Posted on February 09, 2024 in Child Custody

Divorce proceedings are a time for spouses to figure out all the ways that their formerly merged lives will now continue apart. For parents, this includes arrangements for how their children will be raised in the future by their unmarried parents. Divorce settlements generally reflect the parents’ circumstances at the time of the divorce, but if those circumstances change, a parent might wish to modify their settlement. For example, if you are in a much better place than you were at the time your divorce was being finalized, a conversation about divorce settlement modification with a knowledgeable Arlington Heights, IL child custody lawyer might be extremely helpful for you.

What Is Parenting Time?

What we commonly refer to as custody or visitation is legally known by the State of Illinois as parenting time. This term describes the time that a child is physically with and under the care of either parent. In most Illinois divorce cases, even if one parent has primary custody, both will be granted some amount of parenting time. The actual decision about who the child is with and when is calculated after considering several factors, including:

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 Posted on February 09, 2024 in Mediation

Divorce mediation is an alternative dispute resolution process that allows couples to work together with a neutral mediator to reach mutually agreeable solutions. However, it is essential to recognize and understand the power dynamics that can exist within these proceedings. Suppose you are considering mediation in your divorce. In that case, it may be helpful to understand how power dynamics between couples can play a significant role in the success or failure of mediation. Discuss any questions or concerns with your attorney in Illinois to ensure you can give yourself a fair shot at successfully navigating the divorce and mediation process.

Recognizing Power Imbalances 

Power imbalances can arise in divorce mediation when one party has more control, influence, or resources than the other. This can be due to factors such as financial disparities, differences in communication styles, or emotional manipulation. It is crucial for both parties and the mediator to be aware of these imbalances to ensure a fair and equitable process.

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 Posted on January 31, 2024 in Divorce

Divorce can be a complicated process to go through. Two people who at one time thought they would spend the rest of their lives together need to go through the emotional pain of a breakup while also working together to form a divorce settlement. They need to agree on all the ways their formally-merged lives will now be separate.

When a couple has a high asset divorce, complications increase. Since the amounts being discussed are much larger than average, any division of property or assets makes the stakes feel even higher. If you and your spouse share marital wealth and you are concerned about how you might be left financially after a divorce, a knowledgeable Arlington Heights, IL high asset divorce attorney can answer your questions and advocate passionately for your rights.

What Exactly Is a High Asset Divorce?

While high asset divorce is when a couple with considerable wealth - in the form of assets, property, and finances - ends their marriage, there is no official set of conditions that define it. A general amount used for determining whether a divorce is considered high asset or not is if at least one spouse has at least a million dollars in assets. In some cases, one spouse has considerable individual wealth and the other does not. In other cases, both spouses are wealthy. In either case, the scope of assets that need to be divided poses challenges.

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 Posted on January 30, 2024 in Divorce

As a parent, it can be heartbreaking to contemplate the adverse effects your divorce could potentially have on your child's life. These negative effects are often sparked by intense interpersonal conflict between parents. As a result, parental communication can suffer significantly, making the process harder for everyone, particularly the children. If you have serious concerns about your divorce and what it may mean for your children, your situation may call for the help of a parenting coordinator. Discuss this possibility with your lawyer in Illinois to understand your options and how you can safeguard your children's well-being.

Three Clues a Parenting Coordinator May Be Needed in Your Divorce

1. High conflict between parents – One of the primary signs that a parenting coordinator is needed is the presence of high conflict between the parents. When disputes arise frequently, and communication suffers, it can have a devastating effect on the children. Working as a neutral third party, a parenting coordinator will facilitate communication and assist parents in finding common ground. Resolving conflicts, creating effective co-parenting strategies, and ensuring the children's best interests are always prioritized are some examples of what parenting coordinators do best.

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 Posted on January 23, 2024 in Adoption

Egg donation is a generous act that can bring hope and happiness to individuals and couples struggling with infertility. However, the legal aspects of egg donation can be complex and require careful consideration. In Illinois, engaging an experienced family lawyer is important in ensuring that all parties involved in an egg donor agreement are protected and their rights are upheld.

Drafting and Reviewing the Egg Donor Contract

Regardless of what area of law you are dealing with, attorneys are essential guides to anything related to a contract, such as contracts between the intended parents and the egg donor. This agreement outlines all parties' rights, responsibilities, and expectations, including compensation-related issues, confidentiality, medical procedures, and future contact. An attorney ensures that the agreement complies with Illinois laws and protects the intents and interests of the intended parents and the egg donor.

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 Posted on January 16, 2024 in Estate Planning

Contemplating whether to contest a will can be difficult, often influenced by factors like emotional attachments, perceived injustices, and potential legal complexities. If you are considering whether to contest a will, it may be wise to sit down with an experienced attorney and discuss your situation. Qualified estate planning attorneys can help you weigh your options, ensuring that your decision is the best for your circumstances.

Valid Reasons for Contesting a Will

Before deciding whether to contest a will in Illinois, assessing the validity of your reasons for doing so is essential. Valid reasons may include suspension of undue influence, lack of testamentary capacity, fraud, or improper execution of the will. If any of these factors have influenced the contents of the will, it may be worth pursuing a contest. However, it is important to consult with a lawyer who can evaluate the strength of your case and provide high-quality legal advice based on your situation.

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 Posted on January 13, 2024 in Divorce

If you are not a lawyer or have never been through a divorce yourself, chances are you are not familiar with all the divorce-related terminology. On top of that, some official terms describe things that are commonly known by another name. This article will include explanations of some of the most common terms that come up during divorce proceedings between parents. If you are considering divorce and would like to speak with someone who has experience and knowledge in the topic, an Arlington Heights, IL divorce lawyer can help.

Parenting Time

Parenting time is one of the most common topics for debate when parents go through a divorce, but the term that most people know it by is visitation. Parenting time refers to the time when the child is with the parent. This includes which nights the child sleeps with which parent, which holidays they spend with them, what happens during school vacations, and more. Generally speaking, in the State of Illinois both parents are granted some amount of parenting time. Even if one parent gets primary custody, the other one will be given some time to spend with their child unless they pose a risk to them.

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 Posted on January 12, 2024 in Divorce

For a stay-at-home mom getting a divorce, the process can present unique financial and custody challenges that are extremely anxiety-inducing. This anxiety is likely founded based on the unknown of the legal system. However, for stay-at-home moms getting divorced, there is some good news: you do not need to become a legal professional overnight. Lawyers are ready and willing to help you navigate the situation to pursue a favorable case conclusion. Not only will your attorney be proficient in traversing the legal system, but they will also ensure you fully understand your rights. Understanding your rights can help the entire process run more effectively.

Understanding Your Rights as a Stay-at-Home Mom

You must understand your legal rights for anyone getting a divorce, but especially for a stay-at-home mom. For example, Illinois follows equitable distribution laws when dividing assets. Equitable distribution means your property and assets will not be split precisely down the middle 50/50. Instead, they will be divided in a way that is deemed equal and fair. As a stay-at-home mom going through this process, gathering documentation detailing your household contributions, such as managing finances, raising children, and supporting your spouse’s career, will be essential. This evidence can help ensure your contributions are recognized and considered during property division negotiations.

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 Posted on January 08, 2024 in Estate Planning

Estate planning is often associated with married couples and those who are wealthy. However, single parents who are solely responsible for their children’s well-being should also prioritize estate planning. As a parent, you likely care deeply about your child’s future. Estate planning is a phenomenal way to proactively plan for the future and the various unknowns that come with it. To get the process started, contact an estate planning attorney. As your legal representative, they will ensure that you utilize the estate planning tools that are most beneficial to your situation.

Setting Up Guardianship of Minor Children

For single parents, one of the most critical aspects of estate planning is determining who will care for their minor children in the event of their untimely death or incapacity. By designating a guardian in their estate plan, single parents can ensure that their children will be cared for by someone they trust and who shares their values and beliefs.

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 Posted on January 05, 2024 in Divorce

When a couple enters divorce proceedings, there are many decisions they need to make. Will one of them pay the other alimony? How will they split any art or jewelry they accumulated during their marriage? If one is covered by the other’s insurance, what will happen after the divorce? Something that commonly comes up and can be complicated to figure out is what will happen with the family home. If you and your spouse will be getting divorced and you are not sure what will happen with your home, an Arlington Heights, IL property division attorney can offer you information in guidance.

What Options Do I Have?

When a couple gets a divorce, there are several options for what to do with their home: 

• If either spouse owned the home before they got married, it would most likely not be considered marital property and in that case, this would not be something they need to figure out. If the non-owning spouse made renovations during the marriage or increased its value in any way, the court might make the homeowner spouse compensate them for this.

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