Posted on November 19, 2024 in Divorce

Divorce can be challenging, regardless of the relationship between spouses. When one spouse exhibits traits of narcissism, the situation becomes much more complex. Those with narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) are fueled by an inflated sense of self-importance, which can trigger unique or totally unexpected responses to divorce. Some have even labeled a divorce with a narcissist a "psychological battlefield."  

If you are married to a narcissist, you likely understand that divorce will not be easy, yet you also know that divorce is essential for your own well-being. While every divorce and every spouse are unique in some way, if you are divorcing a narcissist, you should expect a fight at every stage. Most narcissists want to control every aspect of the divorce, including the judge.

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 Posted on November 12, 2024 in Divorce

While many people think how expensive your divorce attorney is can determine the outcome of the divorce, this is not necessarily the case. There are, however, dozens of nuances and skills a particular and skillful divorce attorney brings to the table that can have an impact on the outcome of your divorce.

If you are thinking of handling your divorce on your own, you should re-think that decision. If you need a broken bone set, you go to a qualified doctor rather than trying to do it yourself. If your car needs the alternator replaced, you take it to a mechanic who has the knowledge and skills necessary to complete the task.

A divorce attorney knows every state law pertaining to divorce and has probably encountered virtually every divorce situation. This is not to say that your divorce will not have some unique aspects, but it will also have many aspects with which your divorce attorney is familiar. When you have an experienced Wheaton, IL divorce attorney from The Stogsdill Law Firm, P.C. as your advocate, you are likely to experience the best possible outcome.  

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 Posted on November 05, 2024 in Divorce

Divorce is never easy, but it is made even more difficult when one spouse cannot or will not work. Studies show that divorce is substantially more likely among heterosexual couples when the husband is not employed. The working spouse may feel frustrated by months or years of supporting the household but may also feel guilty for potentially cutting off the non-working spouse’s source of income.

One spouse may wonder, "What is a non-working spouse entitled to in a divorce?" The answer to that question may be different, depending on the specific facts and circumstances of the couple.  Divorcing an unemployed spouse does not have to be a nightmare. In addition to hiring an experienced Wheaton, IL divorce attorney, here are three things to consider when divorcing an unemployed spouse. 

Alimony or Spousal Support

Alimony, or spousal support, is given to the lesser-earning former spouse to ensure they are able to maintain the kind of lifestyle they enjoyed during the marriage. The factors the court considers during the alimony ruling will include why the non-working spouse did not work. Spouses may also reach an agreement about alimony, called spousal maintenance in Illinois law, through mediation, collaborative law, or lawyer-assisted negotiations. If a wife and husband agree that the husband will work outside the home and the wife will raise their children, the wife is likely to be awarded more spousal support than in a divorce in which the wife chooses not to work. 

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 Posted on October 31, 2024 in Divorce

If you are considering divorce and your spouse is currently living outside the United States, you may be wondering if you can still move forward with the process. In Illinois, it is possible to get divorced even if your spouse resides abroad, though there are several important legal factors to keep in mind. With the guidance of an experienced Illinois family law attorney, people in this situation can navigate the divorce process and ensure that their rights are protected.

Does Illinois Have Jurisdiction Over a Divorce if One Spouse Lives Abroad? 

One of the first considerations in an international divorce is determining whether Illinois courts have jurisdiction, or the legal authority, to oversee the case. To file for divorce in Illinois, at least one spouse must have lived in the state for a minimum of 90 days. If you meet this residency requirement, the Illinois court system will likely have jurisdiction to proceed with your divorce, even if your spouse is currently abroad.

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 Posted on October 29, 2024 in Divorce

Health insurance is an essential part of any divorce plan, impacting both adults and children and adding a potentially significant expense to life after divorce. Divorcing spouses should understand their options for ongoing coverage, the potential financial impact of finding insurance coverage after divorce, and how to address health insurance needs in a divorce agreement. 

At The Stogsdill Law Firm, P.C., we understand that health insurance can add yet one more concern to an already full plate during divorce planning. Call our Wheaton, IL divorce attorneys to learn more about how we can help you solve insurance coverage issues and other problems during your divorce. 

Can Health Insurance Be Included in a Divorce Decree?

In Illinois, health insurance can indeed be part of a divorce decree. Couples may agree to specific terms regarding the continuation of health insurance coverage for a spouse or for any children. These terms can address who will cover premiums, how long coverage will continue, and how future medical expenses will be handled. Including health insurance in a divorce agreement ensures clear guidelines and financial responsibility, which can reduce fights and misunderstandings post-divorce.

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 Posted on October 22, 2024 in Divorce

If you are in the midst of a divorce in Illinois, you may be wondering who gets to keep the family minivan. Dividing assets can be one of the most challenging parts of a divorce, and the family vehicle carries significant emotional and practical value. From family vacations to daily school runs, it represents years of shared memories and responsibilities. To ensure the process is fair and equitable, speaking with a lawyer who can provide guidance tailored to your situation is important.

Marital Property Basics in Illinois Divorces

Illinois law states that assets acquired during the marriage are usually considered marital property. This means these assets will be divided between both spouses. Illinois uses what is known as an equitable distribution rather than the strict 50/50 split of community property states. Like any other asset, the family minivan falls under the umbrella of marital property.

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 Posted on October 18, 2024 in Divorce

Going through a divorce is never easy, especially when there are a lot of assets involved. In Illinois, if you are divorcing and have significant assets, it is essential to be as prepared as possible. If you are in this situation, having a great lawyer is important. Your lawyer will guide you through Illinois's complex legal system and help ensure everything is fair. Here are some simple steps to help you prepare for a high-asset divorce in Illinois.

Understand Your Finances

The first step is to understand what you own and owe. This is crucial because you need a clear picture of your financial situation:

• Make a list of all your assets, such as houses, cars, bank accounts, and retirement funds.

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 Posted on October 16, 2024 in Divorce

Navigating the financial landscape during a divorce can be among the most stressful aspects of the entire process. With the guidance of a knowledgeable lawyer, it is crucial for people to implement effective financial strategies to protect their assets and secure their future. Here are three key strategies to consider.

Compile Comprehensive Financial Documentation

Getting a clear picture of your financial situation is the first step in managing finances during a divorce. This involves gathering detailed documentation of all assets and liabilities:

• Bank statements – Ensure you have access to past and current bank statements.

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 Posted on October 11, 2024 in Divorce

Asset dissipation is a significant concept in divorce proceedings, particularly in Illinois. It refers to the intentional spending or waste of marital assets by one spouse during the divorce process.  Recognizing and addressing asset dissipation can play an important role in ensuring a fair division of property.

At The Stogsdill Law Firm, P.C., we understand that many people approaching a divorce are seriously concerned about how the process may affect their finances. These fears can be dramatically worsened when asset dissipation is thought to be taking place. Our team of skilled lawyers has decades of experience identifying asset dissipation, stopping it, and making sure the spouse who acted unethically is held accountable.

What Constitutes Asset Dissipation?

Asset dissipation occurs when one spouse intentionally depletes marital assets in a way deemed unjust or wrongful. The goal of the dissipating spouse is often to reduce the amount of property available for equitable or fair distribution during the divorce. Common actions that may be classified as asset dissipation include:

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 Posted on October 08, 2024 in Divorce

When facing a divorce, one of the most daunting aspects is often the financial implications. Our knowledgeable lawyer will tell you that understanding your financial situation and knowing which documents are essential to the divorce process. Your lawyer will tell you what financial documents you need during your Illinois divorce and why these documents are so important.

Bank Statements Give a Snapshot of Your Finances

Your bank statements provide a critical window into your financial life during your marriage. These documents detail every transaction while also revealing income, savings, and spending habits. Understanding this information is important for several reasons, including:

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