Posted on December 27, 2017 in Child Custody

Some people dread the thought of the two-house Christmas. Any holiday can give a divorced parent a feeling of apprehension, knowing that they will have to share the day with their co-parent, but sharing child custody actually has its perks. Co-parents in Illinois can open their minds to the unexpected benefits of sharing the kids over the holidays and actually reap the rewards of sharing the workload.

Some families find that shared child custody works best for their situation. Some people choose to live near one another, and send the kids back and forth, with the children spending three days at one house, and then four days at the other. An arrangement like this allows both parents to have time with the child, and it provides a predictable stability for the family. For important holidays and celebrations, a family could choose to alternate where the child wakes up and with whom the time is spent.

Communication will continue to be a valuable tool for families that have made the split. A good communication plan will allow families to stay on the same page with parenting methods, and it will enable flexibility. When it comes to holidays and celebrations, communication also allows the family to prevent things like doubling up and purchasing the same gifts twice.

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 Posted on December 19, 2017 in Family Law

Some individuals who pay alimony may be affected by changes in the new Internal Revenue Code, which appears primed for passage. Originally, the spousal support payments (alimony) were deductible from the payer's income, and the payee was responsible to claim the funds as income. The new legislation changes this, and it could affect family law decisions for divorcing couples in Illinois.

The news of the proposed change first indicated that the new rules would go into affect for any divorce or separation agreement made after Dec. 31, 2017. The new version says that the policy will affect new agreements made after Dec. 31, 2018, giving people one year to adjust and make informed divorce decisions should the legislation be enacted into law. Some experts have interpreted the legislation and have said that it seems to allow renegotiation of settlements after 2018 to include language that would let them opt out of the new tax treatment. As more leaders read and interpret the law, more details will become clear.

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 Posted on December 13, 2017 in Divorce

At the time when one decides to end a marriage, there are practical steps to take along with all the emotional processing. Some individuals have found it helpful to collect a list of divorce tips they have found helpful. Individuals considering divorce in Illinois may wish to apply some of the relevant suggestions as they undergo the process of marital dissolution.

Financial considerations feature heavily in the list of tips. Once one has decided it is time to separate, one will likely need to separate any financial accounts. It can also be helpful to establish an independent credit card as well. Since the transition is also likely to have costs associated with it, a person may wish to start saving a little bit of extra money to cover any expenses that pop up. If one's health insurance depends on the spouse, it is time to research the options for getting independent health insurance.

During the divorce process, a person will likely need to review all important financial documents, deeds and titles. It is recommended to locate and make copies of these papers. One may also wish to update beneficiaries when the time comes. One can end a marriage in a number of ways, some some effort researching the various methods for divorce can be useful, too.

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 Posted on December 07, 2017 in Family Law

A recent article takes a look at the lives of individuals who separated from their partner after the age of 50. Current trends show that divorces in this age group are increasing, which means that more people in this age bracket in Illinois find themselves in need of family law advice. Some individuals, having gone through the process, look back and share their take on what they wish they had known in advance, and what they would tell themselves for encouragement.

Divorce can be a challenge for all - it can be emotionally painful, financially draining and the changes can ripple out to other relationships. All the challenges can lead to growth and a mature perspective. One person shared that she did not anticipate that the divorce would affect the older children as mush as it did. She remarked that the younger child actually had an easier time of adjusting. A common belief is that one should hold on for the sake of children, but this person's experience shows that there can be a benefit to making the break earlier because a resilient child can adjust more easily.

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 Posted on November 30, 2017 in Divorce

Whether an individual sees the end of a marriage as a bitter end or a new chance to start over will depend on the exact circumstances surrounding the situation. Either way, at the end of a marriage, a person will likely come face to face with the current financial reality and questions of how to best move forward. Illinois residents who are considering divorce may find some helpful tips from a recent news article about post-marital finances.

Failing to plan means planning to fail, or so the old saying goes. Many experts agree that continuing to take an active part in financial planning, both before and during the marriage, will ensure greater success overall. By taking responsibility in one's own financial stability, a person can be better prepared for any unexpected changes that come up as part of the life cycle.

Ending a marriage can be thought of as a business transaction. As individuals shift out of the mindset of love and union, they can shift into the practical mindset of asking themselves what is needed to start a new life and what must be in place in order to thrive as a newly single person. By giving consideration to these issues, a person will be more prepared to come to the negotiating table during a breakup.

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 Posted on November 30, 2017 in Divorce

Whether you have been married for thirty years or three years, divorce is hard. You have to make decisions regarding what you want to fight for, what you can let go of and even how best to tell the kids. Unfortunately, it is easy to make some costly mistakes when you make these important decisions. However, there are multiple tools available to help you get through the process while mitigating potential losses.

When looking at the divorce process, it is important to take an organized and almost business-like approach. The following divorce tips can help you stay on track.

Take inventory

If you present an incomplete list of debts and assets to your attorney as a basis for dividing marital assets, you risk two negative outcomes. First, you could be giving up your right to unlisted assets without even knowing it. Second, a judge might decide that you are intentionally hiding assets and rule on the property division in a way that heavily favors your spouse. Be sure you include current bank balances, future income such as retirement accounts and pension funds, bonuses and all other funds.

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 Posted on November 16, 2017 in Child Custody

The most wonderful times of the year can be a little stressful, too. In between enjoying the company of family and celebrations comes the hustle and friction also. For families undergoing divorce in Illinois, that stress can sometimes be amplified. A detailed child custody plan along with a pinch of positivity may be the soothing balm for holiday flare-ups.

Who goes where, and when? There are a number of ways to settle care and visitation needs for a child. When the dust settles, and the family begins to implement the plan, feelings can pop up. One parent may feel sad or left out when the children are away, or it can be hard to hear about the child missing his or her other parent.

Some experts believe that approaching these issues with positivity can be fruitful. The basic guidelines are kindness, patience, gratitude and establishing new traditions. Remaining kind when thinking about how the other parent and child feels, and having the patience to understand may smooth the rough feelings. A person who is grateful for family, and also the new opportunities will probably feel more balanced. Creating new traditions will pave the path for even more happy memories.

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 Posted on November 07, 2017 in Divorce

A home is more than just a place to live. It's a place where memories are made. While some may see a standard kitchen, you see the place where your family gathered around for big Sunday morning breakfasts. And while others see the living room as a place to put the TV, you remember your son learning to sit up by pulling himself up along the furniture.

While these memories are certainly powerful, these memories alone should not be the reason for holding on to the family home after a divorce. Rather, you need to look at the big financial picture and do what makes the most sense for you and your family not only now, but also well into the future.

In this blog post, we will look at what some of the family home options are in divorce.

Option 1: Sell the family home
Buying a home is an investment. In fact, it may be the largest investment you ever make. A lot of time and thought - and paperwork - goes into buying a home. And while at the time of the signing, you and your spouse were no doubt excited, picturing living there for years to come, now that you are getting a divorce, you need to make a strategic decision on what to do with the family home.

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 Posted on November 07, 2017 in Divorce

With many big box stores breaking out the holiday decorations, it is safe to say it is officially the holiday season. Just thinking about all the shopping, planning and expectations can send any parent into a panic. However, for those who recently went through a divorce, the thought of the holiday season can be overwhelming.

Will the kids be with mom or dad? What about extended family? Do you need to have two Thanksgiving dinners? What about family traditions? These are just some of the many questions and concerns that commonly come to mind.

In this post, we are going to focus on a few tips for co-parenting this holiday season.

Tip 1: Listen to your child's concerns

Whether the kids are with you or with their other parent, it is normal for your children to have concerns about how the holiday is going to go, especially if this is their first time splitting up holidays between their parents.

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 Posted on July 28, 2017 in Domestic Violence

Domestic violence is a pervasive issue in America. In fact, it seems there is a news story almost daily on the death or injury of a domestic violence victim. Often, the reported violence is connected to a victim trying to leave, either through separation or divorce. It is, by far, the most dangerous time for them. Learn how to protect yourself and your children during a divorce with help from the following information, and the aid of an experienced attorney.

Leaving is the Most Dangerous Time for Abuse Victims

Abusers who are losing control of their victim can become unpredictable and exceedingly violent. Some may even resort to showing up at the victim's place of employment or home. Thankfully, there are ways to mitigate against this type of behavior. Victims can seek help with an order of protection, which bars the abuser from coming within a certain distance from the victim. Divorcing victims can also let their attorney handle all communications between themselves and their spouse, which can limit any opportunity for an argument. Above all, remember to contact the authorities if you fear you are in immediate danger.

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