Recent Blog Posts
What to Know About Guardian ad Litems in Illinois
When parents are pursuing a divorce, the most contentious issues that must be resolved are often related to issues regarding child custody. It is common for divorcing parents to disagree with each other on matters relating to their child. Which parent will be responsible for specific parental responsibilities, where will the child's primary residence be, and transportation arrangements are common questions many parents getting divorced need to answer. As all these questions swirl around, it is easy for parents to get caught up and forget the most important thing: what is best for their child?
Suppose parents find it difficult or even impossible to agree on matters relating to their child. In that case, the court may find it necessary to appoint a legal representative to advocate for the child, also known as a guardian ad litem (GAL). For the purpose of this blog, we will delve deeper into what a GAL is and its purpose in family law cases. If you and your spouse are getting a divorce and are finding it difficult or impossible to come to agreements on child-related matters, contact an attorney who will work tirelessly to resolve any outstanding issues and will serve as an advocate for you and your child throughout the child custody process.
What to Know About the Benefits of a Trust Over a Will
In recent years, trusts have exploded in popularity and have, for many families, become the main form of testamentary estate planning. A common misconception regarding trusts is that for a trust to work for you, you must be a wealthy individual. However, this is not true. Compared to a will, a trust can do practically everything a will can do. That being said, a trust allows for increased discretion and more control over gradual distribution.
In all, there are many benefits that trusts offer that wills do not. Unless you have underage children, you may not need to establish a will if you decide to develop a trust. There are lots of different kinds of trusts that offer particular advantages and disadvantages. To learn more about trusts and what estate planning options may be best for you, contact an estate planning attorney to learn more about your options.
What to Know About Civil Unions in DuPage County
Many states, including Illinois, have come a long way in recognizing and respecting the rights of same-sex couples and LGBTQ individuals. In 2014, Illinois passed a same-sex marriage bill allowing gay couples to marry and enjoy the same rights as every other married couple in the state. However, many couples decide to pursue a civil union instead of marrying. Suppose you are in a same-sex relationship or are in a relationship with someone in the LGBTQ community and are interested in pursuing a civil union rather than a traditional marriage. In that case, it is essential for you to meet with a knowledgeable attorney so that you and your partner understand your rights and are able to enter a happy and loving civil union.
Important Information Regarding Representation for Civil Unions and Domestic Partnerships
It is important to note that civil unions and traditional marriages offer similar benefits. However, civil unions are not recognized in every state and are still not recognized by the federal government. If you and your partner are interested in entering into a civil union, understand that you will have access to critical legal rights, including the following:
What to Know if You Are a Beneficiary Seeking Legal Counsel
It is generally considered a great honor to be named as a beneficiary of someone’s will or trust. It demonstrates that someone cared enough about you to ensure you were included in their estate plan. In many cases, beneficiaries receive the benefits they are entitled to according to the will or trust of the deceased without any issues or complications. However, in other cases, numerous sources of frustration can arise as the process of receiving your benefits plays out. If you are a beneficiary concerned with the course of the estate administration and probate process, contact a knowledgeable attorney who will ensure your rights remain protected and that you receive the benefits you are entitled to.
Improper Estate Administration
When someone is named as a beneficiary, they are tasked with relying on the executor chosen by the deceased to take care of issues relating to their estate. Usually, the deceased selected the executor because they believed the person would be up to the task. However, this is only sometimes the case. In many cases, an executor may be overly busy, not aware of the gravity of the situation, or perhaps they wish to take advantage of the process. In any event, inadequate estate administration is a common reason why a beneficiary may want to consult with a lawyer.
Common Mistakes When Selecting a Divorce Attorney and How to Avoid Them
Few couples get married with the expectation that the marriage will end in a divorce. Unfortunately, however, marriages all too often do end in divorce. Sometimes, a couple may delay getting divorced because they fear the process will be too difficult and upsetting to bear. While this sentiment is understandable, the process does not need to be terrible.
The start of the divorce process begins when you select your attorney. For this blog, we will discuss mistakes people often make when choosing the attorney to represent them in their divorce. We will also discuss how to avoid making these mistakes. While you are not required to retain the services of an attorney when getting divorced, you are strongly advised to hire an attorney to ensure your rights are protected and the process is completed lawfully.
What to Do and Not Do When Selecting a Divorce Attorney
The first mistake people make when hiring an attorney is failing to do enough research before making a selection. The law firm the attorney works for, their reputation, payment structure, and experience are all factors that must be considered when selecting a divorce attorney. To ensure this does not happen to you, try to obtain as many referrals as possible while asking other lawyers about a specific attorney or law firm. By cross-referencing the information you receive and getting a bigger picture, you will be better positioned to make a wiser decision.
What Are the Most Common Estate Planning Mistakes?
Estate planning can be an excellent way to grant your loved one's peace of mind in case of the inevitable. However, many people may hesitate to engage in estate planning for various reasons. They may feel like they will have time in the future to do it or that doing it brings up uncomfortable questions that they would rather not answer. While these sentiments are common, it is essential to grasp how important estate planning is to ensure that your wishes are known and respected after you pass away. Estate planning can indeed be complex, but delaying it because it is difficult will only make the process more burdensome on your loved ones.
Since there are many pieces to an estate plan, it can be easy to make mistakes if you do not have the proper guidance. If you are interested in the estate planning process, contact an experienced estate planning attorney who can work with you to ensure no serious mistakes are made. In this blog, we will delve into some common mistakes people make when estate planning.
Ways to Help Your Children Cope with Your Divorce
Getting a divorce can be a challenging process, filled with hardships and heartbreak. This is especially true for children affected by their parent's divorce. Depending on the divorce circumstances, children may carry the pain of their parent's divorce for the rest of their lives. However, supporting your children during difficult times is what being a parent is all about.
You are not alone if you are getting a divorce and are worried about how your children will deal with it. A looming divorce can seem overwhelming. But, with so much to deal with, where should you begin? Your first action should be to hire an experienced divorce attorney. Your attorney will work with you through the process, ensuring that your best interests are protected and always at the forefront of decisions made.
Helping Your Children Navigate this Difficult Time
This advice is applicable whether you have one child or several. To be the most helpful you can be, here is what you can do during your divorce to ensure that your kids are protected:
Understanding Guardianships of Disabled Adults in Illinois
Throughout a lifetime, there are times when you may find yourself relying on someone else for different reasons. For some people, however, this need to rely on someone else is more significant than a typical individual's need to rely on someone. For instance, if someone is disabled physically or mentally, they may require a higher level of assistance.
Watching a family member or friend struggle to sustain themselves and manage their life can be heartbreaking. Luckily, in Illinois, if you are watching a friend or loved one struggle to maintain their affairs due to a disability and wish to help them, you can pursue guardianship of that individual. If you are interested in learning more about seeking guardianship of a disabled adult, consult an experienced attorney with knowledge of guardianships to ensure your rights and the disabled individuals' rights remain protected and that the process is as smooth as possible.
What Unique Challenges Do First-Responders Face During Divorce Proceedings?
Couples may choose to pursue a divorce for many different reasons. Sometimes, differing work schedules and being required to work long and irregular hours put a terrible strain on a marriage. Unfortunately, this strain can lead to divorce. Out of all the occupations out there, few jobs require more sacrifice and demand than being a first responder. Whether a police officer, firefighter, or paramedic, first responders are real-life heroes who frequently put themselves in harm's way to help others. If you are a first responder looking to get a divorce, consult a highly experienced Illinois divorce attorney with experience in cases involving first responders. An attorney can work with you in tackling the different challenges you may face as a first responder getting a divorce.
How Come First Responders Are at a Heightened Risk of Divorce?
Most occupations have set hours that allow employees to manage and separate their personal and work life effectively. However, first responders often work peculiar hours. Not only are the hours challenging, but first responders frequently face dangerous situations which can affect them psychologically. The longer someone works as a first responder, the greater the chance they will be involved in a distressing situation. Each event can take a severe toll on the first responders who are called to the scene. After witnessing something distressing, the first responder may withdraw from their spouse and keep their emotions bottled up to try and save their spouse from knowing the grisly details of what occurred at work. In some cases, a first responder may develop PTSD, further leading to communication lapses and tension between them and their spouse. This may lead to the quality of their marriage suffering.
What You Need to Know About Special Needs Trusts
When it comes to estate planning, choosing the appropriate tools, selecting suitable beneficiaries, and accurately preparing all necessary documents can be a complex and daunting task. This is especially the case when one of your intended beneficiaries relies on a government aid program. For example, suppose you plan on issuing an inheritance to a family member who relies on government aid programs. In that case, you may unknowingly impact that individual’s ability to continue benefiting from government aid programs. To avoid this, you may create a special needs trust to provide security to your loved one while ensuring you do not jeopardize their ability to benefit from a government aid program.
If you have a loved one you believe would benefit from creating a special needs trust, consider consulting with an experienced estate planning attorney with knowledge in creating special needs trusts.
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