Sometimes, obvious difficulties are easier to deal with than circumstances that appear to be calm, cool and controlled--at least on the surface. This is often the case for children whose parents are going through an amicable divorce. Where are the arguments? The hurt feelings? If there is day-to-day discord, if…
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When a marriage ends, both parties suffer in their own way. Sorting through assets, possessions and an entire life together can take a toll on your mental, physical and emotional well-being over time. As you start your life on your own, it is easy to feel bleak about the future.…
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Marriage can be all sorts of rewarding, but divorce is often the exact opposite. While marriage comes with its own set of frustrations, divorce is a whole new ball game. This is particularly true when your ex chooses to be difficult rather than working with you on important issues like…
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The marital home is typically a couple's largest asset. It is for this reason that the home often becomes the main point of contention during the divorce process for people in Illinois. A couple of tips may help spouses decide the fate of the marital home when dissolving their marriage. First,…
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People going through the divorce process in Illinois typically realize that all of the assets they acquired during the marriage will likely end up decreasing by half. This is because each of the spouses is to receive his or her fair share of the couple's marital estate. Common concerns, however,…
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One of the most stressful aspects of a divorce in Illinois is determining how to divide assets. This is especially true if the two individuals cannot see eye to eye when it comes to the division of marital property. One type of asset that is often neglected is the intellectual…
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As people in Illinois prepare to get married, they typically prefer not to discuss the possibility of getting divorced. This is why putting together a prenuptial agreement often gets placed on the back burner or is ignored altogether. However, prenuptial agreements are essential for protecting one's best interests in the…
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While it is only natural for emotions to be overwhelming for anyone ending a marriage, special attention must be paid to the financial decisions made during this time. The impact of doubling the basic household expenses -- such as utilities, groceries and other ongoing expenses -- can be significant. Whether…
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Most couples in the Peoria area going through divorce file irreconcilable differences as the reason for the action. That catchall phrase allows you to seek a dissolution of marriage without having to establish legal grounds -- something that can take a great deal of time and be complicated. In the…
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Back in the Reagan years, trickle-down economics was in vogue. The general idea was that you spur investment by giving investors tax breaks. That spurs production, which spurs job creation, which in turn puts money in consumers' pockets. Demand for all that upstream production goes up. Everyone wins. Depending on…
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If you feel like smartphones have changed the way we communicate, you’re probably right. In just a few taps, we can tell all of our friends where we are at by clicking “check in” on Facebook, share our latest culinary masterpiece on Instagram, and even show off our vacation photos…
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In the midst of a divorce, dealing with the emotional issues may be difficult enough. However, preparing for life after divorce is something that all divorcees should be preparing for, and your emotions should not impair this process. As we have noted in some of our prior posts, developing a…
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Over the past few years, study after study has shown that more couples in their 50s and 60s are divorcing. And not just a few more: According to a recent report from Bowling Green State University in Ohio, the number of divorces in the 55- to 64-year-old age group doubled…
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Imagine a young couple decides to end their five-year marriage. Bob and Judy have no children and no pets. They do not own a house, and they have kept their finances separate. An inheritance from Judy's aunt, for example, was not deposited in a joint account, where it would raise…
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The holidays can be tough on divorced or separated parents and their children. There are so many choices to make, and there is so much explaining to do. For many, the best part of the holidays is when they are over. The parents may face another dilemma, though, a dilemma…
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About 18 months ago, Illinois hedge fund billionaire Ken Griffin filed for divorce from his wife Anne Dias Griffin. According to reports at the time, the move came as a surprise to Dias Griffin, but the couple had been living apart for a while. In fact, the Daily Mail reported…
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The news in early October that Ken Griffin and his wife Anne Dias Griffin had settled their divorce was not much of a surprise for family law professionals. The dispute focused on the couple's prenuptial agreement, and courts seldom set prenups aside.Griffin has managed Chicago's Citadel hedge fund since he…
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Property division in a divorce can be more complicated than either spouse thinks. In general, all assets and debts will fall into one of three categories: Spouse A's property, Spouse B's property and the couple's marital property. While the spouses retain their own property, states differ on how marital property…
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We are turning back to our Aug. 28 post and the case about a woman who petitioned the court to invalidate (annul) her marriage on the grounds of fraud. When we left off, the Cook County Circuit Court had granted her petition, but the court of appeals overturned that decision.…
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For many couples, the prenuptial agreement is shrouded in mystery or it is just something that the couple won't consider because of preconceived notions about the contract. That's perfectly understandable because there was a time -- and it wasn't too long ago -- when prenuptial agreements were frowned upon. But…
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As human beings, we all have certain wants and needs and when these things aren’t being fulfilled or met, we tend to feel unbalanced. For married couples, a spouse who feels unbalanced may, on some level, blame his or her wife or husband. Regardless of how different couples and spouses…
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We frequently write about the many concerns, issues and challenges facing individuals who are planning or going through the divorce process. Given the numerous emotional, personal and financial difficulties associated with the divorce process; it seems unlikely that anyone would choose to get married unless he or she was 100…
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According to the U.S. Census Department, as of 2012, roughly 47 percent of U.S. women age 16 and older worked outside the home. When compared to the roughly 30 million U.S. women who worked outside the home in 1970, by 2012 that number had more than doubled to 74.8 million.As…
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For couples who choose to marry, some may wonder if their marriage will be one of the 50 percent that lasts. While, when it comes to predicting divorce, there's no crystal ball; there are definitely factors that increase the likelihood that a marriage will not endure until death do us…
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We've previously discussed the many changes and challenges that frequently accompany the divorce process. Whether an individual wants to admit it or not, divorce impacts every facet of one’s life and it can be difficult to cope with and adapt to changes in living arrangements, personal finances and parenting schedules.While…
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In many cases, when a spouse files for divorce, a couple has spent months or years embroiled in conflict and it's not a total surprise. There are, however, cases where a husband or wife claims to have been blindsided by a spouse’s decision to file for divorce. It often isn't…
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Making the decision to file for divorce is one that is often preceded by months or even years of conflict and unhappiness. Individuals who are facing the end of a marriage may experience a range of emotions and feelings including confusion, relief, sadness, anxiety, hope and fear. While completely normal…
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There are many famous stories throughout history about individuals from different social classes falling in love. In nearly all of these types of stories, the so-called star-crossed lovers are often kept apart and forbid to marry or associate with those outside their social class.Thankfully, a lot has changed with regard…
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When two people pledge to share their lives together and marry, many utter wedding vows promising to be together during good and bad times and in sickness and health. However, the results of a recent study indicate that married couples are more likely to divorce when the wife falls ill.The…
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Everyone makes mistakes and it's from these mistakes that we learn and grow. However, when it comes to the divorce process, mistakes can end up being costly and negatively impact an individual's future financial security.We've previously discussed the negative aspects of allowing one's emotions to rule during the divorce settlement…
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At some point during any relationship, especially throughout the course of a marriage, questions related to the level of happiness of both individuals are likely to arise. While every marriage goes through ups and downs, spouses who appear best equipped to weather the marital tides are those who keep the…
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Many Peoria area residents have likely heard the famous quote related to the notion that "with age comes wisdom." While this point can likely be debated on many fronts, there's no doubt that with age comes more life experiences that, at least in theory, should provide an individual with the…
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The Internet is all abuzz with social media websites and Facebook is among the most well-known and popular of them all. In fact, statistics from February 2014 show that an estimated 57 percent of U.S. adults have a Facebook account. Social media users readily use sites like Facebook to share…
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A major part of any divorce revolves around the division of marital property and assets. Illinois is an equitable distribution state, which means that several factors are taken into consideration when making decisions related to a divorcing couple's property and assets. For individuals with a considerable amount of wealth, numerous…
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In recent years, there has been much reported about the so-called graying of divorce. An Oct. 8, 2014 Time article reported that roughly 25 percent of divorcees in the U.S. are over the age of 50. The increase in divorce among this age demographic has raised red flags among social…
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Individuals who recently wed likely have many goals when contemplating their futures with a spouse. Among some of the most common marital goals are purchasing a home, having children and attaining a sense of financial security. For most, divorce isn't even something they likely think about or contemplate, yet national…
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In our last post, we outlined how a divorce typically proceeds. While it's helpful to gain an understanding of the legal divorce process, it's important to keep in mind that, at any point, issues may arise that can delay the process. Most frequently, delays are related to one spouse's objections…
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As residents in Illinois prepare to ring in the New Year, many will reflect upon this and other years past. There's something about the start of a new calendar year and the promise of new beginnings that prompts an individual to examine his or her life and take stock of…
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In order to maintain a healthy and happy marriage, spouses must be able to effectively communicate. This becomes especially important when a couple welcomes a child into their family and matters related to childrearing, discipline, finances and education must be considered and addressed.In a recent UK survey of 2,000 married…
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Many legal matters and the related procedural laws are fairly clear-cut and black and white. However, when it comes to legal matters related to family law cases, there are often many shades of gray. For many individuals throughout Central Illinois, family comes first and conflict within a family can be…
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When going through a divorce and all the challenges the process presents, it's odd to think that, for many people, life goes on as normal. This reality, however, becomes especially apparent during the holiday season as families across the country gather together to be merry and give thanks. With Thanksgiving…
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The emotional aspects of a divorce cannot be understated, yet it's often the financial implications of divorce that serve to exacerbate many of the personal challenges one faces during a divorce. Costs associated with housing, health insurance and utilities are just a few of the expenses that a divorcee must…
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When it comes right down to it, most people just want to be happy. Whether desperately trying to attain happiness or fighting to maintain happiness, we all want to embrace the moments when we feel joy and the people who bring that joy into our lives.Unfortunately, many people spend far…
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Individuals stay in unhappy marriages for a variety of reasons. Some may fear being alone while others choose to stay for financial reasons. One of the most common reasons that unhappy spouses remained married is for the sake of a shared child. Believing a divorce would devastate their child or…
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At any age, getting divorced is likely to be a difficult and emotional experience. For couples who have been married for decades, divorce can be especially hard as children are likely to be grown and out of the home and friends established and settled in their lives and marriages. A…
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The Internet and rise of social media websites have forever changed the way people communicate and share information. Today, it's easier than ever to reunite with an old friend or flame via a social media website. Many of these sites also provide opportunities to network and forge new friendships and…
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For anyone, going through the divorce process is likely to be a highly emotional and confusing time. Not only is an individual attempting to cope with numerous, and often conflicting, emotions but steps must also be taken to ensure for and protect one's current and future financial wellbeing. Individuals who…
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Marriages fail for numerous reasons; a husband or wife is unfaithful, a couple is overwhelmed by financial difficulties or spouses simply grow apart. Whatever the reasons may be, when an individual has made the decision to file for divorce and end a marriage, it's important to understand state-specific divorce laws…
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Every divorce starts with one spouse filing a petition for divorce. In some cases, a couple discusses a spouse's divorce filing and the act is expected. In other cases, a spouse may have previously mentioned divorce, but the actual act of filing for divorce catches a husband or wife off…
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According to AARP, Inc., the divorce rate among married couples age 50 and older has doubled since 1990.The increasing prevalence of divorces among this age demographic has led many to refer to the phenomenon as gray divorce.For men and women who are age 50 or older, divorce concerns largely center…
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Few life events bring as many changes and challenges as divorce. Regardless of the circumstances that drove a couple to divorce, the end of any marriage is often a difficult reality to face and the finality that divorce brings often causes each spouse to suffer both emotionally and mentally. It's…
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The decision to divorce is often a difficult one to make. Once that decision has been made, it's important that both spouses take steps to ensure for their own emotional and financial wellbeing. Complicating matters are strong emotions, vivid memories, shared finances and, in many cases, shared children. Parents who…
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Living in an unhappy marriage can take an enormous toll on an individual emotionally, mentally and physically. Finally making the decision to file for divorce and end a marriage, can be extremely liberating, but also scary. Any change can be difficult and divorce is full of changes, some of which…
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The decision to divorce should not be taken likely. That being said, often unhappy spouses spend long years or months attempting to fix a broken or dead marriage well after they know it's past the point of saving. For the sake of one's own happiness and that of shared children,…
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In the past 50 to 60 years, much has changed. Technological advances such as the computer, Internet and cellphone have forever changed how people are able to access and share information. Likewise, advances within medicine now allow doctors to diagnose and successfully treat disease and conditions that were previously untreatable.…
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When a married couple isn't able to resolve issues that are negatively impacting their lives and those of shared children, divorce is often the best solution. However, even in cases where both parties want a divorce, it doesn't mean the divorce process will be easy. Individuals going through a divorce…
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It's April 15, and some Peoria-area residents may still be scrabbling to meet the dreaded tax deadline. For recently divorced men and women, tax time may present new challenges and surprises. The decision to divorce is typically accompanied by a whirlwind of change. In addition to changes to one's living…
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Love is a powerful emotion that often drives people to do crazy things. In some cases, however, what a person believes to be love is something entirely different. This is often the case in many intimate relationships where a person stays in a marriage or relationship for the wrong reasons.…
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In the past, gender roles were largely dictated by society. As such, both men and women grew up with certain expectations related to what to expect from one another and society at large. As such, the vast majority of men and women did not live together until after marriage. Today,…
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Few of our posts have focused on the economic implications of divorce. After all, the recession likely contributed to the historic drop in divorces. According to the National Center for Health Statistics, divorces hit a 40-year low in 2009 (the height of the recession). However, as the economy has improved,…
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If you think there are problems with your divorce proceeding, it may be easy to blame your attorney. After all, you hired your lawyer to protect your rights and assert your interests as you begin a new life. However, there may be situations where your attorney is not the problem,…
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For those who grew up singing "Do That To Me One More Time", or remember their first love because of "Muskrat Love" or "Shop Around," they may be disappointed with how the relationship between Cathryn Tennille and Daryl (The Captain) Dragon is ending up. According to a recent ABC News…
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While January is a popular time for people to initiate divorces, it may not be so friendly to do so for tax purposes. Indeed, there are some advantages to start the process early in the year (getting it over with is one of them) but in the haste of trying…
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In a prior post, we highlighted how prenuptial agreements could be an important topic of discussion between couples who pledge to get married. As a matter of fact, prenups are becoming more common as apathy about the longevity of a marriage becomes prominent. According to a survey conducted by the…
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For people in troubled marriages, the holiday season can be one of hope, and one of despair at the same time. On the one hand, a spouse may believe that the holiday spirit can buoy the marriage and encourage the couple to revert back to happier times. On the other…
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A question we sometimes receive regarding the difference between marital property and separate property is whether separate property (such as an inheritance) can actually be considered marital property, which would be subject to division in a divorce. Without giving legal advice, the basic answer to the question is: it could…followed…
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For some people, the specter of divorce is enough to keep them up all night. After all, no one waits for the discovery disputes, court hearings and financial discord with bated breath. And this is before all of the emotional toil that comes with a crumbling relationship. For these reasons,…
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Secret shopaholics enjoy a love/hate relationship with their credit cards. While the thrill of making that spur of the moment purchase may deftly be hidden from an unsuspecting spouse, it can lead to problems in the marriage if financial troubles occur. The old adage, “money is the root of all…
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NASCAR chairman and CEO Brian France has had more than his share of divorce drama. After marrying and divorcing his ex-wife, Megan, twice between 2001 and 2008, the case was reopened when Megan claimed that Brian was not following what was agreed to in their 2008 separation agreement.The separation agreement…
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The Affordable Care Act is on the minds of many Americans right now, as it is the main reason behind this week's government shutdown. But it is on the minds of some family law attorneys for entirely different reasons. While the Affordable Care Act may not seem to have anything…
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The housing market has rebounded in most parts of the United States, which is great news for people who have been putting off divorce for the past few years. Yes, you read that right. One side effect of the recession and housing market crash was that fewer people pursued divorce,…
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Divorce can have a major impact on a person's retirement savings, especially for those nearing retirement age. That's why it's important to plan carefully during the divorce settlement process. In order to minimize the impact a divorce has on your retirement savings, a divorce financial specialist and retirement coach said…
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Last week, it was announced that billionaire Rupert Murdoch was filing for divorce from his third wife of 14 years, Wendi. Since then, the high-profile divorce has been a hot topic in the media. While some sources are predicting that the divorce will be highly-contested, others are guessing that the…
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According to the 2010 Census, about 70 percent of households in the United States have a pet, and many of these households consider their pets to be members of the family. For that reason, things can get hairy when a divorce or separation occurs and the former couple has to…
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A recent study from the National Center for Family and Marriage Research at Bowling Green State University revealed that the divorce rate among people age 50 and older doubled between 1990 and 2010, while the divorce rate among the general population leveled off. "In 1990, only 1 in 10 divorces…
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We have all heard that divorce can be very expensive, but it doesn't always have to be that way. In fact, there are many money-saving techniques that can help cut costs during the divorce process, as a recent article from Fox Business explained. First, the article said that it is…
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With the national average of first marriages that end in divorce hovering around 50 percent, it's no surprise that optimistic couples in Illinois want to be the exception to the rule-beat the odds so to speak. But the sad fact of the matter is that not all marriages end happily…
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In Illinois, when an adult is found by a court to be incompetent to manage his or her own affairs, a legal guardian is appointed to do so. The person who has been declared incompetent is referred to as a "ward," and the guardian's legal duty is to act in…
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This may or may not surprise you, but it's becoming increasingly common for people 50 and older to divorce after long-term marriages. It has become so common, in fact, that the phenomenon has been dubbed "gray divorce." Most often, gray divorces take place among those with grown children, but people…
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That's right -- social scientists have put the nagging problem right on the table. While there are many reasons people may choose to divorce, and all of them are individual, psychologists and couples counselors have cited "nagging," or repeated requests for and reminders to do certain things, as a major…
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