Divorce & the Divorce Process

Agreements Outside of Divorce Papers: What You Need to Know

Posted

Divorce is an emotional and legally complex process, often filled with negotiations and compromises. Amidst the emotional turmoil, it’s easy to overlook the importance of formalizing agreements in writing. However, the legal concept is known as the “four corners rule”. It underscores why your written divorce agreement is the cornerstone of protecting your rights and […]

Where You Live Matters – When It Comes to Your Divorce

Posted

The idea that you must get divorced in the same location you got married is a common misconception. Many couples choose destination weddings in exotic locales but have no other ties to that place. Its where you live that matters when you get divorce. So, what does it take to get divorced in Illinois? Let’s […]

Pets and Divorce

Posted

Pets are more than just property in Illinois. They’re considered family members, and their well-being matters in divorce proceedings. But what does that mean for you and your pet if you’re facing separation or divorce? Pets Aren’t Furniture: Illinois Law Considers Their Well-being Unlike most states that treat pets as simple possessions, Illinois courts recognize […]

Rapid Unplanned Disassembly: A Metaphor for Unexpected Divorce

Posted

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

Posted

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 […]

The Consequences of Not Telling Your Lawyer the Truth During a Divorce

Posted

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 […]

Why I Don’t Represent Both Spouses in a Divorce

Posted

Even in the most amicable situations, it’s important to understand why lawyers cannot ethically represent both people in a divorce. Here is how the ethical rules prevent divorcing spouses from sharing a lawyer The Ethics Rules Prevent Both People from Sharing a Lawyer Confidentiality Rules: Attorneys have a duty to keep client information strictly confidential. […]

Divorced in 30 days?

Posted

Getting divorced is stressful, and drawn-out legal battles make it worse. But with careful planning and cooperation, you might be able to finalize your divorce much faster than you expected. Sometimes, I can even help you get divorced in 30 days or less. Here’s how: The Steps to Getting Divorced in 30 days Agree on […]

What is Mediation (and Why do I have to Go?)

Posted

Mediation is an alternative dispute resolution process in which a neutral third party (the mediator) assists two (or more) parties to reach a mutually-acceptable agreement without going to trial. The mediator does not make any decisions on behalf of the parties; instead, they help guide the parties in finding a solution that works best for […]