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Divorce and COVID-19: New Challenges and Smart Solutions
Sometimes, no matter how promising the beginning, relationships must come to an end. When a partnership is no longer viable, and the parties involved seek a way out, divorce is the best solution. That doesn’t mean it’s the easiest solution, which can be especially true during the era of COVID-19. While much of society ground…
COVID & Divorce: A New Process for a New Age
A divorce is never an easy process, but the COVID-19 pandemic has presented both lawyers and clients alike with an unprecedented set of circumstances. Gathering in a small room for mediation or divorce hearings is no longer a feasible option for many individuals, and the demand for divorce proceedings has been on the rise as…
Holidays and Divorce: When the Holidays aren’t so Jolly
The holiday season is a painful reminder of loss and the absence of people no longer in your life. Recovery from divorce or other loss is more challenging during the holidays. As the season is upon us, be mindful of your feelings. Here are some suggestions to help those transitioning during this challenging time: 1.)…
Divorcing an Abusive Spouse
Escaping an abusive relationship can be a difficult and scary situation. Victims of domestic abuse are often afraid to speak out, and many have trouble finding the resources they need. Fortunately, spousal abuse claims are taken very seriously by family courts, which means that the most important thing a victim can do is act as…
Domestic Violence and Divorce in Illinois
Divorce can be difficult and stressful under the best of circumstances. Domestic violence–or even allegations of domestic violence–can trigger additional issues and challenges. If you are the victim of domestic violence, you may need a protective order before or at the same time you file for divorce, to secure temporary possession of your home and…
Dividing Assets When One Spouse Owns a Business
I recently wrote about the options for dividing, disposing of, or continuing to operate a business that was owned jointly by a divorcing couple. But, that’s just one of many scenarios that may arise when a business or interest in a business is at issue in a divorce case. Here are the key questions in play…
Co-parenting In Summer: How To Avoid The Legal Summertime Blues
Co-parenting under optimal circumstances requires prompt communication, incredible patience, and the flexibility to change a parenting arrangement with little, if any, notice. Some parents thrive with routines, while other parents adapt well to rapid changes. Rapid change for a child is called summer break, where the educational routines of the past nine months go out…
Parenting Across State Lines
Sharing parenting time can be a challenge, even when both parents live in the same town. Distance, of course, makes splitting time and exchanging children even more complicated. When the parents live in different states, there may be added legal issues and procedural requirements, as well. Practical Issues in Interstate Custody Cases One obvious challenge…
Stare down the Serpent: A Guide for Divorcing a Narcissist
In recognition of the World Narcissistic Abuse Awareness Day on June 1st. Life with a malignant narcissist is crippling. These cads chip away at your self worth and confidence every day. Like a slow-growing cancer, you often don’t recognize the danger until it’s too late. They always blame you even when it’s not your fault….
Residential Roulette: Marital Claims to Non-Marital Real Estate
For most, their home is the single most valuable asset of the marriage. But did you know that in Illinois, if one owns a house prior to marriage, it is considered his or her non-marital property? Upon divorce, the owning spouse takes back the entire asset (including all the equity accumulated during the marriage). Whether…