Gray divorce refers to the phenomenon of Illinois couples over the age of 50 ending their marriages. It’s estimated that by 2030, gray divorces will triple as more and more older couples call it quits. What’s driving up the rate of gray divorces? Divorce numbers in...
Rockford Family Law And Estate Planning Blog
Why you shouldn’t rely on an online will
Having a last will and testament is a must for all Illinois residents, but many people choose to use an online portal that they think will suffice for a simple final directive. The truth is that this may not be the best decision because wills can be contested...
First steps to creating your estate plan
Everyone in Illinois has a reason to do some estate planning. Even if you own very little property, planning ahead can save your family from a lot of headaches in the future. When a person dies with no estate plan, their assets must go through the probate process,...
How to avoid estate planning mistakes with a blended family
Creating an estate plan allows you to leave your assets and property to your Illinois beneficiaries in the event of your death. However, if you are married for the second or third time and have a blended family, it can make things tricky. It’s important to avoid...
Tips for successful shared parenting time
Co-parenting couples in Illinois face many hurdles when trying to successfully raise children together after divorce. Admittedly, the pressures of traveling between two homes, meeting new spouses and adhering to crazy schedules can be hectic for the children involved....
How can you plan for incapacity when planning your estate?
Planning your estate is something that should be highly important to Illinois residents. Part of your planning should include preparing for incapacity. Because everything in life is uncertain, it’s better to be prepared just in case you are unable to make decisions...
How do irrevocable life insurance trusts work in Illinois?
Irrevocable life insurance trusts sound scary and a little confusing at first. The reality is that this type of trust is a useful tool that can help beneficiaries avoid estate taxes. This estate planning tool isn’t for everybody, though. Specifically, irrevocable life...
What are the signs of divorce stress in children?
Filing for divorce is a major, and often life-changing, decision. Even if you are on amicable terms with your current spouse, your children are likely to experience the effects and aftermath of the divorce. When you have children and are going through a divorce in...
Timing a child’s inheritance
Everyone in Illinois should have an estate plan, even if they don't own much. However, for high net worth people, it's very important to look at the ways wealth will be passed on when they're gone. For people with resources, it's important to protect them from...
The difference between spousal support and parental responsibility
A final divorce settlement may address both spousal support and the allocation of parental responsibility. However, it's important to note that there are key differences between the two items. For example, the amount of child support that you receive is generally...
