Annulment in Illinois: Is It the Right Option for You? Unlike a divorce ending an existing marriage, an annulment in Illinois erases the marriage as if it never happened. Illinois law is strict. There are only four specific reasons for an annulment: Lack of Capacity to Marry: This means one spouse was mentally unable to understand […]
Simple Divorce: The DIY Trap vs. Hiring a Lawyer Sure, there are DIY divorce forms out there, even free ones. But here’s the (many) catches: You become the expert: You’ll need to master e-filing systems, figure out fixes if the clerk rejects your paperwork, and handle serving your ex. Plus, you’re now responsible for navigating complex […]
Legal Separation: An Alternative to Divorce Divorce isn’t the only path when a marriage breaks down. Legal separation offers a formal, court-approved way for couples to live apart while remaining legally married. This option appeals to many for a variety of reasons. it is different than being separated, which requires no formal court order. Why […]
Why Lawyers Don’t Give Free Advice You’ve probably encountered a lawyer who wouldn’t offer free legal advice, leaving you frustrated. “It depends” or “I can’t answer without you being a client” might sound like we’re just dodging questions to squeeze money from you. But the reasons I avoid free advice are much deeper than that. […]
Retirement Division in Divorce: What You Need to Know When a marriage ends, couples must confront the difficult task of dividing their shared assets. One major consideration is often retirement savings. In many states, including Illinois, retirement accounts accumulated during the marriage are part of the “marital estate.” This means both spouses have a claim […]
Illinois child support is determined pursuant to law, 750 ILCS 5/505. Child support is based on several factors: the number of children, the parenting time split, and both parents’ incomes. The state provides an online calculator to help you estimate your potential obligation or payment The calculator starts by asking for your gross monthly income […]
When you’re searching for a divorce lawyer in Illinois, you might be tempted by the flashy “Best Attorney” badges and rankings you see online. But here’s the truth: those titles don’t necessarily reflect an attorney’s skill or experience. The Truth About Rankings Many of these rankings are based on how much an attorney pays, not […]
Knowing your marriage is over is just the beginning. Starting the divorce process can feel daunting, but taking proactive steps now can set the stage for a smoother, less stressful experience. I am asked routinely by people on how to begin untangling their marriage. Here is my list of ten additional starting points to help […]
In Illinois, once you say “I do,” most of the things you acquire become marital property – even your socks. This means that in a divorce, it’s all subject to division. Yes, even that vintage t-shirt collection or your prized fishing gear. Why Most Things Become Marital Property It boils down to this: marriage is […]
The short answer is no. In Illinois, “simple” and “uncontested” divorces are essentially the same thing. Let’s break down what that means and how it might apply to your situation. What’s Changed in Illinois Divorce Law When I first started practicing law, there were many reasons (or “grounds”) for divorce in Illinois. Today, there’s […]
