Posted on June 04, 2024 in Divorce

Embarking on a second marriage after going through a divorce in Illinois can be both exciting and daunting. While the promise of a fresh start can fill you with hope for the future, the experience of the previous marriage ending can also leave you wary. Navigating this path carefully, with the assistance of an attorney, can help you address any lingering legal issues, protect your interests, and prepare you emotionally for this new chapter in your life.

Navigating the Legalities of Your Divorce

Before you wholeheartedly dive into planning your new life, it is important to make sure all the legal aspects of your divorce are fully resolved. A skilled lawyer can help you finalize any outstanding issues that you may have, such as property division, spousal support, and custody arrangements. By doing so, your lawyer can help you start your new marriage on stable ground, free from the legal burdens of your previous relationship.

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 Posted on May 30, 2024 in Divorce

Divorce brings about a whirlwind of change, and practical matters like insurance can get easily overshadowed amidst the heartache. In Illinois, understanding how divorce impacts your insurance policies – be it health, life, or property insurance – is crucial for your financial and personal stability. By hiring a divorce attorney and re-evaluating or adjusting your insurance coverage, you can better protect yourself and your loved ones from unforeseen circumstances.

Understanding Health Insurance Coverage Post-Divorce

One of the most immediate concerns during a divorce is health insurance. If you are currently covered under your spouse's plan, you will need to seek alternative coverage post-divorce. Illinois law allows you to remain on your spouse's plan until the divorce is finalized, but once the paperwork is signed, you need a new plan. Research your options thoroughly, whether that is through your employer, the marketplace, or COBRA.

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 Posted on May 28, 2024 in Divorce

Divorce can be an emotional rollercoaster for any couple, but LGBTQ+ couples in Illinois may face challenges unique to the LGTBQ+ community. If you are in an LGTBQ+ marriage and are considering divorce, contact a qualified attorney. By hiring a lawyer, you will not need to worry about your rights being infringed upon, as experienced lawyers, who themselves are trained legal professionals, will ensure your rights are protected.

Validating Your LGBTQ+ Marriage

Before you begin divorce proceedings, you will want to ensure your marriage is legally recognized in Illinois. On November 20, 2013, Illinois Governor Pat Quinn signed into law the legalization of same-sex marriage. This law went into effect on June 1, 2014. Marriages conducted in other states where same-sex marriage was legal prior to this date are also recognized. You will want to make sure you have proper documentation confirming your marriage's legitimacy, as this will lay the groundwork for a legal divorce process.

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 Posted on May 21, 2024 in Divorce

Going through a divorce is a profoundly challenging experience, and if you couple that with the financial turmoil of bankruptcy, it can feel like an insurmountable mountain to climb. However, understanding how to navigate both simultaneously in Illinois can help ease the stress involved. If you are currently juggling both divorce and bankruptcy proceedings, it is imperative you secure legal representation. Your attorney will ensure that you are able to face both challenges head-on, giving you a fair opportunity to get through each process and ultimately move on with your life.

Understanding the Basics of Divorce and Bankruptcy

Before discussing how each of these processes affects each other, it is essential to have a complete understanding of the fundamentals. In Illinois, divorce laws are under state family courts' jurisdiction, while bankruptcy is governed by federal law. The bankruptcy process involves either Chapter 7, which is liquidation, or Chapter 13, which involves the re-organization of debt. Divorce involves the dissolution of marriage, dividing assets and liabilities, and potentially dealing with child custody, along with other important issues. Both processes require careful planning, which makes legal guidance an absolute necessity. 

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 Posted on May 16, 2024 in Divorce

Divorce is never an easy decision, but for many couples, an uncontested divorce provides a more peaceful and straightforward path through the divorce process. An uncontested divorce occurs when both parties are in mutual agreement on all significant issues in the divorce. These issues may involve child custody, property division, and spousal support. Many couples decide to get an uncontested divorce since it often saves time, money, and can be less stressful compared to a contested divorce. As with any divorce, hiring an attorney is an important and necessary step toward making sure you can protect your interests during the process.

What Makes a Divorce Uncontested?

An uncontested divorce stands apart due to the agreement between spouses on critical matters without heated disputes or negotiations that seem like they will never end. Both parties must concur on the following issues:

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 Posted on May 13, 2024 in Divorce

It is no secret that a high net worth divorce can present unique challenges compared to the average divorce case. However, with the right strategy and a dedicated attorney by your side, you can emerge from divorce proceedings with your head held high and your bank account intact. 

At The Stogsdill Law Firm, P.C., we recognize the challenges that come with a high-net-worth divorce. Our team of qualified attorneys is ready to work with you to construct a customized strategy so that once it comes time for proceedings to begin, you are prepared to defend your interests and fight for an equitable settlement. 

The First Step is Identifying Your Assets

When a divorce features considerable assets, the first step of navigating the situation needs to be obtaining a full accounting of these assets. Assets can range anywhere from homes to businesses and more, making it crucial that your legal team carries out a comprehensive financial audit. A financial audit involves an examination, review, and evaluation of all your assets. This audit will also include examining shared assets as well. 

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 Posted on May 10, 2024 in Divorce

Divorce is a major event in a person's life that can put immense stress on the parties involved. Often, it brings forth various hard choices and complex decisions that must be made. Among these, choosing the path to resolving disputes – between mediation and litigation- can be one of the most significant. Understanding what these two processes involve can help you make well-informed decisions that fit the context of your situation. Discuss with an attorney in Illinois how both methods work and which may be right for you.

What is Mediation? 

Mediation is an alternative dispute resolution process that could serve as a viable option for couples who can find some common ground. This method involves a neutral third party (called a mediator) who helps steer discussions toward agreeable resolutions without imposing any decisions.

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 Posted on May 07, 2024 in Divorce

During divorce proceedings, issues concerning property division often become a hot point. The whole situation can get a lot messier when one spouse attempts to conceal assets. To ensure you know what red flags to look for, discuss with your attorney any concerns you may have about your spouse potentially hiding assets. With the support of a prestigious and reputable law firm like The Stogsdill Law Firm, P.C., those going through a divorce can feel confident that his or her best interests are always a top priority.

Watch Out for Unusual Cash Withdrawals 

While it is normal to have the occasional cash withdrawal for day-to-day expenses, regularly occurring or large withdrawals that are different from the norm should grab your attention. A sudden increase in cash transactions could be a deliberate attempt to stash money away undetected. To combat this deceitful asset-concealing strategy, make sure to regularly review bank statements. By periodically reviewing statements, you can spot any strange activity sooner rather than later. The key to unveiling hidden assets is by being as vigilant as possible. Keenly observe and question unusual transactions. Your lawyer will greatly assist you as you look for unusual activity on bank statements.

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 Posted on May 03, 2024 in Divorce

Starting anew after getting a divorce can feel very scary, especially when it comes to adjusting your lifestyle. However, keep in mind that this transition period is also a chance to reinvent yourself and rediscover the joys of independence. If you are concerned with how life will be after your Illinois divorce, understand that one of the most useful resources at your disposal to ask questions and discuss concerns you may have is your attorney.

The seasoned attorneys at The Stogsdill Law Firm, P.C. have helped countless clients get through his or her divorce successfully while making sure their clients are ready for life post-divorce. Our prestigious firm employs only the most competent and respectable lawyers who are ready and willing to make sure you can prepare yourself for whatever lifestyle adjustments may be necessary after your divorce. 

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 Posted on April 30, 2024 in Divorce

Deciding to embark on the process of divorce is a major decision. As with other major decisions in life, you want to make certain you are as prepared as possible. One of the most important decisions you will make at the beginning of the divorce process is selecting an attorney. It is important to remember that not all attorneys and law firms are the same. There are good firms with highly capable attorneys, and then there are firms that struggle to provide the legal guidance clients need and deserve. 

For your divorce, choose the firm with the attorneys who protect your interests instead of ignoring them. For your divorce, choose the best in the business; choose The Stogsdill Law Firm, P.C..

Experience is Paramount When Choosing an Attorney and Law Firm

When selecting an attorney for your Illinois divorce, it is important to choose a firm with lots of experience. At The Stogsdill Law Firm, P.C., our attorneys have over 110 years of combined experience, offering a depth of knowledge that is invaluable in handling even the most challenging of divorce cases. Experience not only equips attorneys with a deep understanding of the law but also provides them with access to increased resources, which can enhance their ability to provide comprehensive and effective legal guidance for clients. 

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