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Recent Blog Posts
What Does it Mean to "Win" a Divorce?
Most people would rather win something than lose something. The idea of "winning" a divorce may seem especially appealing to those who are going through the process. However, divorce is not a competition with a clear winner and loser. To understand what it truly means to "win" a divorce, hiring a lawyer in Illinois is among the wisest decisions you can make. Your attorney is not only a legal professional but is someone who can help guide you through the divorce in a healthy way. Here is how.
Can I Divorce My Spouse While They Are Deployed?
Divorce is a difficult decision, and when one spouse is deployed on a tour of duty in the armed forces, it can add additional complexities to the process. If you are considering divorcing your spouse while they are deployed, it is essential to understand the legal requirements and procedures involved. Begin by contacting a qualified lawyer who will be aware of the critical aspects of a divorce when one spouse is serving in the military.
Beginning the Process
At the outset of the process, you must first consider the residency requirements in Illinois. When it comes to Illinois divorce, you or your spouse must have lived in the state for at least 90 days before filing for divorce. This residency requirement applies to both military and civilian people. Therefore, if you or your spouse meet this first criterion, you can proceed with filing for divorce in Illinois.
Will the Divorce Ruin My Financial Future?
Divorce has a unique way of affecting just about every part of a person’s life. This is especially true when it comes to finances. It is quite common for those going through a divorce to have grave concerns regarding how their divorce will shape their financial future. It is natural to worry about the potential consequences and uncertainties that lie ahead with your divorce. To protect your financial well-being currently and in the future, it is highly advisable to consult with an experienced lawyer. Your lawyer will ensure that the decisions you make during your divorce will help safeguard your financial future.
Understanding Illinois Divorce Laws
Illinois is a state that follows the principles of equitable distribution when dividing marital assets. This essentially means that the court will look to fairly divide marital assets, taking into account different factors like the length of the marriage, each spouse’s contributions to the marriage, the economic circumstances of both parties and more. Familiarize yourself with these laws to better understand the potential financial outcomes of your divorce.
What Makes Divorce Unique in Illinois?
Like in many states, divorce in Illinois is a process rife with strong emotions and various challenges. In Illinois, the state follows its own set of laws and regulations governing the dissolution of marriage. Several unique aspects are found in Illinois that distinguish divorce proceedings from those in other states. If you live in Illinois and are looking to pursue a divorce, contact a qualified lawyer to assist you in the process.
Residency Requirements
To file for divorce in Illinois, you or your spouse must have lived in the state for at least 90 days. This residency requirement ensures that the state has jurisdiction over the divorce proceedings. It is important to note that the 90-day requirement applies to both contested and uncontested divorce.
Will I Be Forced Out of My Home During the Divorce?
It is well documented that divorce is one of the most challenging events of someone’s adult life. One of the reasons divorce is so difficult is because of the uncertainty it brings. Will I meet someone ever again? What will happen to the children and the family we have built? Will I have to move from my home?
While all these questions are of critical importance, questions regarding the future of your living situation can bring intense anxiety to even the calmest of people. Discuss these concerns with your lawyer if you are concerned about whether you will be required to leave the marital home before, during, or after the divorce. Your Illinois attorney, a legal professional, will help you know and protect your rights as you move through this challenging process.
How Does Gray Divorce Differ from Other Divorces?
Gray divorce, referring to the dissolution of marriage involving people aged 50 and older, has become increasingly common in recent years. While divorce at any age can be challenging, gray divorce presents unique considerations and complexities. If you are older than 50 and are about to embark on a divorce in Illinois, make sure you consult with an experienced lawyer, as they will ensure your rights are protected and that you can proceed through your divorce with confidence.
Financial Considerations in Gray Divorce
One significant difference in gray divorce is the financial impact it can have on both parties. Older couples often have accumulated significant assets, retirement savings, and investments, which must be divided. The division of retirement accounts, pensions, and other financial assets can be complex and may require the guidance of financial professionals. Additionally, gray divorces may have fewer years remaining in the workforce to recover financially, making it crucial to consider the long-term financial implications of the divorce settlement carefully.
How to Know if Your Spouse is Serious About Divorce
Divorce is a significant life event that poses countless challenges for everyone involved. One of the most critical aspects of this process is understanding whether your spouse is serious about ending the marriage. There are several signs that may indicate your spouse’s seriousness about divorce. To help you navigate these signs, it may be wise for you to obtain the legal guidance of a qualified lawyer. With a potential Illinois divorce on the horizon, you want to be ready. And in this case, being prepared means knowing your rights and ensuring they are protected if a potential divorce lies on the horizon.
Digest What Your Spouse is Saying to You
What you will first want to do is get a complete understanding of what your spouse is saying to you. Are they directly communicating with you and expressing their desire for the marriage to end? If they are openly sharing with you their reasons for wanting to end the marriage, this is a clear indication that they are indeed serious about pursuing a divorce. Honest and direct conversations about divorce can help both parties understand each other’s perspectives and explore possible solutions.
Should I Represent Myself in My Divorce?
Going through a divorce is no easy task. One of the decisions you will need to make is whether to hire a lawyer or to represent yourself in your case. While the prospect of representing yourself can seem a little tempting, perhaps you believe that not hiring a lawyer will put more money in your pocket in the long run; it is essential to carefully consider the various pros and cons before making a decision that will significantly impact your future. Above all, it is important to understand that under no circumstance should you represent yourself in your Illinois divorce, and we will tell you why.
Absence of Legal Knowledge
Of course, the first reason you should never represent yourself in your divorce is your lack of knowledge and experience. Even if you think you know the issues, your casual knowledge will more than likely pale in comparison to an experienced divorce attorney. Without a thorough understanding of the legal framework and precedents, you will likely find it challenging to navigate the intricacies of the process effectively.
Getting Divorced When You Have a Disabled Child
When you get a divorce, your life irrevocably changes forever. When children are involved, their life is also changed forever. In cases where a couple with a disabled child decides to end their marriage, additional considerations come into play. It is widely understood that children often take the brunt of the divorce, which is why parents of disabled children may be especially concerned about what the divorce will mean for their child with disabilities. If you are getting a divorce and have a disabled child, contact an experienced Illinois lawyer to assist you through the divorce process, assuring all the while that your child’s needs are acknowledged, met, and taken care of before, during, and after the divorce.
Is My Wife Entitled to My Inheritance in Our Illinois Divorce?
Divorce in Illinois is a complex, often painstaking process that has enormous implications on the personal and financial future of those getting divorced. In the state of Illinois, the question of whether a spouse is entitled to the other spouse’s inheritance is a matter of great importance to many families. If you have concerns with regard to the distribution of assets and whether your inheritance will be subject to division, contact a divorce lawyer to ensure you have the legal protections afforded to you through state law.
Marital Property vs. Non-Marital Property
Laws of equitable distribution govern Illinois. During divorce proceedings, non-marital property is generally exempt from division. Inheritances are often classified as non-marital property, meaning they are the sole possession of the person who received the inheritance.