can child custody terms be…
Read More

While most individuals don't anticipate their text messages playing a role in divorce proceedings, it's a possibility. If you are curious about the admissibility of text messages in an Illinois divorce case, delve into this information to understand the nuances and discover how a dedicated Peoria Divorce Lawyer can help…
Read More

Divorce profoundly alters the lives of separating spouses and their children. Oftentimes, children face emotional distress as they adapt to a new family structure. Consequently, many parents look for effective strategies to help their children navigate this period. Nesting arrangements are a popular solution. Please continue reading to learn what…
Read More

Regaining custody is a complex process that demands considerable effort and the assistance of our seasoned Peoria County Child Custody Lawyer. Please continue reading as we explore how a parent can regain their rights after losing custody in Illinois. Why Do Parents Lose Custodial Rights? When a parent's custody rights…
Read More

If you are looking to end your marriage in Illinois, understanding the legal requirements is essential. Please continue reading as we explore whether a mandatory waiting period exists before filing for divorce and how an experienced Peoria Divorce Lawyer can guide you through this challenging process.  What is the Waiting…
Read More

Divorce proceedings in Illinois have variable timelines, influenced by the unique circumstances of each case. While some divorces conclude swiftly, others extend over months or years due to unresolved issues. Those contemplating dissolving their marriage in Illinois who wish to understand the potential duration of the legal process should continue…
Read More

Life is characterized by continuous change, and these fluctuations can have a considerable effect on your financial stability. When such shifts occur, your established child support obligations may no longer accurately reflect your financial circumstances, necessitating a modification to the existing court order. This applies to both increases and decreases…
Read More

Navigating a divorce in Illinois requires a clear understanding of your legal duties to ensure a seamless process. A critical document in this process is the divorce complaint. The accurate and thorough preparation of this document is paramount, as any errors can lead to necessary delays, potential dismissal of a…
Read More

When the court imposes a visitation schedule, you may have no qualms about what the court has deemed in the best interests of the child. However, it can be incredibly frustrating when your ex-spouse consistently violates the order. If your ex refuses to comply with the visitation order and has prevented…
Read More

Prenuptial agreements can be beneficial for outlining expectations and protecting assets, potentially simplifying the divorce process in Illinois if it arises. Despite these benefits, circumstances may lead one spouse to find the terms of a prenuptial agreement unfair or invalid. In such cases, the agreement can be challenged in court.…
Read More

If you are divorcing with children, you will need to address the issue of custody. Parents are often unfamiliar with the factors that influence how the court determines these matters. If you are facing a custody battle in Illinois, the following blog explores the different custody options available and the…
Read More

When parents reside in different countries, child custody cases become much more difficult to resolve. Please continue reading as we explore how international child custody disputes are handled and how a determined Peoria County Child Relocation Lawyer can assist you.  How is Jurisdiction Determined in Cross-Border Custody Disputes? First and…
Read More

If your soon-to-be-ex-spouse is harassing you during the divorce process, it's crucial to take immediate action to protect yourself and stop the harassment. Please continue reading as we explore the legal remedies available and how a compassionate Peoria Divorce Lawyer can assist you during these tough times.  What Constitutes Harassment…
Read More

Going through a divorce in Illinois can be incredibly stressful. If you are in this situation, it's important to remember that you don't have to go through it alone. During this challenging time, you should seek out a seasoned Peoria Divorce Lawyer who can guide you through this complex process.…
Read More

The decision to file for divorce is incredibly difficult, with emotional, legal, and financial ramifications to consider. If you are contemplating divorce but your spouse is not, you may feel trapped. However, it's crucial to understand that you can proceed with a divorce even if your spouse doesn't want one.…
Read More

During a divorce, the question of which parent the child will live with is frequently raised. The answer is not straightforward, as various factors must be considered before determining their living arrangements. However, if they can express a rational opinion the court may allow a child to choose which parent…
Read More

If your marriage is ending because your spouse engaged in an extramarital affair, you might be wondering whether their infidelity could affect the outcome of your divorce. Please continue reading as we explore how a spouse's cheating could impact your divorce in Illinois and why connecting with a determined Peoria…
Read More

Living on your own after a divorce can be tough. You’re working with one income now instead of two, and it can be difficult to adjust and live within your means. That’s why it’s a good idea to take some time and set up a post-divorce budget. A Peoria County…
Read More

It’s no secret that most divorces require a lot of paperwork. That’s why it’s a good idea to know exactly what kinds of documents you’ll need to have on hand if you want to ensure that this process goes smoothly. A Peoria County contested divorce lawyer can help you prepare…
Read More

Once you have filed the necessary paperwork to get divorced, you might think that you have no way of getting out of it. This actually isn’t true though. If you change your mind, you can back out of your divorce, even if you’re the one who filed the original petition.…
Read More

You know that you will have to split up shared property when you get a divorce, but what happens to gifts? If something was given to just you, your spouse shouldn’t get to try and claim it as their own. A Peoria County marital property division lawyer can help you…
Read More

Every parent has rights and they continue to have those rights even after getting a divorce. If you think that your rights as a parent have been infringed or that your ex is boxing you out when it comes to big decisions about the lives of your children, you need…
Read More

It’s important to hire a divorce lawyer when separating from your spouse, but you shouldn’t hire just anybody. Having the right divorce lawyer and omeone you can depend on is important. We’ll tell you why a Peoria divorce lawyer from our firm could be the right match for you. Do…
Read More

Dealing with a divorce can be overwhelming, but it’s important to keep a clear head and think about the future. Some people get stressed or let their emotions take over, and that can lead to financial mistakes that they will end up paying for later. A Peoria County marital property…
Read More

A divorce can come with enough complications. One spouse filing for bankruptcy once divorce papers have already been filed is something that’s guaranteed to complicate matters even more. A Peoria divorce lawyer can let you know what to expect when this happens and why you may want to convince your…
Read More

You don’t just split up assets during a divorce. You also have to figure out what happens to any joint debts. Your creditors don’t care that you and your spouse are no longer together. They want the money they are owed. A Peoria County marital property division lawyer from our…
Read More

Someone can be accused of abandoning their family, but when it comes to Illinois state law and divorce proceedings the term abandonment has a specific definition. If you want to get a divorce because your spouse has abandoned your family, it’s important to know how that abandonment can affect the…
Read More

Even if you and your spouse can be civil with each other, going through a divorce is rarely a fun experience. It’s no surprise that many of our clients ask how they can get a fast divorce. What will speed up the process and which pitfalls can slow it down?…
Read More

A divorce can be stressful, so it’s no surprise that some people just want to get through it as quickly as possible. It’s not usually a good idea to rush through a divorce though. You should take your time and make sure that you have all of the information needed…
Read More

A postnuptial agreement can be a touchy subject. There are many benefits to such a contract though, and if you approach the conversation in the right way your spouse should be able to see those benefits as well. Then a Peoria County family law attorney can help you draw up…
Read More

Not every divorce has to go to trial. Sometimes couples cannot come to an agreement on certain important matters though, and that’s when a judge’s input is going to be deemed necessary. This situation can be stressful, but an experienced Peoria County contested divorce lawyer can help you prepare and…
Read More

When someone files for divorce, they are often separated from their spouse. Most petitioners know where their spouse is though. Not knowing your spouse’s location can make filing for divorce a bit more complicated. This is why it’s a good idea to talk to a Peoria divorce lawyer to learn…
Read More

A parent could have many good reasons for moving. They still have to clear relocation plans with the court if they are divorced and have a parenting plan with their former spouse. It’s obviously unfair to move far away so that noncustodial parents can never see their children. Whether you…
Read More

You could go to court to come to a divorce agreement, but litigation can get quite expensive and contentious. Some couples prefer to try alternatives, like divorce mediation. If you think that you’ll want to try this method before trying to solve all of your issues through litigation, a Peoria…
Read More

No one ever wants to plan to divorce. However, using a prenuptial agreement is a good way to protect your assets and determine what would happen in the event that you and your spouse do split up. You need to make sure that such an agreement is airtight before its…
Read More

When you are going through a divorce, not all disagreements need to be resolved through litigation. Some couples choose to hash out certain issues using alternative methods, like arbitration. Divorce arbitration is a bit like going to court, but it offers some key differences like more confidentiality. A Peoria divorce…
Read More

If you are trying to get a divorce from an abusive partner, that can affect the divorce proceedings in a few different ways. An accusation or charge of domestic violence can change certain parts of the negotiations and potentially make it more difficult to opt for alternative means of dispute…
Read More

When a couple divorces, they usually end up splitting custody of their children. If you’re interested in pushing for sole custody, you should know that it’s an uphill battle. The courts generally lean towards making an arrangement where both parents have some form of custody. A Peoria County child custody…
Read More

When you get divorced, you know that you’ll have to split up all of your property. This can be one of the most contentious parts of the process actually. One item that might cause some confusion is the engagement ring. Who gets to keep it? There’s an answer that’s generally…
Read More

If you are paying your former spouse alimony and you lose your job, that can be a stressful situation. You’re not the only one who has been in this situation though. That means that there are ways to address these kinds of issues when they come up, but you have…
Read More

The division of assets can be one of the toughest parts of any divorce, but things can get especially complex and stressful when you have a business that you do not want divided up. There are some ways to protect a business during a high net worth divorce though. You…
Read More

We are pleased to share that Susan Butler, Founding Partner of Butler, Giraudo & Meister, P.C., has been named the Best Divorce Attorney in the Peoria Community Choice Awards. This awards program recognizes more than 450 businesses and organizations, and people working in these businesses and organizations, throughout the Peoria…
Read More

We announce with great pleasure that Butler, Giraudo & Meister, P.C. was recently voted as one of the finalists for the Best Law Firm category in the Peoria Community Choice Awards. Each year, the Peoria Community’s Choice Awards recognizes more than 450 businesses and organizations in the area. The awards…
Read More

It can be tough to split your parenting time with your former spouse. Once you determine visitation schedules and custody arrangements in your divorce agreement, there is one potentially thorny issue that still needs to be worked out. We’re talking about making a holiday schedule. Dividing up the holidays with…
Read More

Your ex pays you child support to help you with all of the expenses that come with raising kids. Some custodial parents can be unsure of what these payments should and shouldn’t cover. For example, is child support meant to pay car insurance premiums? A Peoria County child support lawyer…
Read More

If you are ready to get a divorce in Illinois, a Peoria divorce lawyer from our firm can help. How long your divorce takes and how complicated it can end up being will depend on a number of factors, but the process of starting your divorce remains largely the same…
Read More

Divorce can be a difficult enough process, but it can be even more difficult when you have to worry about your privacy. Many divorces are handled in court, and that means a court record that contains everything that you said and did during the proceedings. If you don’t want people…
Read More

If your ex is late to drop off once or twice, that can be a bit irritating. If they make it a habit to drop your kids off late, that’s a problem. You need to address this, and a Peoria County child custody lawyer from our firm can help. You…
Read More

You have probably heard of a prenuptial agreement, but postnuptial agreements also exist. Like a prenup, a postnuptial agreement has to meet certain standards in order to be considered enforceable. Drafting an agreement that won’t stand up to legal scrutiny is just a waste of time. This is why you’ll…
Read More

There’s nothing technically stopping you from going on a date or two while you are divorcing. Your actions can complicate matters though, especially if your divorce is already a little bit messy. This is why you may want to talk to your Peoria County contested divorce lawyer before you put…
Read More

When you inherit something, does your spouse get a claim to it too? In most situations, they do not. However, you still need to take steps to protect your inheritance and make sure that you do not make any errors that could allow your spouse to try and claim a…
Read More

When you get a divorce, spousal support is one of the matters that needs to be addressed. Who pays and how much they pay is often one of the more contentious issues, but eventually this needs to be ironed out and made part of the final divorce agreement. Some of…
Read More

An uncontested divorce is one where the divorcing couple agrees on the major issues. It can take a lot less time to sort out than a contested divorce, but there is still paperwork to be completed and some other important matters to address. A Peoria County uncontested divorce lawyer can…
Read More

Some states require you and your spouse to be separated for a certain amount of time before you actually get a divorce. The justification is usually that it can prevent people from rushing into this big decision. Illinois also has rules about how long you have to be separated, but…
Read More

If you are thinking about filing for divorce from your partner and you believe that they are thinking the same thing, should you rush and try to file for divorce first? In the grand scheme of things, who files first doesn’t usually make a huge difference. However, a Peoria divorce…
Read More

When you get divorced and children are involved, both parents need to continue to provide for them. When one parent gets primary custody, the other parent needs to pay child support. This helps cover the necessities for each child, but some parents try to get out of these agreements. Providing…
Read More

You don’t have to go to court to settle all of the issues in a divorce case. If your marriage is ending, mediation sessions are an alternative to litigation that could end up being a better way to resolve matters like asset division, alimony, or child custody. When you make…
Read More

When you and your former spouse are working out a custody agreement, one term you might hear often is “the best interest of the child.” What does this mean exactly? It means that the court is going to make a decision based on what suits the child best, not what…
Read More

Parental alienation is a common problem in contested divorces and it can be a difficult issue to address. If one parent is engaging in this bad behavior, they should be held accountable. That could mean making changes to a custody agreement. A Peoria County child custody lawyer from our firm…
Read More

If you have come to a child support agreement with your former spouse, you might still have some questions about the arrangement. One question we hear often from payors and payees alike is “Will this affect my taxes?” Fortunately, there aren’t actually significant tax implications to worry about when it…
Read More

After a Peoria divorce lawyer from our firm helps you with your divorce, you’ll probably realize that you have an awful lot of paperwork to contend with. Can you just get rid of all of it and get a fresh new start? This can be tempting, but there are many…
Read More

Divorce can be complicated no matter how much money you have, but there are particular challenges when you and your spouse have a high net worth. One of the most important elements to think about might be the tax considerations that have to be made when splitting up a large…
Read More

When you have to split up your assets in a divorce, the process can get complicated quickly. You need someone who will stand up for your best interests and make sure that these assets are all valued and divided in a fair way. A Peoria County marital property lawyer can…
Read More

If you really think that the family court got things wrong, you may want to appeal the decision. It’s an understandable impulse, but you should learn exactly how the process works by talking with a Peoria County family law appeals lawyer. We can help you make your case and fight…
Read More

There are many things to take care of when you are getting a divorce, and one important thing that many people should not skip over is the process of changing their name. Whether you took your partner’s last name or decided to hyphenate, you should change that when your marriage…
Read More

When you are trying to find the best custody arrangement for your children after a divorce, many factors have to be considered by the court before a final deal can be struck and approved. One factor that can affect the proceedings is the child’s preference, but it’s important to know…
Read More

If you receive child support payments from your ex, do you have to worry about that support complicating matters come tax time? To give you the short and simple answer, these payments are not taxable. You are not going to owe taxes on your child support payments when you go…
Read More

Your child support is meant to cover many of the costs that come with raising a child, and that does include medical expenses. However, healthcare costs are not always predictable, and sometimes different arrangements need to be made in order to make sure that both parents are treated fairly and…
Read More

If you are not the custodial parent, do you have to pay for your child’s college? You can be ordered to pay for college, even though most typical child support agreements end when the child meets the age of majority. A Peoria County post judgment modification lawyer from our firm…
Read More

We are thrilled to announce that Butler, Giraudo & Meister, P.C. was recently awarded the 2024 John C. McAndrews Pro Bono Service Award by the Illinois State Bar Association. This award is intended to honor the extraordinary commitment of individuals, bar associations, law firms, and corporate legal departments that provide…
Read More

Prenups get a bad rap, but they can actually be quite useful for many couples. If you are thinking about signing a prenuptial agreement, it’s important to know what kinds of things can be included. Some matters can’t be handled by a prenup, so you should talk to a Peoria…
Read More

When making a custody arrangement, what’s best for the child or children obviously needs to be considered. Because of that, there is usually a particular type of custody arrangement that is most common. Unless there are good reasons not to ensure that both parents are in the child’s life, the…
Read More

Going through a divorce can be expensive, and this is especially true if you have to solve all of your problems through the court. Fortunately, a Peoria divorce lawyer from our firm can help you find alternative methods of dispute resolution, like mediation and collaborative divorce. Many people think that…
Read More

It’s no secret that splitting from your wife or husband can be expensive. However, there are some smart ways to save money during the divorce process. A Peoria County uncontested divorce lawyer can help you find them. What Steps Can I Take to Save Money During the Divorce Process? If…
Read More

When a couple divorces, they normally go their separate ways and settle into their own residences. Sometimes one person keeps the family home and another moves out. If there are kids involved, they go back and forth to each parent’s home for visitation. A nesting arrangement can change that though,…
Read More

Most divorces are complicated in their own way, but a military divorce can be complex right from the beginning. One of the big issues facing those who want to file for divorce from their military spouses is residency. Where do you file for divorce if your spouse is deployed or…
Read More

Any custody battle can be stressful, but a high-conflict custody battle can really push you to your limits. Fortunately, there are some ways to deal with this kind of situation while minimizing stress and continuing to fight as hard as you can for a favorable agreement. A Peoria County child…
Read More

If you cannot afford to pay child support in accordance with your current agreement, you need to act quickly. A backlog of missed payments can quickly add up, and you could end up facing harsh penalties if you do not fulfill your obligations. You should talk to a Peoria County…
Read More

Being married to someone with a substance abuse problem can be draining and dangerous. When you get out of that situation by divorcing them, it can be a weight off of your shoulders. Do you need to show that your spouse has a problem though? Is it like building a…
Read More

If you end up in a situation where you can no longer afford to pay alimony, you need to act quickly. Just stopping the payments can get you in serious trouble. Instead, you need to talk to a Peoria County alimony attorney who can advise you on what you should…
Read More

When you are going through a divorce, you probably want to do everything that you can to protect your assets and ensure a fair outcome when all of your marital property is divided. Sometimes going through the courts is not the best option for you. A Peoria County marital property…
Read More

Marital property is going to get divided up in the divorce. These days that means that even cryptocurrency is on the table when you are splitting everything up. If you or your spouse has cryptocurrency, it’s important to realize that this is going to be part of the deal. It’s…
Read More

In most cases, arguments over custody take some time and hearings need to be scheduled around a busy family court calendar. That changes if it is believed that there is some danger to a child. This is when one parent can file emergency custody orders and try to get their…
Read More

Dividing up property in a divorce is never easy, but deciding what to do with a family home and its mortgage might be one of the toughest decisions you have to make. Not only do you still owe money on it, but the property itself probably has quite a bit…
Read More

Custody battles are often the toughest part of any divorce, but matters can be made even more complex if special needs children are involved. Caring for any child is a massive undertaking, but caring for a child who has special needs can require even more time and effort on behalf…
Read More

If you are trying to get custody of your child or children, you might be worried if you have less money than the other spouse. After all, isn’t financial stability a big factor in these kinds of decisions? It is, but it is hardly the only element that will be…
Read More

Much of the time, even if the children spend most of their time with one parent after a divorce, both parents are awarded joint custody. This means that they both have input into big decisions concerning their kids, even if they only see their kids a few days per month.…
Read More

Congratulations are in order for Attorneys Kelly R. Giraudo, Tamara A. Meister, Kayla M. Hickey, and Gabrielle M. Cunningham, of Butler, Giraudo & Meister, P.C., who have been recently recognized by the 2024 Super Lawyers list. More specifically, Ms. Giraudo has been recognized as a Super Lawyer for 2024, her…
Read More

Co-parenting is rarely easy. Even if you and your spouse are on good terms, conflicts are bound to come up in joint custody arrangements simply because you are two different people who may have different ideas about how to best raise your children. It is important that you are able…
Read More

When your child spends time in two households, there needs to be a complete parenting plan in place that can reduce confusion and ensure that the child’s best interests are always being watched out for. A Peoria County child custody lawyer can help you develop a parenting plan that can…
Read More

It is not easy to make a co-parenting arrangement work. It can be especially difficult if one parent will not stick to a visitation agreement and let their children spend time with the other parent. You cannot just refuse visitation, even if you think that you have a good reason…
Read More