Posted on February 12, 2019 in Domestic Violence

On February 8th, 2019, a man shot and killed his wife in their home in Blaine, Minnesota. The 46-year-old victim had served her husband divorce papers the previous November, but the couple continued to live together. While it has not yet been established whether or not the marriage was violent prior to the tragic incident, for victims of abusive relationships, the event served as a startling reminder of the risks of staying in a situation involving domestic violence. If you are seeking a way out of an unhealthy or abusive relationship, our legal team can work with you to expedite the divorce process and help you obtain the protection you need.

The Risks of Domestic Violence

According to a recent study conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over 50% of homicides with female victims are committed by intimate partners of the victim. It is important to understand the urgency to escape a violent relationship. Listed below are a few reasons why it is important to leave a violent or abusive situation as quickly as possible:

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 Posted on February 08, 2019 in Family Law

Preparing for a wedding is a time of love and happiness. Discussions about the location of the wedding, who to invite, and the potential of children down the road can all be fun conversations. However, some discussions are much more difficult to prepare for. Broaching the subject of a prenuptial agreement with your partner can be one of the most difficult conversations of your life, but it can also be one of the most important. In the case of a divorce, the lack of a prenuptial agreement could cost you.

When Is a Prenup Needed?

A prenuptial agreement is a document that details exactly what will happen to a couple's finances in the event of divorce, including how certain property will be divided and whether one spouse will pay financial support to the other. In certain circumstances, a prenup can be incredibly important, ensuring that you have a secure financial future, no matter what happens in your marriage. A prenuptial agreement can be especially helpful if you have children from a prior marriage, if one party owns a business, or if you or your partner have significant assets going into the marriage. If you believe that a prenuptial agreement is important to securing your financial well-being, speak with a qualified family law team.

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 Posted on February 05, 2019 in Divorce

A recent scientific study concluded that the divorce rate has been steadily rising over the past four decades. The study, which was published by a pair of sociologists at the University of California at Irvine, analyzed divorce statistics from 1970 to 2008 in countries from around the world, including India, Russia, and a number of Scandinavian nations, and it found that the divorce rate in most countries is primarily dictated by economic and religious factors. With more and more couples around the globe considering a separation, it is fascinating to look at the factors that are contributing to the steady rise in divorce.

Primary Factors in Divorce Trends

After conducting the four-decade study on divorce rates within 83 different countries, the results were clear: the divorce rate is rising in countries with increased economic development. This may be attributed to a variety of reasons, including:

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 Posted on January 31, 2019 in Family Law

Over 100,000 children are adopted throughout the United States each year. It can be a wonderful thing for children needing a family and parents looking for a child to love. While many families yearn to adopt a child, the adoption process can be incredibly complicated. Every single adoption comes with its own complexities, and the process can be quite difficult for families to tackle on their own. If your family is interested in adopting a child, an experienced adoption attorney can assist you as you look to welcome another member into your family.

Types of Adoption in Illinois

Here in the state of Illinois, there are four primary types of adoption: private adoptions, agency adoptions, international adoptions, and related adoptions.

• Private adoption is when adoptive parents and biological parents set up the adoption without the use of an agency;
• An agency adoption is facilitated by a private agency. When foster children are involved, the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services may handle the adoption. They, too, are considered a private agency;

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 Posted on January 25, 2019 in Child Custody

For most parents navigating the divorce process, every decision is centered around the well-being of their children. A divorce can be an incredibly difficult emotional process for all members of the family, but watching parents separate can be especially challenging for children to process.

Some parents elect to fight for sole custody in their divorce. This decision can be based on a number of factors, primarily relating to one spouse's doubts regarding the other spouse's ability to navigate parenting responsibilities. Yet, if both parties still believe in the other spouse's parenting ability, it may be best to begin discussing the possibility of a shared custody parenting plan.

How Shared Custody Can Impact Your Child

According to statistics compiled by the United States Census Bureau, there are approximately 13.4 sole-custody parents living in the United States. In some cases, sole-custody is the right decision to make for your child's well-being, but there are numerous benefits to exploring the possibility of shared custody.

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 Posted on January 24, 2019 in Divorce

When navigating a standard divorce process, both parties must understand that their actions will be under extreme scrutiny. Your life habits, occupation, and living situation will all play a part in how a judge makes decisions on various issues regarding the separation. In any family law case, a criminal charge can have a monumental impact on the manner in which the judge will rule. If you have been accused of a crime during your divorce, it is crucial to notify your attorney as soon as possible.

Crimes During Divorce

The divorce process can be an incredibly stressful time for all parties involved. With that in mind, it should come as no surprise that many people commit a criminal offense during their divorce. Listed below are the most commonly committed crimes that can severely impact a family law case:

Driving Under the Influence (DUI): Although turning to drugs or alcohol during stressful times usually tends to be a bad idea, many people increase their alcohol intake during their divorce. Here in the state of Illinois, a DUI charge can lead to extensive fines, loss of driving privileges, and even potential jail time.

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 Posted on January 18, 2019 in Divorce

For the thousands of Americans that elect to pursue a divorce each year, separating from a former-spouse can be an incredibly positive life-changing decision. However, parties must be prepared to live independently once the divorce process is finalized. Financial independence is, arguably, one of the more difficult aspects to master, post-divorce. As such, it is critical that parties start to prepare for financial independence as soon as possible. One of the best places to start is to consult with a seasoned divorce lawyer about the health of your finances, and how the divorce could impact it, moving forward.

Steps to Securing Financial Stability

Once your divorce has been finalized, you need to act quickly to ensure long-term financial security. A quality attorney can help you develop an action plan, and begin working towards financial independence.

Develop a New Budget: After your divorce, it is important to recognize that you are no longer able to count on the income of your former spouse. The development of an independent budget can help you make decisions about what kind of housing options you can afford, what extracurricular activities your children can participate in, and whether or not you need to make various changes to your lifestyle. Budgeting for your new lifestyle can be a laborious task, but it can also save you from an unsustainable financial future.

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 Posted on January 11, 2019 in Divorce

When going through the divorce process, the vast majority of Americans are concerned about their financial well-being, post-divorce, and their eagerness to move forward from the relationship. For parents, however, the divorce process can be the most emotionally stressful time in their lives. When fighting for decision-making power in the lives of their children - whether full, partial, or somewhere in between - parents are sometimes faced with the thought that they may have very little say over their child's life, upbringing, or education.

Parents who fear that their spouse may make poor decisions may also worry about the potential consequences that their children may face, should they become collateral damage in a negative situation. Fortunately, a quality legal team can assist you in winning custody (the power to have final say over decisions regarding your children) using knowledgeable and aggressive representation.

Why You Should Be the Primary Custodial Parent?

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 Posted on January 10, 2019 in Domestic Violence

Every single year, more than 10 million Americans face some form of domestic abuse from an intimate partner. For women, domestic abuse from a spouse or partner is incredibly common. According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV), approximately 1 in 3 American women face some form of physical violence (slapping, punching, pushing, or life-threatening violence) from their intimate partner during their lifetimes. If you are being abused by your spouse, it is important to contact law enforcement officials and seek a way out of the relationship. Fortunately, a quality legal team can help you develop orders of protection and expedite the divorce process.

The Importance of Leaving the Relationship

In cases of domestic violence, many victims let their feelings for the abuser (or fear over the risk of an abuser's retaliation) be the reason they stay. In all reality, outside of increased chances of potentially fatal injuries, repeated domestic violence can only come with harmful ramifications.

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 Posted on January 04, 2019 in Divorce

Taking the step to file for a divorce can be one of the most difficult decisions in your life. Although it can represent a new brighter chapter in your life, the decision to separate can backfire, especially when you proceed without proper legal representation. From securing your marital assets to helping you fight for child custody, a quality family law team can ensure a happy and secure future for you and your family. If you are in the midst of a divorce, picking the right attorney can make all the difference.

Choosing the Right Lawyer

As you begin the divorce process, the most important step you can take is ensuring you choose the "right" attorney. When picking your divorce lawyer it is important to take into account their legal background, the experience of previous clients, your own needs, and your connection with the attorney.

Asking your prospective divorce lawyer about their experience in the field should be one of the first steps you take in your initial meeting. Using client testimonials and inquiring about previous victories can give you insight into how an attorney could impact your divorce. Lastly, only you can decide if you truly trust and believe in an attorney. If you do not have a good feeling about a potential lawyer, they are more than likely not the right fit for you.

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