Posted on July 26, 2017 in Family Law

Prenuptial agreements are making a comeback, which means more couples have a clear understanding of their financial obligations in marriage and are better prepared for divorce. Unfortunately, there are a few mistakes that couples often make when drafting their agreements. Learn how to avoid them with help from the following information.

Avoiding the Topic Altogether

Perhaps the biggest and most common prenuptial agreement mistake that couples make is simply not discussing it. True, it is not a very romantic topic, and it is easy to overlook when you are in love, but many couples end up regretting their decision. Some may even find themselves in complex and contentious situations, should they ever divorce. If you are apprehensive because the topic lacks romance, or you are sure you will not need one, at least be willing to approach and discuss the matter. It could save you from a headache and perhaps even a hefty attorney bill in the years to come.

Letting Emotions Get in the Way

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 Posted on July 25, 2017 in Child Custody

Obesity is a pandemic issue that costs Americans billions in healthcare costs each year. It can also increase one's risk of developing diabetes, heart disease, and other obesity-related conditions. In short, is a killer and a thief. Thankfully, things have slowly started to turn around; people are becoming more aware of what they eat and how often they exercise. They are taking back control over their health.

Still, there are things that can increase a person's risk for developing obesity. For example, a recent study found that children of divorce may be more likely to experience obesity as an adult than children whose parents stayed together. Learn more about this risk, including how you may be able to mitigate against it, in the following.

More on the Obesity Study

In their study, psychologists at Florida State University investigated a variety of unpredictable childhood experiences (family violence, divorce, moving to a new home, etc.) to determine if any of them increased the child's risk of obesity during adulthood. By far, divorce appeared to be the most influential factor. The researchers believe this may be because children of divorce are more likely to live for the "here and now," rather than the future, which may make them more likely to binge eat than children who have not experienced divorce. They may also be more likely to focus on short-term goals instead of long ones, which may also increase their risk of overspending, debt issues, early childbirth, and other potentially adverse life situations.

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 Posted on July 24, 2017 in Divorce

Recent changes in America's health care system has many citizens on edge, particularly when it comes to their health insurance coverage. The issue is so concerning, in fact, that some couples are delaying divorce. Thankfully, there may be other options. The following information explains these options, and it provides some tips on ensuring that your rights are well protected during an Illinois divorce.

Examining the Concerns of Divorcing Couples

Although the Affordable Care Act (ACA) made insurance easier to obtain and keep for many people in the United States - particularly those with pre-existing health conditions and individuals going through divorce - citizens were not as happy with it as the government had expected. Part of that was due to the rising costs of health insurance, which have been on a steep incline for years (as in, long before the ACA was initiated), but there were other factors behind America's dissatisfaction with the ACA. Now lawmakers are trying to repeal it, but finding a suitable replacement has been anything but easy.

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 Posted on July 13, 2017 in Mediation

Although mediation is ultimately about compromising with your spouse, you can (and should) attempt to tilt the scales in your favor as much as humanly possible. After all, the odds are that your spouse will attempt to do the very same thing. Learn more about the strategies that you can use your divorce mediation with help from the following information.

Why Choose Mediation?

Mediation may not be the most favorable option for every divorce, but it can be highly beneficial for some. For example, spouses that have minor children may find that mediation offers a more amicable approach than a litigated divorce. Couples with a high net worth may also prefer mediation since it can drastically reduce costs and improve their settlement. Mediation can also lead to a faster conclusion of your case if you and your spouse are willing to compromise. Still, if you have questions about whether mediation may be appropriate for you, it is wise to discuss your options with an experienced divorce lawyer before moving forward.

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 Posted on July 11, 2017 in Family Law

Children tend to do their best when they are supported and loved by both parents - that includes emotional, mental, physical, developmental, and financial assistance. The support system is typically built in when born to parents who are married; the child usually spends time with each parent, and even if a divorce occurs, the child will likely continue to have the support they need. What happens, though, when the parents are unmarried at the time of the child's birth? How, then, is paternity established, and how does the state of Illinois ensure the child is receiving the support they need?

The truth is, things can become a little more complicated. There may be questions as to whether the alleged father is, in fact, the child's biological parent. Until there is an answer, the child may lack the support that they need from one or even both parents. How can you keep this from happening to your child? First, you can ensure that you have worked to establish paternity. Second, you can seek child support, parenting time, and an allocation of parental responsibilities. Learn more about this process, including how the state of Illinois establishes paternity, with help from the following information.

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 Posted on July 07, 2017 in Divorce

Divorce is rarely easy, and it is not typically something that people want to endure. Still, it is sometimes necessary to ensure the happiness of both parties. So, while some spouses may experience initial resistance when they ask for a divorce, the matter is typically resolved with time. What happens, though, when the issue does not resolve, and a spouse refuses to sign the divorce papers? Are you then stuck in your marriage, or are there other strategies you can employ? Rest assured: divorce may still be an option; it may just look a little different than you expected.

Why Some Spouses Refuse to Sign

There are many reasons why a spouse might refuse to sign divorce papers. Some strongly believe in the sanctity of marriage, either because of religion or how they were raised. Others may fear judgment from their family, friends, or professional and social circles. Then there are some who refuse to sign because they are struggling to come to terms with the end of their marriage, and they may even experience so much anger and bitterness that they use their refusal as a form of retaliation. Still, there are some who have a history of emotional, physical, mental, financial, or sexual abuse and they may refuse to sign so they can maintain control over the victim.

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 Posted on June 29, 2017 in Alimony

Several matters can create contention in divorce, but few can spark as much fear and emotion as spousal maintenance. On the one hand, you have a spouse that feels they are entitled to support. On the other, you have a spouse that feels they either should not or cannot pay the amount of support requested. Who is correct, and how does a judge decide? The following explains, and it provides details on how you can contest a request for spousal maintenance.

Spousal Maintenance Basics

Despite the common misconception, alimony is not automatically awarded in divorce. Instead, it is determined by a judge. In making that decision, the judge may weigh and consider a variety of factors, including:

• Income and assets of each party,
• Needs of each party,
• Current and future earning potential of each party,
• Sources of income (private and public) of each party,
• Impairments or disadvantages in earning income,
• Standard of living established during the marriage,

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 Posted on June 27, 2017 in Divorce

When facing a high net-worth divorce, parties may question the "best" possible path. Should they go through mediation and settle? Is litigation the answer? Deciding is not always easy. Each case is unique, and the exact details do have a significant influence on the more appropriate path. Still, some considerations can help you in weighing the pros and cons of each option. The following information offers some guidance, and it explains where and why you should seek assistance before making a final decision.

Domestic Violence, Intimidation, and Coercion

Statistics indicate that one in four women experience physical abuse in an intimate relationship. Abuse rates for men, which are thought to be underreported, are about one in seven. When you add in those that are emotionally or financially abused, the rates are much higher.

Victims of abuse, intimidation, coercion, or other forms of duress are typically encouraged to go through litigation. Mediation is rarely an option, partly because it can be dangerous, but also because the victim may feel threatened into accepting an unfair settlement. If you are a victim of abuse, please talk to your attorney before undergoing any form of communication with your spouse. Not only can they help you litigate your case, but they can also assist you with an order of protection to keep yourself and your children safe.

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 Posted on June 22, 2017 in Child Custody

While divorce is stressful for everyone involved, it is children who are at the greatest risk for serious mental and emotional complications. Knowing this, parents are encouraged to do everything they can to monitor and protect their children. Learn how to recognize stress in your child, understand your options for dealing with it, and know where to seek support.

Signs That Suggest Your Child is Stressed

Indications of stress in children can vary greatly, depending on the age of the child. For example, younger children may display regressive behavior, such as bedwetting, baby talk, and temper tantrums. School-aged children may exhibit hyperactive behavior, nightmares, difficulty sleeping, trouble concentrating on school work or homework, and they may overreact to minor problems. Older children may begin to withdraw from family and friends, may also overreact to minor issues, and could be at risk for depression, sleeping disorders, or eating disorders.

Helping Your Child Cope with Divorce

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 Posted on June 20, 2017 in Divorce

Family dynamics have changed significantly over the last few decades, but there are still areas where women remain at a disadvantaged. One prime example is when they embark on divorce. Thankfully, women can mitigate against their risks in divorce. The key is to know what the most common mistakes are, and how to avoid them. The following explains further and provides some details on where to find assistance.

Understanding the Potential Risks

Women have become fully integrated into the workforce, but there are still some that choose to remain home. Some do so to care for children. Others do so because they have no need to work. Still, others simply may not have the education or skills to secure gainful employment. Whatever the reason for not being employed outside the home, these women are at a serious risk for financial disadvantages after the divorce.

The risk for women increases even further if they have not actively participated in the management of her marital finances. Not only does it make it difficult for her to know what she might be entitled to, but it also puts her at risk of asset hiding or dissipation. Without proper documentation, certain assets could also be undervalued, which decreases the overall value of her marital estate and affects her divorce settlement.

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