Rapid Unplanned Disassembly: A Metaphor for Unexpected Divorce
Few things are as devastating as an unexpected divorce. In engineering, an unexpected catastrophe is called a rapid unexpected disassembly or RUD. RUD sounds a lot more clinical than blew up. Some people experience the same thing with their marriage. One day, their marriage experiences a RUD and blows up out of the blue. Whether […]
Financial Infidelity and Divorce: What You Need to Know
When going through a divorce in Illinois, understanding your financial rights is crucial. This means knowing what assets you’re potentially entitled to and ensuring everything is on the table during negotiations. Hiding assets during a marriage or divorce is known as financial infidelity. Separate vs. Marital Property: What’s Yours? Illinois law divides your belongings into […]
Lawyers are not in the business of handing out free advice
You’re facing a divorce, and you have questions. All you want are some quick, free legal advice from a lawyer. But here’s why most of us don’t give free legal advice. 1. Lawyers Are Professionals, Not Volunteers for Legal Advice Just like you don’t expect free plumbing or car repair, lawyers deserve to be […]
The Rise and Fall of the Standard Visitation Plan
In the past, the typical parenting plan in Illinois often favored a traditional family structure.. Mothers were often assumed to be the primary caregivers, while fathers had limited visitation rights. This is the so-called “standard visitation plan”. But times have changed, and so have the courts’ views on parenting. Gone are the days of […]
Understanding Your Rights as a Step-Parent Post-Divorce
If you’re a stepparent going through a divorce in Illinois, you might be wondering about your rights as a step-parent post-divorce to maintain a relationship with your stepchildren. Unfortunately, the legal landscape can be a bit complicated. Troxel v. Granville: A Landmark Case In the landmark case Troxel v. Granville, the U.S. Supreme Court […]
Why You Should Not Go to Law School
Law school might seem like a prestigious path, but the reality of the legal profession is far more complex. Here are 5 good reasons why you should not go to law school: 1. The Shrinking Job Market: Demand for lawyers is slowing down, while the number of graduates continues to rise. This means tougher […]
Baseball helped me be a better lawyer
One of my favorite quotes about baseball (and, surprisingly, the law) comes from the legendary Yogi Berra: “In theory there is no difference between theory and practice; in practice there is.” What does this have to do with divorce in Illinois? Well, a lot! People often come into my office with preconceived notions about how […]
The Myth of the $500 Divorce: Why Cheap Isn’t Always the Best Option
Thinking about divorce, but worried about the cost? Many people believe in the myth of the $500 divorce. Let’s cut through the misinformation and give you a realistic picture of what a divorce costs in Illinois. The Myth of the $500 Divorce You might see online ads promising quick, cheap divorces for a few hundred […]
The Consequences of Not Telling Your Lawyer the Truth During a Divorce
It might be tempting to hide assets or debts during a divorce, hoping for a bigger piece of the pie. But let’s be clear: honesty is not just the ethical thing to do; it’s the smartest strategy for your future. Not telling your lawyer the truth can have devastating consequences. Telling Your Lawyer the Truth […]
A Satisficing Divorce
Divorce doesn’t have to be a battle. In fact, approaching your divorce with a willingness to compromise can lead to a faster, less expensive, and emotionally healthier outcome. This is the concept of satisficing is essential when it comes to settling without fighting. Satisficing means making a decision that is good enough, rather than striving for […]
