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309-455-8833Perhaps you and your spouse have decided to end your marriage. There are significant assets involved, and your next step is to seek legal counsel.A high-asset divorce can be very complex. Pulling together the appropriate documents will provide a useful starting point for your meeting with an attorney. The stakesIllinois…
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It often feels as if there is a never-ending number of details that one must attend to both prior to and during a divorce. Issues such as child custody, property division and child support are often at the top of the list, but solely thinking about these matters may cause…
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Although there is an undeniable emotional bond that comes with pet ownership, the law generally does not acknowledge anything of the sort. In Illinois, pets are property and little more. Just as with the marital home, investments and even the furniture, couples must decide what will happen to the family pet…
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Creating a financially secure retirement takes much more than just tucking away a bit of money for a few years. Adults in Illinois spend decades growing their retirement accounts through both personal and employer contributions. The idea of compromising those savings might feel out of the question, but it is…
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The holiday season is the happiest time of year for many people, but for others it represents a struggle more than anything else. Social pressure and expectations place a tremendous amount of pressure on couples who are already struggling to find happiness in their marriages. This is one of the…
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Men and women alike face unique challenges during divorce, but a report indicates that many women in Illinois face more burdens than their exes. This is not the result of just one factor but of many, ranging from finances to child custody. Although financial support such as alimony might help…
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Prenuptial agreements are powerful planning tools for protecting wealth. Significant assets may be on the line during a high asset divorce, including property interests, retirement plans and more. A high-profile couple in Illinois can avoid dealing with complex asset division during divorce by addressing the matter prior to marriage.Asset division…
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Leaving an inheritance to an heir is an act of love and respect. An inheritance might include valuable assets or family heirlooms, both of which are meant to stay within the family. When an heir receives a size-able financial sum as his or her inheritance, it may be based off…
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Being a father is more than just something you do in between your other obligations -- it is the most important role you will ever play in life. But now that you are getting a divorce, you might not be sure how fatherhood will look going forward. Many dads in…
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There are many uncertainties when filing for divorce. A person cannot be certain of the outcome regarding things like property division, child custody and more. This is also true of spousal maintenance. Although many Illinois residents believe that spousal maintenance is a given, this is not always the case. A judge…
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Your employer is offering you a great new position, but you and your 10-year-old daughter would have to move to Chicago. This would require modification to your child custody agreement. Will the court approve such a request? Major changes matter You may have heard that courts are generally opposed to…
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Even if it may not seem like it, married couples tend to put a significant amount of time, effort and money into purchasing or investing in property. Although this term might sound particularly specific it is actually applied rather broadly. Unless there is a prenuptial agreement stating otherwise, almost all…
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Money is a common point of contention during marriage, but it can be even more so during divorce. Individuals may feel as if they are hyperfocused on securing their future financial situations, but in doing so often overlook the need for financial focus in the present. Paying close attention to…
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Divorce is just as much a financial and legal process as it is an emotional one. The financial implications of ending a marriage can be significant, but it is still possible to minimize undesirable outcomes. For example, couples in Illinois who are divorcing after decades of marriage should pay careful…
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Getting a prenup does not mean that a couple thinks their marriage will not work out as intended. Instead, it is simply a way to make sure that both people and their respective assets are protected should they divorce. A person in Illinois does not need lots of wealth or…
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Deciding on child custody can be an emotional time for parents going through a divorce in Illinois. While joint custody is often the best arrangement for everyone, sometimes it is harder for fathers to receive equal time as the mothers. Fathers who want to win joint, or even sole, custody…
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They say great minds think alike, and divorcing couples can apply that maxim to the creation of a good parenting plan. The court wants to know how you and your soon-to-be-ex intend to care for your children after the divorce. Here are four important points to include in drafting a…
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When it comes to marriages in Illinois, it may seem counterintuitive to enter with premade plans for an exit. However, the reality is that about half of marriages fail. It only makes sense then to plan for the 50/50 chance of breaking up in the future. This requires a financial…
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There are many parts of a person's life that can be rocked by the decision to divorce his or her spouse in Illinois. Divorcing couples face challenges as they separate years of shared life from finances to children. Often, the process of beginning to live life independently can be unsettling…
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Divorce can put in a wrench in a lot of areas of a couple's life, particularly in their ability to continue parenting their children without allowing the stress of their relationship to take over. For divorced fathers in Illinois, particularly those who are the non-custodial parent in their relationship, this…
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When you walked down the aisle, you likely expected to remain married to your spouse forever. You also may have gained a new family, comprising your spouse and his or her parents, siblings and other relatives. During your divorce, though, you must understand how to turn your in-laws into ex-laws…
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As your divorce moves through the court process in Illinois, one requirement you may be given is that you provide alimony for your former spouse. While you may have softly anticipated this, hearing that you are still responsible for sustaining your ex's lifestyle may be a bit unnerving. At Butler,…
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For many Illinois residents, one of the most challenging aspects of divorce relates to finances. This may be especially true for individuals who did not pay attention to or manage household spending during the marriage. Allowing both spouses to share money management tasks and responsibilities may reduce stress and conflict…
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A common assumption that many of those entering into divorce proceedings in Peoria often have is that alimony will automatically be a part of their divorce settlement. Their assumptions likely come from hearing stories in popular media of renowned divorce cases involving disputes over spousal maintenance. Yet the truth is…
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In traditional Illinois marriages, it is fairly common for women to remain at home while the man is the primary breadwinner. This is especially normalized in high-asset marriages with children, as one party often remains at home to raise the kids. When the marriage ends, these women find themselves at…
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The process of getting a divorce in Illinois often includes dealing with strong and complex emotions: fear, sadness, relief and confusion. While you may start to feel better as soon as you sign the papers, you may instead find it more difficult to move on with your life. You may…
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Effective marriages often require both sharing and splitting household responsibilities. If you elected to stay home to raise your children while your spouse went to work, though, your credit score may not be as high as you would like. Alternatively, you may have no creditworthiness at all. Stay-at-home moms often…
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If you are getting a divorce in Peoria, you may have wondered how you can prepare for that financial hit. Some divorces are amicable with couples never needing to set foot in court, or at the very least, not for long. However, when there are high-value assets involved, years of…
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When individuals get a divorce in Illinois, the most complex parts of the settlement often revolve around finances. When a court grants a divorce, part of the order includes a division of the couple's finances, including both assets and debts. It is important for individuals to understand how debt may…
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If there is some doubt regarding the paternity of your child, you have likely spent a lot of time considering your options. Whether you are the father or the mother of the child, you may wish to prove who the biological father is once and for all. Unfortunately, DNA tests…
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If your wife comes to you with the news that she is pregnant with your child, you may feel excited, nervous or surprised. But what should you do if you find out later that you are not the true father of the child? You may learn that the mother committed…
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A person's odds of winning the lottery are astronomically low. Whenever someone does win, it is a momentous occasion. Over the last Fourth of July weekend, two Illinois residents won the Lucky Day Lotto, one winner in Chicago and one in East Peoria. A lot of Illinois residents play the lottery.…
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Sometimes divorce comes unexpectedly for homemakers in Illinois. One minute, a couple is roaming the world hand-in-hand, and the next, the breadwinner announces that they are leaving for a younger or wealthier partner. When this happens, resentment and already bad spending habits can cause many homemakers to continue living the…
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Couples who are going through a divorce in Illinois must make sure they are aware of all the assets and income the other spouse has. Unfortunately, some spouses hide assets so they do not have to divide them up during divorce proceedings. This is especially true in high-asset marriages. Legally,…
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More women in Illinois are in the workforce today than ever before. Many wives also make more money than their spouses. Because of this and a gradual equalizing of gender roles, more men are asking for alimony after divorce. A Reuters article published in the Financial Post confirms that divorce…
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Illinois couples divorcing after their 30s, likely already have some retirement assets to divide. The older the couple, or more specifically, the breadwinner, the more valuable the retirement assets may be. When these retirements plans were first put in place, the couple may not have made provisions for divorce. However,…
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father's job was to provide an income for the household and the mother's role was to take care of the household. There are still many families that embrace this traditional family setup, but there are more women in the workforce now than there has even been. In addition to this,…
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There are many things you should do to get ready for a divorce. You need to get your personal finances in order and evaluate your resources so that you end up with an equitable division of the assets you share. Divorces entail a lot. There is much to contend with during this…
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If you are an unmarried father in Illinois, you may need to go through several legal steps to ensure you have the rights and resources to build a relationship with your child. One possible way to solidify your rights is to sign a Voluntary Acknowledge of Parentage form. Once you…
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Custody disputes can be challenging for anyone, but some parents have an especially difficult time when it comes to preparing for this crucial family law issue. The outcome of a custody dispute can be one of the most significant aspects of a divorce, and the court's decision could have a…
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Parents often have many considerations when it comes to divorce and their children, from child support payments they will need to make (or expect to receive) and discussing these issues with young kids. However, custody can be an especially challenging issue for many parents for various reasons. For some parents,…
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It's no secret that divorces can be expensive. This is especially true if you're ordered to remit spousal support, which can be challenging when starting over after the end of your marriage. Proper budgeting is crucial for staying current on this and other recurring payments, as explained by The Balance. Make…
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With the popularity of smartphones on the rise, everyone seems to use some type of social media. Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and other platforms offer excellent opportunities for meeting new friends and staying in touch with old ones. While going through a custody dispute, what you post on social media may be…
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After a divorce, your children will need you more than ever. That's why it's so important to take a look at your skills as a father to determine whether there are any areas in need of improvement. Here is some advice in this case, which allows you to forge a…
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Many couples who have a lot of assets at stake compose prenuptial agreements to describe how they would like their property divided should they decide to divorce. However, not every couple takes this option, though after tying the knot, some couples may wonder if they should have done otherwise. Fortunately, drafting…
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Prenuptial agreements establish rules about asset ownership when a couple enters into a marriage in the event the union ends in divorce. While many people believe these legal documents are only suited to the extremely wealthy, they're quite useful in a wide variety of situations. Forbes offers a few examples of…
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When unwed couples in Illinois have children, there is no presumption regarding their kids' parentage as there is for married couples or those who are in civil unions. While the fatherly relationship men in such situations share with their children may be the same as married dads' relationships with their…
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When a divorce includes children, the situation can be especially distressing for the father. As a divorced dad, you may not get to see your kids as often, and your ex-wife may not consult you on every issue that arises. One fear you may have is that she will decide to…
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When the subject of divorce crosses someone's mind, they may think about how this major life change could affect their kids or their finances. However, the emotional toll of a divorce should not be ignored either, as it can create serious issues for men and women alike. Aside from depression,…
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In recent years, video games have become increasingly popular among people of various age groups. For some couples, especially younger married couples, video game addiction has become an increasingly concerning issue. Whether someone is addicted to a game they play on a console, smartphone or computer, these addictions can be…
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Once a Peoria couple decides to call it quits on their marriage, they have to choose what to do with their home. According to Nerdwallet, the first step is to assess the value of the home. Once that is accomplished, the equity of each spouse can be determined, which is…
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Societal beliefs about marriage and divorce have changed a lot over the years, leading to fewer marital unions and more endings than in past generations. Even the average age of people who tie the knot has gotten higher.Furthermore, seniors go through divorce more than before. Causes include more financial security and economic…
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Often, when people think about child abduction, they may envision a stranger driving by and grabbing a child. However, children may also be abducted by their parents, and this is especially likely during a custody dispute (or after custody has been awarded). For example, a parent may take the child…
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We have written about some of the reasons why some fathers are falsely accused of domestic violence. In this post, we will take a closer look at the consequences of these allegations, regardless of whether or not they are true. Those who have been accused of domestic violence may face…
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When you choose to get a divorce in Peoria, you may be prepared to have to split the value of a number of your assets with your spouse. One of the assets you may not be prepared to share, however, is your 401k. The funds in your 401k are the…
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If you are a divorced dad in Illinois, and your ex got primary custody, you may be struggling with how to stay involved and relevant in your child's life. Even though things are different, there are things you can do to make a better connection with your child, even when…
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Even though divorced Illinois fathers can leave their children an inheritance, it is natural to be concerned that a former spouse might try to lay claim to a portion of the inheritance, perhaps when the estate of a father goes through probate following his death. However, there are other options…
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Like most parents in Illinois, you want what is best for your children. With a joint custody arrangement, both you and your ex continue to parent your kids after a divorce. Even if you remain on good terms with your former spouse, though, co-parenting often presents some unique challenges. If…
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If you are seeking spousal maintenance as part of divorce proceedings in Illinois this year, you should know that changes to laws governing spousal maintenance at both the state and federal level have recently gone into effect. The changes could have an impact on the amount that you either receive…
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For many couples facing problems in their relationship, meeting with a counselor is a good way to resolve differences and find some common ground. Many marriages have been salvaged as a result of counseling, which can help people understand their spouse better and discuss some of the challenges within their…
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Often, when people think about child custody, they envision a heated dispute or disagreement over how custody will be split between parents. Or, they may envision a parent who is devastated to find out that they will not be able to share custody with their child's other parent, significantly impacting…
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When it comes to divorce, many different factors require consideration. The situation becomes even more fraught and complicated with children in the picture. One primary concern of a divorcing couple with children should be to ensure their children's best interests come first in terms of decision-making. A lot of work goes into…
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For some parents, the decision to move forward with a divorce is put on hold until their child reaches the age of 18 and leaves for college. Parents may decide to push off their divorce until their kids have left the house for many different reasons. For example, they may…
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There are many factors that can make bringing marriage to an end so tough, but family law issues which involve your kids are often particularly difficult. Not only can these matters be an emotional rollercoaster, but there is so much at stake, including your child's future. Moreover, family law issues…
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Many facets of family law can be difficult to work through, but there are times when these legal matters (from custody to child support and property division) can be especially complicated. For example, someone who is dealing with a former marital partner that has become unreasonable may have a harder…
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There are many different issues that can affect family law cases, especially when it comes to child custody. Courts examine multiple issues that may play a role in the outcome of a custody dispute and every parent is in a unique position. Some, for example, may be required to travel…
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Family law issues can create many different hardships for people, and some people have an especially difficult time dealing with legal issues related to their former spouse or children. For example, suicide may affect an individual from a family law perspective, and it is important to be aware of the…
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Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and other social media platforms seem to be everywhere these days. In fact, you probably cannot walk into a restaurant or store without seeing someone documenting the experience on social media. While most posts are harmless, some could complicate your divorce proceedings. Whether you are thinking about filing…
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As a single father in Illinois, the holidays may be a lonely time for you. It can be hard to adjust to a divorce, especially when you're separated from your kids for the first time in a long time. In this case, there are steps you can take to deal…
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For any couple, bringing a marriage to an end can be challenging. There may be many different family law issues to deal with for those who have kids, whether there is disagreement over child custody or child support matters arise. Parents are not the only ones who often face problems…
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Paying spousal support can be incredibly tough for those going through financial hardships, such as someone who has lost their job or a person who is struggling with a health problem that is very costly to deal with. These situations can result in a great deal of stress, especially for…
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For fathers, there are many different family law challenges that can surface. As if the divorce process is not difficult enough, both in terms of its emotional toll and the financial consequences, many fathers have been unable to spend much time with their children afterward. Moreover, some have faced immense…
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The holiday season is naturally a time of great expectations. However, they can also test the strength of a marriage.Sometimes couples face the new year with trepidation, which is one reason January is a prime time for divorce filings. The first Monday and moreDivorce inquiries abound at the first of every…
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Our law firm is fully aware of how challenging a divorce can be. For some people, such as someone who is suffering from a health crisis, this process can be especially hard to navigate through. If you are struggling with any type of illness or health problem, you should make…
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Our law office knows how difficult daily life can be for some non-custodial parents. Making child support payments can be tough, if not impossible altogether. Unfortunately, the consequences that come with failing to make these payments can make a parent's life even more challenging. Some people have found themselves in…
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If you own property, have a lot of assets, or are a business owner, having a prenuptial agreement in place is a must. These agreements answer serious questions about the financial aspect of a marriage before the marriage even takes place, which makes them beneficial to people with large amounts…
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There are many different considerations when it comes to fathers' rights, from child support issues to custody and visitation. Unfortunately, some fathers feel as if they are voiceless and they do not stand up for their rights because they believe that their child's other parent will have the upper hand…
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Our law office realizes that a father may have to work through many challenges both during and after the divorce process. Unfortunately, some people can have an especially difficult time during this process because their former spouse wants to make things as hard as possible. Some may deal with false…
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Any father may have a difficult time while ending their marriage, especially when it comes to child custody. With that said, custody can be particularly difficult for some parents to handle, such as those who have special needs children. If you are a parent of a special needs child, you…
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Divorce can bring many different questions and challenges, whether they involve finances (alimony, child support, etc.) or stress over going to court. However, divorce matters which involve children can be particularly tough, especially when it comes to child custody. Moreover, this may be especially true for some parents who have…
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If you've recently gone through a divorce in Illinois, the process has most likely been tough on your kids. That's why it's crucial for you to be the best father possible after a divorce, which will allow you to form a strong, loving bond with your child just when they…
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Whether you arrived at your current parenting plan through agreement or had it ordered by the court after litigation, there may come a time when it no longer works for you and your children. Illinois law allows for the modification of a parenting plan when circumstances warrant it.The most important thing…
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We have covered a myriad of fathers' rights issues but in this post, we will look into threats over custody and child support, a problem that many fathers have had to deal with. Family law matters which involve children and finances can be very hard for both parties, especially from…
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If you are a father and are preparing for the process of divorce, you may have many questions on your mind and you could be worried about the outcome of your divorce. Or, perhaps you have already been through a divorce but you are worried about other family law matters,…
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If you have recently split up with your spouse, or divorce is around the corner, you could be going through a variety of difficulties related to family law. For example, you may be facing financial challenges due to spousal support payments or a child support order. However, family law issues…
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Domestic violence is a very serious matter and we have covered a number of issues related to this topic on our blog. At [nap_names id="FIRM-NAME-1"], we know that family violence is a tough topic for some families in Peoria and all around Illinois. Aside from those who are subjected to abuse,…
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When it comes to family law, there are all sorts of potentially complicated legal matters that can arise. However, those involving a couple's children can be particularly sensitive, especially when it comes to child custody. Moreover, disagreements involving child custody can arise long after custody has been awarded. For example,…
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At any time of year, it can be hard for a parent to work through a dispute over child custody. Certain occasions, such as the time when kids return to school, can be especially hard for parents. If you are simultaneously trying to deal with responsibilities related to a dispute…
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Although divorce is a difficult time for both mothers and fathers, it can be particularly difficult on fathers. This is due to the fact that mothers are sometimes favored in divorce hearings and procedures for a variety of reasons. For example, judges may consider a mother the more natural caretaker for…
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There are various considerations that may arise for those who move ahead with a high-asset divorce, many of which have been covered on our blog. However, other divorce-related issues can arise during and after a high-asset divorce, some of which can have a major impact on a person's future. For example,…
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Often, people focus on some of the negative aspects of divorce, such as the amount of time and money that may be lost, stress during the entire process, the division of marital property, custody disputes and so on. However, it is important to note that there are a number of…
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Bringing your marriage to an end could change your life in all sorts of ways, some of which may be for the better. However, it may also bring up various issues that you need to consider, such as consequences for failing to pay child support or alimony. If you are…
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Before you got married, you did the sensible thing and made a prenuptial agreement with your beloved. You outlined separate and marital property and what would happen to it if you split up. You never thought you would have to use it, but, unfortunately, divorce is now part of the picture. Part…
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When a couple decides that their marriage should be brought to an end, many questions may arise, especially those which are financial in nature. For example, people may wonder how much child support they will receive or how much alimony they will have to pay. The distribution of marital property…
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There are all sorts of issues that arise with regard to divorce, whether they are financial or emotional in nature. Everyone's circumstances are unique, and some people may face a more challenging divorce than others. For example, some people who have decided to end their marriage may find that outside…
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There are many different fathers' rights issues that people struggle with during their divorce and after they have split up with their spouse, from a custody dispute to problems involving child support payments. Divorce can be challenging for many different reasons and for some people, there are unique considerations related…
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In recent years, many people have focused on domestic violence, an issue that creates challenges for families in Illinois and across the U.S. In some instances, abusive people are held accountable for their actions, while other cases may involve someone being falsely accused of family violence. Moreover, certain details may…
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If you are facing divorce, you are also facing the issue of child custody. Developing a mutually acceptable co-parenting plan is no doubt high on your agenda. You can avoid contentious, emotionally-draining litigation if you and your soon-to-be ex can find your way to satisfactory custody arrangements through the process…
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Paying child support can be difficult at times and our law office is well aware of the challenges many non-custodial parents face. From managing payments to a health crisis that was unexpected, making these payments on time can be hard. However, there are times when parents face unexpected challenges and…
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There are many legal issues that people deal with following a divorce, but child support can be especially challenging. Not only can child support impact a parent required to make payments, but it can also pose challenges for someone who is supposed to receive payments as well. Moreover, 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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