Posted on December 12, 2023 in Divorce

Something that never used to be taken into account during divorce proceedings and now has an important role to play is how the soon-to-be-ex spouses conduct themselves on their various social media profiles. Social networks are increasingly important in people’s lives, as their uses have expanded to connecting with old friends, sharing milestones, professional networking, meeting potential dates, collaborating, and more. The issue is that regardless of whatever privacy settings you think you have put in place, whatever you post online is accessible to the entire world, and that can have implications for your divorce settlement. If you are considering divorce and find yourself wondering whether you need to make any changes to your social media conduct, an Arlington Heights, IL divorce lawyer can clear up any confusion you may have and help you create a plan of action for going forward.

Can My Social Media Profiles Impact My Divorce Settlement?

When a couple is going through a divorce, each spouse might try to represent themselves differently than how they truly are in an attempt to get a better divorce settlement. They might try to display themselves as having financial troubles, which could mean that they may not be compelled to pay their ex alimony or could even ensure that they receive these payments from their ex. They might try to present themselves as extremely loving and involved parents to ensure a favorable custody arrangement. However you wish to present yourself, there could be evidence to the contrary readily available online.

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 Posted on December 11, 2023 in Divorce

Divorce is a process where it can become easy to become bogged down and engulfed in negative emotions. While this makes sense, as divorce is rarely an easy process emotionally, it is important to remember for all parties going through a divorce that keeping a level head is very important, especially when children are involved in the situation. However, sometimes, the emotions of the process become too much to bear, and tempers flare. Illinois courts may appoint a parenting coordinator to help move along the custody side of things to ensure the well-being and best interests of the children in the situation. Discuss with your divorce attorney whether a parenting coordinator may be beneficial to your Illinois divorce.

Understanding Parenting Coordinator

A parenting coordinator is a neutral third party appointed by the court to assist divorcing parents in making decisions regarding their children’s welfare. Their primary goal is to promote healthy co-parenting relationships and help reduce conflicts. Parenting coordinators are typically experienced professionals, such as mental health professionals or family law attorneys, who have undergone specific training in this field.

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 Posted on December 06, 2023 in Family Law

No matter what the specific circumstances are, a couple going through a divorce will have several issues they need to work out and come to agreement about. When the couple has children, figuring out the division of parental responsibilities and costs can become one of the most complicated issues to settle.

These agreements are generally reached based on the circumstances of the couple at the time of the divorce settlement. However, circumstances can change and affect one’s ability to fulfill their obligations. If you are a parent who needs to pay child support and changed circumstances make it hard for you to do so, a Lombard, IL divorce lawyer can help guide you towards a more reasonable arrangement.

Can Child Support Arrangements Be Changed in Illinois?

If your divorce settlement includes the fact that you pay child support, it is likely that at the time of the divorce, you had stable employment and income. But what happens if you lose your job and can no longer afford to make those payments? Will you be obligated to keep paying even if it would harm your personal finances?

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 Posted on December 05, 2023 in Child Custody

If you are a parent and are heading toward a divorce, you probably have a lot of questions about how you and your spouse will divide parental rights and responsibilities. Since there is no uniform way for custody to be decided and every divorce is different, it would be legitimate for you to be feeling some uncertainty at this time. Have no fear. An experienced Arlington Heights, IL family lawyer will be able to clear up your confusion and create a plan to zealously fight for your rights.

What Is Considered Legal Custody?

What is commonly known as legal custody is referred to in the State of Illinois as parental responsibilities. This term covers parents’ rights to make decisions that concern their children in the following spheres:

• Health: This refers to all decisions about the child’s physical, dental, mental, and psychological health and treatment.

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 Posted on November 30, 2023 in Estate Planning

Building an estate plan is a highly important process that works to ensure your assets and wishes are protected and effectively distributed after your passing. However, many people looking to create an estate plan may be unaware of the timeline involved in the estate planning process. If you are interested in creating an estate plan and are wondering how long or short doing so may take, contact an experienced lawyer who practices estate planning law, as this person will be qualified to help you create an Illinois will or any other documents related to estate planning. Consulting with your lawyer will give you a better idea of the different factors that can influence the time it takes to create an estate plan and provide a general understanding of the timeline involved in the process.

Five Important Factors to Consider

1. Complexity of the estate – Of course, this is a significant factor in determining the time required to create an estate plan. The process may be relatively quick if you have a straightforward estate featuring minimal assets and beneficiaries. However, suppose you have a complex estate featuring things such as multiple properties, business interests, or blended families. In that case, more will be required to address these complexities and ensure your plan appropriately accounts for all aspects.

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 Posted on November 29, 2023 in Divorce

When both spouses going through a divorce have lucrative careers, the financial implications of their divorce may not seem so significant. They have both contributed to their bank accounts and marital assets and both would easily be able to make a case for why they deserve recognition for this in their divorce settlement, in the form of financial arrangements. However, when one spouse works and the other manages household responsibilities, it may be stressful for the latter to consider divorce and all the financial implications it could present. If you are a stay-at-home parent and you worry how divorce would affect your finances, an Arlington Heights, IL divorce attorney can answer your questions and passionately advocate for a divorce settlement you can be satisfied with.

How Does Equitable Division Help a Stay-At-Home Parent?

When a couple first starts dating, they might both have promising careers. They may both have studied and gotten specific degrees to prepare them for their professions and in the years they worked until they met, they may have been able to give everything to their jobs, staying overtime and dedicating themselves to their employers’ success.

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 Posted on November 20, 2023 in Wills and Trusts

When many people think of estate planning, they consider whether they should create a will or trust. This makes sense, as these are the two most common tools used in estate planning. While both serve similar purposes, they have distinct features. As a result, for some individuals, it may make sense to create both a will and a trust for your estate plan. To learn about what the process entails and to secure legal representation to pursue your estate planning goals, contact an experienced lawyer in Illinois to get this beneficial process started.

Wills Offer Flexibility and Simplicity

In estate planning, a will is essentially a blueprint that outlines your wishes for how you would like your assets distributed when you die. Creating a will is generally a simple process, as is modifying a will. These two factors make wills a flexible tool for managing your estate. In addition, a will allows you to name beneficiaries, appoint guardians for minor children, and specify any other instructions you may have. Wills are an important component of any estate plan, no matter the size of your estate.

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 Posted on November 13, 2023 in Family Law

When a couple with children gets a divorce, many issues will need to be resolved. A major issue is child support. The court will decide that one parent will need to make regular payments to the other parent to aid with child-raising costs, including food, clothing, medical costs, school, and many more. If you are the parent with the majority of parental responsibilities, you will likely depend on these child support payments to make sure you can cover all the expenses you are responsible for now that you are no longer married. If your co-parent suddenly stops making these payments, it can be extremely stressful and you may be worried about how you will make ends meet. There is hope for you, however, with legal procedures in place for exactly this type of situation. An experienced Arlington Heights, IL child support attorney will be able to explain the procedures to you and get started on the path of protecting your rights.

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 Posted on November 10, 2023 in Estate Planning

Estate planning is a beneficial process that allows people to determine how their assets will be distributed upon their death. However, there are certain mistakes that can render a will legally non-binding, leading to unintended consequences. If you are interested in creating or updating your estate plan, it is crucial to understand the costly mistakes you must try to avoid making. One of the best ways to ensure no mistakes are made in your estate plan is by hiring a lawyer.

Mistakes are often made when people neglect to hire a lawyer and try to take the case on themselves. Do-it-yourself estate planning strategies are a recipe for disaster, as you are far better off going to an experienced lawyer for assistance in this matter.

Improper Execution

One of the most common mistakes that can make an Illinois will legally non-binding is improper execution. Each state has specific requirements for executing a will, such as the presence of witnesses or notarization. Failing to meet these requirements can render the will invalid. To avoid this mistake, it is essential to familiarize yourself with your state’s laws regarding will execution or consult an experienced estate planning lawyer to ensure compliance.

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 Posted on November 09, 2023 in Family Law

In the legal system, a Guardian ad Litem (GAL) plays an important role in protecting the best interests of vulnerable individuals, such as children whose parents are going through a divorce. In some instances, a GAL is appointed by the court to advocate for those who cannot advocate for themselves. If you are currently going through a custody dispute in your divorce or another family law matter involving your children, contact a qualified lawyer in Illinois to get the legal assistance you need today.

Top Three Duties of a GAL

1. Investigation and fact-finding – One of the primary functions of a Guardian ad Litem is to conduct thorough investigations and gather relevant facts about the case. This includes interviewing all parties involved, including the children, family members, teachers, healthcare professionals, and other key individuals. By doing so, the GAL can gain a comprehensive understanding of the situation and make informed recommendations to the court. Through their investigation, a GAL can uncover critical information that may have been overlooked or intentionally concealed. This function is crucial in cases involving child custody disputes, abuse, neglect, or any situation where the well-being of a vulnerable person is at stake. The GAL’s ability to gather accurate information and present it to the court is essential in ensuring a fair and just outcome.

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