Most families have two working parents these days, and that often means that daycare costs are now an important part of most budgets. If you get a divorce, those costs are still going to be there. So does this mean that child support will be calculated with daycare costs in…
Read More

Now that same-sex marriage is legal across the land, you would think that the same-sex divorce process would be simple enough. A same-sex divorce is similar to a divorce between a straight couple in most ways, but there are some special considerations to make here. A Peoria County LGBTQ family…
Read More

A spouse can actually refuse to sign the divorce papers they are served with. That doesn’t mean that they can put a complete stop to the process though. You are allowed to file for the dissolution of your marriage in Illinois even if your partner does not consent to it.…
Read More

An uncontested divorce seems much simpler than a contested divorce. In fact, it seems so simple that you might think that there’s no reason to even have a lawyer of your own. We understand that logic, but we recommend that you talk to a Peoria County uncontested divorce lawyer anyway.…
Read More

A temporary order can tell a divorcing couple how to handle a certain issue, like child custody, until their divorce goes through. These are often necessary because divorces do not get wrapped up in a day or two. The process often takes a lot of time, and it could take…
Read More

Divorce can be a stressful process, and that makes it easy to make mistakes. Some of these mistakes can cause long-lasting problems, so you really want to be careful about how you compose yourself and how you deal with the many issues that are bound to come up during the…
Read More

Going through a divorce is tough on everyone, but it can be especially hard if you have a child that you want to protect from the worst parts of the process. It can be difficult to protect a child from everything, but you can take some steps to mitigate the…
Read More

If you are the victim of domestic violence, you certainly do not want to end up paying spousal support to your abusive partner. Unfortunately, that is something that can end up happening in some divorce cases. A history of violence can be considered by the court, but it may not…
Read More

If you lose your job while you are still being ordered to pay alimony to your spouse, does that get you out of your spousal support agreement? Not necessarily. The court does not like to revisit an alimony agreement unless it is absolutely necessary. If you think that your situation…
Read More

Having a prenuptial agreement can be beneficial for many couples, despite the reputation that prenups usually have. These are not just agreements that stop “gold-digging.” These documents can make it much easier to separate property and finances in a divorce. Still, there are some things that you should know before…
Read More

People on disability are generally not going to be seen as the more financially secure spouse in a divorce proceeding. This means that it is extremely rare that the disabled spouse will be forced to pay anything. It is important to look at all of the possibilities though, just to…
Read More

There are many factors for a court to consider when it is ironing out child custody and child support agreements. The best interest of the child is always the top priority, but if we had to name the next most important element it could be the financial situation of the…
Read More

There are plenty of financial decisions to make during a divorce. You want to make sure that you are not rushed and that you do everything that you can to get your post-divorce finances off on the right foot. A Peoria divorce lawyer can help you do this as they…
Read More

One of the biggest sticking points in many divorce agreements is often child custody agreements. Who gets the kids and when is obviously going to be a topic that is incredibly important to both parents, so it is important to find a way to sit down and come to an…
Read More

Any divorce can be tough to manage, but one where there are a lot of assets to allocate can be particularly stressful to navigate. One thing that many of our clients ask us is “How can I protect my business?” In many cases, your spouse is owed at least part…
Read More

Any divorce can be stressful, but a high-conflict divorce can be especially tough to navigate. In cases like these, our clients face more than the typical divorce stresses, usually due to the actions and attitude of their soon-to-be former spouse. If you think that your divorce process is going to…
Read More

When you get married, you often end up accumulating debt together. When you get a divorce, any of those remaining debts need to be dealt with. A divorce agreement might also require one spouse to make alimony payments to the other spouse. Do your marital debts and alimony payment arrangements…
Read More

When calculating alimony payments after a divorce, the court can look at a wide range of factors before it comes to a decision. It is also important to note that it is not just financial factors that get weighed. So if you are worried that your financial situation does not…
Read More

When you are getting a divorce, you know that property is going to need to be split up. Knowing that, can’t you just take some of your assets and put them in a completely separate account? If it only has your name on it, then the money inside of it…
Read More

Figuring out which spouse gets which property is one of the most important parts of the divorce process. Unsurprisingly, it can also be the part that causes the most conflict. If you have a lot of property, this process can be difficult. One problem we see frequently concerns rental properties…
Read More

Divorce is never easy, but it can be especially stressful when you are dealing with an emotionally abusive spouse who is doing their best to make every stage of this process even more difficult. Having an experienced Peoria divorce lawyer on your side can be helpful. An attorney from our…
Read More

You know that everything has to be divided up in a divorce, and that is easy to do when it comes to some assets. If you have a joint bank account, for example, splitting that in half is generally not going to be too much trouble. What about when you…
Read More

Getting a divorce can be stressful enough without having to deal with court dates and expensive litigation. Many of our clients ask us if it is possible to get a divorce without going to court. The answer is yes, but there are some things that you have to know before…
Read More

Butler, Giraudo & Meister, P.C. has recently been named to the Public Interest Law Initiative's (PILI) 2023 Pro Bono Recognition Roster. Our firm was one of 44 law firms and corporations to be recognized. Specifically, law firms named to PILI's 2023 Pro Bono Recognition Roster met at least two of…
Read More

If your spouse has committed adultery, you may think that this is a good enough reason to take them to court and divorce them. Many people would agree with you, but adultery alone is not actually grounds for divorce in Illinois. If that seems confusing, a Peoria County contested divorce…
Read More

There are a few different ways to approach disagreements in divorces. One is mediation, but divorce mediation is not ideal in every single situation. A Peoria divorce lawyer from our firm can evaluate your case and determine whether or not entering into this kind of negotiation is a wise idea.…
Read More

Sometimes when people file for divorce, their spouse decides that they are not going to be cooperative and go along with the process. Whether they do not want to get divorced themselves or they simply wish to gum up the works, having a spouse who won’t cooperate during a divorce…
Read More

Dividing up everything in a divorce can be difficult enough, but it can get even more complicated when pets are involved. It is assumed that both members of a couple have bonded with the pet and have formed an attachment to them, so who gets to keep the dog, cat,…
Read More

It is natural for children to feel the impact of a divorce just like parents do. This can be a huge shakeup of their lives, and they probably have a variety of feelings that they are working through and new worries preoccupying them. It is imperative that you stand by…
Read More

Most grandparents want to have a relationship with their grandchildren, but sometimes they are stopped from doing so. If you are a grandparent who wants to visit with your grandchildren, do you have legal options? You might. If you have the chance to ask for visitation rights, a Peoria County…
Read More

If you are meeting with a divorce lawyer for the first time, it pays to be prepared. Part of that means ensuring that you have all of the right paperwork and information with you at this initial consultation. Here are some of the things you should know about this first…
Read More

Any divorce can get complicated when we get to the part where property gets split up between both spouses. The presence of a family-owned business can make this process even more complex. Many people wonder if they are entitled to a share of their spouse’s business when they get divorced.…
Read More

Establishing paternity is always important. We understand that some parents are reluctant to be named on a birth certificate, but the benefits of establishing paternity far outweigh any potential negative consequences. If you have questions about how this process works, a Peoria County paternity lawyer from our firm can help…
Read More

If you have been served with divorce papers, you have a few options. Which works best for you is dependent on a whole range of factors, but we have one thing that we recommend to every person going through a divorce. Consult a Peoria divorce lawyer from our firm. How…
Read More

Most divorces are difficult, but one can be especially hard to navigate when you have pets together as a couple. Who gets custody of the pets when a couple separates? That can depend on a few different factors, but a Peoria divorce lawyer from our firm can help you make…
Read More

If you are filing for divorce, you probably expect alimony payments to be a part of the arrangement. Whether you are the paying spouse or the one receiving alimony payments, you are likely wondering how long this arrangement will last. Multiple factors are considered when determining alimony payments, but one…
Read More

Any divorce can be complex, but filing for divorce from a member of the military can carry its own unique complications. A Peoria divorce lawyer from our firm can help you navigate this process and account for any additional steps that need to be taken. What Special Considerations Are Made…
Read More

When you are getting a divorce, your life insurance policy is probably not one of the first things you are going to think of. However, it is important to know how your policy will be affected once you and your spouse split. A Peoria County marital property division lawyer can…
Read More

Alimony is sometimes referred to as spousal support. So it stands to reason that if your former spouse gets married, your obligations to pay spousal support should stop or at least be modified. Before you make any deviation from your current alimony agreement, you should talk to a Peoria County…
Read More

Just because you do not have custody of your child, that does not mean that you do not have an obligation to them. This is why the noncustodial parent often has to pay child support until their child reaches adulthood. However, while this arrangement is typical, there are other factors…
Read More

An Illinois family law court will rarely order permanent alimony. This is not to say, though, that you should not fight for a temporary alimony order that is fair and reasonable. One fair and reasonable request may be considering inflation over the months and years following your divorce. Continue reading…
Read More

Divorce is a complicated issue, and for many people, it signifies both the end of one chapter and the beginning of another chapter in their lives. Unfortunately, however, divorce is often the most difficult for the children involved. As a parent, you want to do what's best for your child,…
Read More

The division of assets is one of the most complicated yet important steps of the divorce process. This is when a married couple's shared property is legally split between both spouses, and the decision can be made by a judge or by the spouses themselves. In Illinois, any assets that…
Read More

Divorce can be stressful because there are many different considerations that need to be made throughout the legal proceedings. Various aspects of a person's life are affected by a divorce, such as finances and living arrangements. If you are considering divorce or just beginning the divorce process, you might be…
Read More

Initiating a divorce when you've experienced domestic violence is an extraordinarily hard task for many in similar situations. It's also vital to understand how the domestic violence you've endured will impact your child custody arrangement, especially if you fear for your child's safety while they are in the custody of…
Read More

Though you and your ex-spouse may have conflicting feelings, it's vital to do what you can to work together on behalf of your children. However, this is not always easy or viable for every family. If you believe you and your spouse can co-parent effectively, keep reading to uncover some…
Read More

Congratulations to Susan H. Butler and Kelly R. Giraudo, who have been named Leading Lawyers for 2023, along with Tamara A. Meister, who has been named an Emerging Lawyer for 2023. Notably, LeadingLawyers.com recognizes less than 5% of all lawyers licensed in each state as a Leading Lawyer, and less…
Read More

The divorce process can be incredibly complicated, especially when it comes to the financial side of the proceedings. If you're at all familiar with the divorce process, you probably have heard of spousal support (AKA alimony). This is when one divorcing spouse provides court-ordered financial assistance to the other spouse…
Read More

You probably have heard that divorce is a highly stressful process. A person's entire life can be different once their divorce is finalized. Not only are there countless important decisions to be made, but the legal proceedings can be costly if the process is prolonged. It's no surprise that many…
Read More

In situations where one parent has primary or full custody, the other parent (also known as the non-custodial parent) might need to pay child support to financially provide for their child. Calculating how much a non-custodial parent owes can be complicated, especially if circumstances change. Many parents with shared custody…
Read More

Butler, Giraudo & Meister, P.C. is proud to announce that Super Lawyers has recognized Attorneys Kelly R. Giraudo, Tamara A. Meister, and Kayla M. Hickey, for 2023. Ms. Hickey was named a Super Lawyer Rising Star for 2023, and Ms. Meister was recognized as a Rising Star for the fourth…
Read More

The financial side of the divorce process can often be daunting for spouses. A person's financial status after a divorce is typically much different than their financial status during the marriage. Mostly this is because shared property is divided between divorcing spouses, but there are also many legal fees and…
Read More

There's a common misconception that prenups are only for high-net-worth couples, but any married couple can benefit from a prenuptial agreement. Spouses can protect their assets by establishing how marital property will be handled both during and after marriage. However, it's common for financial status to change throughout the course…
Read More

Divorce can be a difficult process for many reasons, but the financial aspects of divorce can be especially daunting. Because married couples often have a considerable amount of shared assets, determining how these assets will be distributed is often a lengthy and emotional process. Subsequently, many divorcing spouses worry about…
Read More

Less than two decades ago, most child custody cases ended with a mother winning primary or even full custody of their child. This is because it used to be widely believed that women are naturally more adept at caring for children. However, this is unfair to fathers who want an…
Read More

Co-parenting a child with someone other than a spouse or partner can be a difficult task, especially if you don't get along with the other parent. Co-parenting relationships can become even more strained if one of them exhibits narcissistic behavior, which could have substantial effects on the other parent as…
Read More

Divorcing couples in Illinois have the option of filing for either a contested or uncontested divorce. If you're unfamiliar with the divorce process, you might be unaware of the importance of the difference between these two divorce processes. A contested divorce is when one spouse accuses the other spouse of…
Read More

If you've ever been involved in the divorce process, you probably understand that divorce can be complicated and costly for various reasons. Divorce is inherently a stressful time in anyone's life, but the financial aspects can make the process even more adverse for some people. Are you an Illinois resident…
Read More

While it's become increasingly common for couples to create prenups before getting married, not as many people are aware of postnuptial agreements. These are similar documents that are created during the couple's marriage to manage spousal assets. Married couples can create a postnup regardless of if they made a prenup…
Read More

Figuring out the logistics of the divorce process can be daunting for various reasons. While a judge typically determines how assets and debt are divided in the process, retirement plans are not split as easily. Are you considering or already in the midst of the divorce process? If you're planning…
Read More

The financial side of the divorce process can be daunting. Married couples accumulate not just shared assets but also shared debt. Both assets and debts must be fairly split in a divorce. If you're beginning the divorce process, you may be wondering how debt is split between divorced couples. Need…
Read More

Figuring out custody arrangements can be tricky any time of year, but figuring out joint custody during the holiday season can be difficult. If you're a divorced parent, you may be wondering how other divorcees split custody during the holidays and how arrangements are decided. Our attorneys are on your…
Read More

Many people filing or preparing to file for divorce might wonder about how to serve divorce papers to their spouse. The divorce process can be daunting without quality legal assistance. Read on to learn more about this step of the process and how a Peoria Divorce Lawyer can help you…
Read More

If you and your spouse have a combined net income of $1 million or more, then you are considered high net individuals. With this, many of the high-value assets that you worked hard to earn are at stake if you and your spouse decide to divorce. Continue reading to learn…
Read More

In the years following your divorce, you may have undergone some significant life changes. For one, you may have gotten remarried. With this, you may be unsure of whether you will still receive your child support payments. For more information, read on to discover how a seasoned Peoria divorce lawyer or Pekin…
Read More

After your divorce, you may need to relocate for a variety of reasons. But even if your reasons are valid, you still need permission from the Illinois court before packing up and leaving with your child. Follow along to find out why you need court approval before relocating with your…
Read More

If you are considering divorce, you may be hesitant in not knowing how long the proceedings are going to take. And likely the last thing you want to happen is for this emotionally draining process to be extensive. Continue reading to learn how long this will take based on your…
Read More

The divorce process is unique for every couple. One main difference, however, is that each couple must choose between undergoing an uncontested divorce or a contested divorce. Read on to discover the difference between the two and how a seasoned Peoria divorce lawyer or Pekin divorce lawyer of Butler, Giraudo…
Read More

Odds are that if you are getting a divorce from a narcissist, the process will be a rather high-conflict one. But there are ways in which you can maneuver through this high conflict with ease. Read on to discover the tips for handling your spouse's narcissistic tendencies and how a…
Read More

Even if you have a contested divorce that needs to undergo the litigation process, there is still a possibility of little conflict between you and your spouse. Read on to learn what tips can help you and your spouse work toward a low-conflict divorce and how a seasoned Peoria divorce lawyer or Pekin…
Read More

There are a lot of assets on the line when it comes to divorce. But aside from dividing real estate, family businesses, bank accounts, etc., you may even have to divide your expensive personal items. Continue reading to learn what assets may be up for grabs and how an experienced…
Read More

If you and your spouse have decided to go your separate ways later in life and after many years of marriage, then you are entering what is known as a gray divorce. Read on if you are over the age of 50 and filing for divorce to see how a…
Read More

Nowadays, it is common practice to turn to social media to update your friends and family on what is going on in your life. But if you currently have a divorce on your hands, we advise that you refrain from doing so. To learn more, follow along and see how…
Read More

No two couples have the same issues to work through when getting a divorce. This is why the need to go to an Illinois court depends on the circumstances of your situation. Follow along to understand if it is necessary to go to court for your divorce and how a…
Read More

More than any other asset, you may be worried that you will not be able to keep your house after your divorce due to the sentimental value it holds. Follow along to understand the possibility of losing your house in your divorce settlement agreement and how a proficient Peoria divorce…
Read More

Having to split quality parent-child time between you and your former spouse can be difficult. What makes it even more difficult is if you suspect that your former spouse is putting your child at risk. If this is your case, you should immediately act on your parental instincts and fight…
Read More

During your contested divorce proceedings, the Illinois court will aid you in finalizing your divorce settlement agreement, which is the legal document that lays out the terms of your divorce. Such terms include property division, child custody, child support, and alimony. Continue reading to learn how an experienced Peoria County…
Read More

Even if you are not happy with certain aspects of your child custody settlement agreement, you must abide by them or formally request an Illinois court for a post-judgment modification. This is because breaching your contract can only further hurt your rights to access your child. For more information on…
Read More

If you are preparing to undergo the divorce process, before anything else, you must ensure that you and/or your spouse meet the residency requirement established in the state of Illinois. This is necessary for the court to establish jurisdiction. Follow along to learn the details of these requirements and how…
Read More

If you and your spouse have remained amicable, it may be in your best interest to remain in your family home. But if not, you should instead fight to have your spouse move out. This should especially be the case if you are dealing with a child custody settlement agreement.…
Read More

As a high-net individual, you may have a lot on the line when it comes to a divorce. So, it is understandable that you would like to keep these matters as confidential as possible. Continue reading to learn what methods can help you maintain privacy and how an experienced Peoria…
Read More

Regardless of whether you were anticipating a divorce, once you are served divorce papers, you must not hesitate in reacting. Even though you may want to ignore the situation, in the long term, this will not be beneficial emotionally or legally. If you are unsure of how to handle this,…
Read More

If you are a high-net individual, you have a lot on the line when it comes to a divorce. With your hard-earned assets, your divorce proceedings require a special level of care, especially when it comes to decisions on property division. Continue reading to discover what to expect in the…
Read More

If you were financially dependent on your spouse during your marriage, the Illinois court may order alimony as a post-divorce financial obligation. These regular payments that you will receive from your former spouse will allow you to maintain the standard of living that you established during your marriage. However, you…
Read More

Throughout your divorce proceedings, the court will finalize decisions on many significant items at hand, such as alimony settlements, child custody agreements, child support agreements, and property division. But before you can even get to these discussions, you must meet certain criteria, such as the residency requirement and the proper…
Read More

For the obvious reason, holding onto a copy of your divorce decree seems important because this final judgment signed by a judge is the official document that proves your divorce to be legal. But for a less apparent reason, it is also significant because it may serve as a piece…
Read More

A job loss can be especially stressful if you are responsible for paying child support each month. It is always assumed by Illinois courts that you are able to meet your payments. So if your financial situation alters due to your recent unemployment, it is important that you consult a…
Read More

The divorce process creates many worries, and most of them center around finances. It is not rare that people who divorce find themselves struggling to maintain or attain good credit. If this is your case, find out how a talented Peoria divorce lawyer at Butler, Giraudo & Meister, P.C., can…
Read More

There are conditions that disqualify a marriage in the state of Illinois that will allow you to open up the opportunity for an annulment and sidestep the expensive, drawn-out divorce process. This is why it is important to retain the services of a knowledgeable Peoria divorce lawyer at Butler, Giraudo…
Read More

There is no one-size-fits-all divorce process, but rather, choosing amongst the mediated, collaborative, and litigated divorce processes depends on the personal situations of each couple. Continue reading to learn what benefits and drawbacks to look out for when navigating the different processes and how an experienced Peoria County family law…
Read More

Illinois courts make their decisions on child custody based on relevant laws, statutes, and case law, but mostly, they look at what they deem to be in the best interest of the child. Follow along to find out what factors determine the child’s best interest and how a knowledgeable Peoria…
Read More