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309-455-8833If 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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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Coparenting can be difficult, even when your child's other parent lives just a few miles away. The task of raising your child gets exponentially harder when one parent wants to move out of state, not the least of which because it requires the parties to revisit the child custody arrangement.…
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If you want to be involved in your child's life despite not having visitation rights, please read on, then contact an experienced Peoria County child custody lawyer to learn if you must pay child support if you do not have visitation rights in Illinois. Does the state of Illinois require…
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If you are involved in child custody proceedings, please read on, then contact an experienced Peoria County child custody lawyer to learn if a child can weigh in on custody in the state of Illinois. Is a child allowed to decide on custody in Illinois? Many separating parents mistakenly think…
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If you need help modifying or terminating your alimony payments, please read on, then contact an experienced Peoria County alimony lawyer to learn if you still have to pay alimony if your ex gets remarried in Illinois. Does Illinois have permanent alimony? Yes, the Prairie State does have a system…
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Getting divorced in a state other than the one in which you were married can sometimes be a tricky business. Generally speaking, couples can only file for divorce in the state or county that has jurisdiction to hear the case. That said, one does not necessarily have to file in…
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Divorces can be expensive, nowhere is that more true than the state of Illinois. However, divorces do not always have to be costly. If you would like to spend less on your divorce, please read on, then contact an experienced Peoria divorce lawyer to learn how to save money in…
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If you have considered adopting a bird's nest custody arrangement, please read on, then contact an experienced Peoria County child custody lawyer to learn what you should know about bird's nest custody in Illinois. What is bird's nest custody in Illinois? First off, you may be wondering what bird's nest…
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You may not think your marriage lasted enough, or that your former spouse was dependant enough upon you, to justify you paying alimony, but if the court decrees it, you must comply. If you need assistance modifying your alimony agreement, please read on, then contact an experienced Peoria County alimony…
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Filing for divorce can take a financial and emotional toll on both spouses in a relationship. No one looks forward to discovery disputes and court hearings while their relationship is simultaneously crumbling. Nevertheless, divorcees do not have to endure such pain. Instead of continuing on with traditional court battles, divorcing…
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Consider the following tips if you are facing divorce to begin preparing for your proceedings to achieve a positive outcome. To learn more about what to expect during your divorce, do not hesitate to give our firm a call. We would be happy to assist you with your proceedings, no…
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Facing a divorce means that you must make the decision to hire an attorney or represent yourself. Before you make this decision, it is important to consider the risks of representing yourself in a divorce case. Continue reading to learn these risks and more. What are the risks of representing…
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A divorce is one of the most overwhelming and emotional legal processes many people will have to face in their lifetime. The stress of a divorce is enough to make some question if this is the right decision to make. If this is happening to you, it is important to…
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Our legal team understands how devastating it can be for a parent to lose child custody rights. However, this decision does not have to be permanent. To learn about how you can work to regain child custody rights, continue reading. How is child custody determined in Illinois? Illinois courts will…
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When a spouse enters a divorce, it is common for their main priority to be protecting their right to be a part of their child's life after the divorce is finalized. If you worry that your co-parent may try to challenge your parental rights during a divorce, you must act…
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It is important to understand the most common child custody mistakes that are made by many parents. These mistakes may impact your child custody orders negatively. To learn more about the top four mistakes to avoid, continue reading and reach out to our experienced Peoria County child custody lawyer. What…
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In July of 2017, Illinois introduced the Income Shares Model as a new approach to calculating child support, joining 39 other states that also use this method. The new statute's goal is to recognize the incomes of both of the parties to reach a fair amount for the support of…
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If you are entering a divorce early in life, there are a few tips to consider before your proceedings begin. Continue reading to learn the top three tips for those in their 20s who are facing a divorce. If you require assistance with your upcoming divorce, do not hesitate to…
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If you are facing an uncontested divorce in Illinois, it is important to know what to expect. To learn the issues that will need to be resolved, what a joint simplified dissolution is, and the steps of an uncontested divorce, continue reading and contact our experienced Peoria divorce lawyer. What…
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The holidays are a source of stress for many. When divorced parents share custody, this can cause the holidays to be complex. To learn more about the most common holiday family law issues, continue reading and reach out to our Peoria County child custody lawyer. Our legal team at Butler,…
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If you are facing a divorce in Illinois, one of the questions you may have is "can I file a fault-based divorce?" To learn more about fault-based divorce and the laws put into place in Illinois, continue reading and reach out to our experienced Peoria divorce lawyer. To learn more…
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When a stay-at-home parent is fighting for the custody of their child, it may be difficult based on financials alone. If you are looking to retain custody as a stay-at-home parent, it is important to consider the most common mistakes that are made during this process. To learn what you…
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In order to have a strong and healthy relationship with your co-parent for the sake of your child, the first step you should take is to strengthen your communication. Coming together with your co-parent to achieve a support system and family dynamic for your child is one of the top…
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The months and years following a divorce may bring change to the former spouses' life circumstances. These life changes may require a modification to their initial divorce agreement. If you believe that you require such a change, continue reading to learn everything you need to know about modifying child custody,…
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To learn what might occur if your former spouse has been violating your spousal maintenance order, continue reading and reach out to our experienced Illinois divorce and family law attorney for assistance. What should I know about spousal maintenance orders in Illinois? It is common in many divorce cases for…
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In some cases, spouses will turn to alternative methods of divorce to avoid litigation. To learn the different types of alternative divorce methods that are available in Illinois, continue reading. If you require assistance determining which method may be best for you and your spouse, do not hesitate to reach…
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When you learn that you’re going to be a grandparent, it can be an incredibly exciting time. However, if you are no longer in contact with your child and grandchild, you may wonder what, if any, rights you have to visitation. It’s important to understand that you may be able…
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To learn the age that child support typically ends in Illinois, continue reading. If you are wondering when you can stop paying child support, reach out to our skilled Peoria County family law attorneys to discover how we can assist you with your family law matters. Do not hesitate to…
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If you and your spouse of many years are facing a divorce later in life, you may be entering what is known as a "gray divorce". To learn more about what to expect in a gray divorce, continue reading. For assistance with your divorce matters, look no further than our…
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If you are facing a high net worth divorce, it is important to understand that your upcoming legal process requires a special level of care. High net worth divorces are often more complex than standard divorces. This is due to the unique nature of high net worth incomes and assets.…
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As a business owner, you would do anything to protect your business, especially when it comes to a divorce. To learn more about divorce as a business owner, continue reading and reach out to our experienced divorce lawyer. The legal team at Butler, Giraudo & Meister, P.C. has helped countless…
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If you are facing a divorce and are growing worried about your finances through this legal process, continue reading and reach out to our experienced divorce attorney to learn the top tips for protecting your finances through a divorce. How can I protect my finances while going through a divorce?…
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If you want to welcome a new addition to your family, you might be thinking about finding a surrogate. The surrogacy process differs depending on which state you live in, so here's a closer look at the surrogacy process in Illinois. Choosing between traditional or gestational surrogacy One of the…
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Navigating the complex circumstances of a separation or divorce can be confusing and even a little scary. Couples experiencing these challenges in Peoria, Illinois often have two main concerns. Children from the relationship are naturally the first priority. Financial concerns and apprehensions are generally the next biggest matter on the…
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Illinois law generally allows both parents to have a relationship with their child after a divorce or separation. However, there is no guarantee that the child is going to cooperate with the terms of a visitation agreement. There are several actions that you may want to take if your son…
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In some cases, children may be given an opportunity to provide input into the structure of a custody agreement. However, your son or daughter is not allowed to decide which parent he or she will live with. Instead, an Illinois judge will make a ruling that seeks to ensure your…
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When you file for divorce in Illinois, you'll need to give your attorney a clear picture of your financial situation. This means gathering extensive documentation about you and your estranged spouse's income, properties and assets. Gathering these documents can be a time-consuming process, but it's the best way to make…
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When Illinois residents get married, they hope the relationship will stand the test of time. However, they're also realistic, so many couples put protections in place that help them shield their assets if the marriage doesn't work out. There are several protections that actually help, and there are others that…
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If you've never been through a divorce in Illinois, you might be a little anxious about going through the process. Filing for divorce can be challenging, but if you know what to expect, you'll be better prepared to seek legal advice and negotiate with your estranged spouse. What happens when…
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A couple has much to figure out when they have made the decision that their marriage has come to an end. One of the discussions Illinois couples who have decided to divorce need to have pertains to marital property, including the family home. In Illinois, all property obtained by the…
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When a couple's marriage comes to an end, the chances are high that one spouse will have to pay support to the other. In Illinois, the consequences for the failure to pay alimony can be severe if the payor is in default for several months or more. If payors know…
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Children often feel the most overwhelmed when their parents marriages end. The law in Illinois says issues such as child custody and child support should always be considered in light of what is in the best interests of the children. Life changes and with those changes may come the need…
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Most parents always want what's best for their children. That holds true even when parents' marriages don't work out. Divorced fathers in Illinois may find a new way of parenting challenging, but they can be successful in maintaining positive relationships with their kids when they keep a few key tips…
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Angelina Jolie's bid to remove the judge from her and Brad Pitt's divorce case was unsuccessful. Most Illinois residents are likely familiar with the details of the divorce of this once high-profile celebrity couple. Jolie claimed the judge had professional and business ties with her former husband's legal team. Ironically,…
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When you filed for divorce in an Illinois court, you may have simply wanted to sign whatever documents you needed to sign so that you could leave the past behind and move on in life. However, as a parent, you knew there would be child custody issues to resolve. If…
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Often, some positives can come out of difficult situations. Illinois fathers who face divorce should know that recent scientific data shows men tend to become better caregivers to their children after the ends of their marriages if they share joint custody with their former spouses. With marital conflict out of the way,…
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Most professionals who have experience with children say kids do better physically and emotionally when both parents are in their lives. Illinois family law guidelines always speak to what is in the best interests of the child, so it's usually great for a child when dad plays an integral part…
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There are all kinds of variables that play into who gets what in a divorce situation. Those variables also exist when it comes to spousal support payments when Illinois couples divorce. Temporary spousal support is usually ordered prior to a divorce being complete, while payments become permanent or long-term after…
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If an Illinois spouse files for divorce, he or she must resolve numerous issues in order to achieve a fair settlement. If the couple in question has children, top priorities will no doubt include child custody issues, as well as child support. Property division is also an important matter, especially…
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The dissolution of a marriage is an intensely personal, private event. If you have filed a petition for divorce in an Illinois court, your circumstances are no longer 100% private, but it's only natural that you don't want everyone knowing your business. Even so, it's helpful to build a strong…
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Most fathers love their children as much as their mothers do. In those cases when fathers aren't with the children's mothers, nor have they ever been married to them, they should know that they do have a number of fathers' rights in Illinois. Unwed fathers need to acquaint themselves with…
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There is no denying that divorce can impact one's finances, so ensuring that everything goes smoothly during property division is essential. This can be a difficult task in a high asset divorce. For example, taxes associated with certain assets such as retirement accounts and stock holdings can lead to profoundly…
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It is important for children to have access to a safe and effective education. Now that Illinois schools are offering more options regarding education, some parents are divided over which educational options are in their children's best interests. This problem may be particularly tricky for divorced parents who need to…
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Owning a home or second house is often one of the biggest investments a person will ever make. While real estate is generally a smart, safe investment, property can be difficult to deal with during divorce. Even Illinois couples who agree to sell a house encounter hurdles throughout the process.…
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Even if you are part of a couple with high assets and the prospect of a comfortable post-divorce future, you may feel vulnerable when facing divorce.If you enjoy using social media, you may feel the urge to go online, dish on your divorce and elicit comforting support from your scores…
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When parents divorce, they want their children to go through the process with the least angst and stress as possible. When each parent has the best interests of the child at heart, they may find it easier to be more civil with each other -- especially in front of their…
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The cost of raising a child in Illinois can be fairly high. Managing those costs after divorce can be particularly difficult, which is why child support is so important. However, what child support covers is not always clear, and confusion over how it is supposed to be used can lead…
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As a dad, you just want what is best for your child -- especially now that you are going through a divorce. Your child custody agreement is the most important place to make sure that the best interests of your child are respected and upheld. But while you might feel…
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Divorce is a highly emotional experience for anyone, but for a father it can be an even more devastating event. Here are five tips to help you survive divorce, maintain your equilibrium and keep your status as a caring father intact. 1. Maintain good behavior Keep the welfare of your…
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Like all high-net worth spouses in Illinois and beyond, you worked hard to get where you're at today. Whether you're a business owner or climbed your way to the top of the ladder in a particular industry as an employee, you want to make sure your financial interests are protected…
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Successfully navigating a divorce is about much more than signing the final papers. A more appropriate goal than simply getting through the process is to come out the other side of divorce with a strong sense of financial wellness. But since divorce can be an emotionally significant experience for people…
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Some Illinois couples who start out marriage with very little to their names often end up accumulating significant assets over time. However, someone in this situation might not have thought about whether a prenuptial agreement could be beneficial. So is it too late to protect one's self in the event…
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When an Illinois married couple decides that their relationship is no longer sustainable, it typically sparks a series of decisions that must be made. If the couple has minor children and a spouse files for divorce, issues involving custody, visitation and child support must be resolved in order to achieve…
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Living well into a retirement usually hinges on one's financial foundation built earlier in life. But even if a foundation seems sturdy enough, some life events -- such as divorce -- can cause serious damage. Divorce tends to hit women's finances much more than men's, so Illinois women who are…
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Dividing marital property can elicit intense emotions. Both spouses might feel particularly attached to certain assets, like the family home or certain collections. But while a couple might battle over who gets these assets in the divorce, there are some that neither may want -- debt. It would most likely…
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Couples argue more about money than anything else. The issues involving money are draining in themselves, and financial issues are often at the heart of a divorce—especially a high-net-worth divorce. Here are eight of the top money-related reasons for the dissolution of marriage among wealthy couples. 1. Skewed financial prioritiesMany couples do not discuss…
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Having good credit is an important part of one's current and future financial success. But while divorce does not directly impact someone's credit score, actions taken during the process certainly can. Understanding the possible threats to credit may encourage some individuals in Illinois to be proactive about protecting their credit…
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While debt might seem like just another part of life, it can further complicate already difficult matters. Business debt in particular can cause problems during divorce. Depending on how a business owner used money borrowed against his or her business, it may be hard to untangle that debt from marital…
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Big changes happen in life, and for a divorced parent, one such change is an employment opportunity that requires relocation.If you wish to move to another city with your child, will the court approve the necessary modification to your parenting plan? First stepsUnder Illinois law, you must first inform the other…
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Making sure that kids have everything they need is an essential part of being a parent, but things can get complicated after divorce. Maybe you are facing the adjustment of becoming a single income household or have to find a way to reenter the workforce. Illinois child support laws make…
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Societal perception of prenuptial agreements has changed over recent years. These legally-binding agreements protect both parties should they decide to divorce, often addressing different topics such as property division and alimony. But there is another handy agreement that is often overlooked, even in marriages with significant business interests or complex…
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The state of Illinois affords people who are in civil unions the same protections that those in traditional marriages enjoy.The purpose of SB1716 is to aid committed couples in many areas of their lives, including dissolution and property disposition. Illinois rulesAll adult couples qualify for civil union status. However, partners who…
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Filing for divorce is an emotional process, but it is a legal one as well. This leaves plenty of room for dispute over things like business assets, retirement savings and more. It is understandable that some people in Illinois might feel compelled to "win" these disputes, but there may be…
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Providing children with financial security and stability is important, and most Illinois parents do their best to do just that. For divorced parents, part of creating a financially stable life is by either paying or receiving child support. But what happens when one parent is no longer able to make…
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The stakes are high during divorce, and even seemingly small decisions can significantly influence the outcome. During a high asset divorce, a couple must seriously consider the implications of dividing certain marital property. MacKenzie Bezos apparently made a few key decisions that ensured her continued financial stability after her divorce…
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Parents just want what is best for their kids, and that does not stop because of divorce. In fact, you might be even more focused on your child's best interests now. But what exactly are Illinois courts talking about when they say "best interests of the child?" While this can…
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Ending a marriage brings changes in the lives of both parties. However, a survey of women in various stages of divorce revealed unexpected consequences as they faced the future.Many of the survey participants cited "financial surprises" in a post-divorce world. The 2018 surveyIn 2018, the online marketplace Worthy launched a…
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Life as a parent is rarely easy, and things like divorce, new jobs and moving can make things infinitely more complicated. Fathers who accept new positions or jobs that take them several hours away, or even across state lines, may wrestle with how to balance their parenting responsibilities over bigger…
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Divorce is not just for younger couples, and just because a marriage has lasted decades does not mean that it is invincible. Anyone of any age in Illinois may find him- or herself ready to end an unhappy marriage. But men and women who are 50 years of age or…
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Whether taking out an auto loan, applying for a mortgage or purchasing something with a credit card, it often seems as if debt is an unavoidable part of life. But what happens to that debt during a divorce? This is an issue that many Illinois couples will have to address…
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Societal expectations for unmarried dads in Illinois are sadly not very high, which may influence how successful they are at securing time with their children. But regardless of marital status, men who were never married to their children's mothers can still seek visitation and even child custody. However, this means…
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Protecting one's personal interest is important throughout every stage of life. However, this is often overlooked when heading into marriage. While it is admirable that many couples feel strong and secure in their relationships when saying "I do," it does not erase the fact that many divorcees started out in…
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During the property division phase of a divorce, some people draw a blank when the subject of dividing retirement accounts takes center stage.The process can become complicated, so it is a good idea to brush up on your understanding of retirement accounts that are marital property and learn how the…
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During divorce, parents must think of both their own needs as well as those of their children. Each family will have their own unique needs, but there is usually one common thread that generally weaves through everything -- that children have two loving, involved parents. Child custody agreements might more…
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The manner in which people view marriage, child rearing and divorce have all evolved over recent years. An increasing number of women in Illinois are now earning more than their husbands, turning an old standard of marriage on its head. This new standard might be harder for some people to…
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Raising a child is expensive, and divorce certainly does not make it any cheaper. Child support is one way to make sure that both parents keep providing important financial stability regardless of what else is going on in life. Here is how Illinois family law deals with child support.Both parents'…
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If you and your spouse have decided to divorce, the welfare and upbringing of your children will be top priority. Illinois law requires that divorcing couples develop a parenting plan that includes “caretaking functions” for the benefit of their children. Creating a parenting plan A parenting plan is a written…
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Societal expectations have changed quite a bit over a relatively short period of time, especially when it comes to family and parenting. Fathers in Illinois now play much larger roles in their children's lives than their own fathers did. This shift has also nudged more and more families toward joint…
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No one wants to just get by during retirement, but establishing a secure financial footing for the future is not always easy. Divorce in particular can complicate plans for one's later years. Making sound, informed decisions regarding the division of marital property is one way to protect that future, but…
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Even the best laid plans can be easily derailed by reality. For example, many Illinois couples plan for both partners to continue working after they have children. But once kids are in the picture those plans might change. It is not uncommon for one parent -- quite often the mother…
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As a dad, you have a meaningful and irreplaceable relationship with your child. Divorce should not sever any aspect of that relationship. If you feel like losing your connection to your child is the inevitable result of ending your marriage, you might still be under the impression that Illinois family…
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Divorce rarely comes as a total surprise. Both partners are likely fully aware of marital conflict by the time they reach the point of divorce. However, even if a person believes that divorce is in his or her future, the exact timing of it might be a mystery. There are…
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If you are seeking alimony (called "maintenance" in Illinois), the information you provide to your lawyer, especially what can be substantiated with documentation, is…
The dissolution of a marriage necessitates the division of the marital estate (all assets accumulated during the marriage), which is often a significant source…
Navigating the complexities of co-parenting after a split, especially when safety concerns arise, can be challenging. For parents in Illinois who believe unsupervised visitation…
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