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...
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...
Financial assistance for adoptive parents in Illinois
Parents who want to adopt children from the foster care system in Illinois might be eligible for adoption assistance. This type of assistance is a financial subsidy provided to parents once the adoptions are final. Adoption assistance is generally provided to an...
What to know about equitable distribution rules
Illinois is an equitable distribution state, which means that joint assets are divided based on fairness in a final divorce settlement. Furthermore, you may be entitled to spousal support payments to help you enjoy a lifestyle similar to the one that you had while...
Should you update your will periodically?
Every person in Illinois should update their will after undergoing a major life change. Some changes are obvious, but even minor changes might require a revision. Otherwise, you don't know how your will might be received after your death. When is it essential to...
Learn how a couple’s debts are handled during a divorce
When most people go through a divorce, their first area of concern, aside from the custody of their children, is what will happen to their assets. Most divorcing individuals get so stuck on who gets what that they forget that they must divide their marital debts as...
Will 50/50 custody work for your family?
While a 50/50 child custody split might seem like the best option for parents in Illinois, it can actually cause a lot of issues for both parents and children. Both parties have to deal with constant disruptions that make it hard for the children to live normal lives....
Diving retirement assets in a divorce
The divorce process can be different for people who are closer to retirement. Generally, older couples don't have to worry about child support, since their children are now adults. However, they may be faced with splitting their retirement assets. In addition to the...
Does an executor have full power over the will?
When an individual dies in Illinois, their will executor must manage their estate after their death. This gives the executor some level of power over their estate, particularly when they divide up the assets. This doesn't give them the power to change the will itself,...
Divorce with pets: Avoiding the bitter fight
Animals are an important part of our lives. They are a family member who doesn’t have a voice in what happens in a divorce. Illinois is one of three states who use the same standard with pets as they do with children in a divorce: the best interest of the pet. The...
