Posted on January 31,2023 in Parenting Time

In Illinois, visitation is now called “parenting time.” Courts typically assume that it is in the child’s best interest for them to spend quality time with each parent, as long as this poses no risk to the child’s safety and well-being. However, there are also situations in which the courts may place conditions on parenting time, such as requiring a parent to abstain from drugs or alcohol prior to and during parenting time.

Who Has a Right to Parenting Time?

The biological parents of a child typically have the right to spend time with that child. However, if unmarried parents have a child together, a parent may need to establish parentage before gaining parental rights. For example, if an unmarried woman gives birth, the father must establish paternity before he gains the right to petition the court for parenting time and parental responsibilities. Parentage or paternity may be established through a Voluntary Acknowledgement of Paternity (VAP) document, an administrative process through the Illinois Department of Health and Family Services, or a judicial process through the court.

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 Posted on January 27,2023 in Division of Property

Illinois is an equitable distribution state, meaning that each party is entitled to a fair share of marital assets. Marital assets are items that were acquired while the parties were married. It does not matter if it was simply one of the parties that were making these purchases, if it was purchased or earned during the marriage, then both parties are entitled to it. The exception to this is if the asset was obtained through inheritance or gift.

High-value marital assets are one of the biggest issues that prolong divorces and make them more complex than they need to be. If the parties are willing to discuss these matters with a level head, they may be able to negotiate a fair divide between their assets. If they cannot reach an agreement, the court divides marital assets according to the “equitable distribution” doctrine.

Dividing High-Value Marital Assets

When going through a divorce with high-value assets, both parties need a full understanding of all the assets they own and acquired during their marriage and the value of these assets. The value of these assets is often up for debate, so it is recommended to have them professionally valued by an appraiser. Here are some important assets that the spouses may need to address:

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 Posted on January 25,2023 in Child Custody

The term “parenting time” is described as the time a parent uses to look after their child after a divorc. It is recommended that both parents negotiate a parenting time agreement that is in the best interest of everyone. If they cannot agree, the court will be the one to determine what is best for the child. However, if there are safety concerns for the child spending time with one or both of their parents, then the court may order parenting time restrictions. In 2016 Illinois law changed making it more challenging to restrict parenting time. Illinois law defines a restriction of parenting time as; “any limitation or condition placed on parenting time” Illinois courts only order a parenting time restriction if unrestricted parenting time would “endanger the child’s physical, mental, moral, or emotional health.”

When Is Restricted Parenting Appropriate?

The judge will be the ultimate decider regarding parenting restrictions. The parent who is seeking to restrict the other parent’s parenting time must be able to prove their concerns in court. Here are a few situations in which restricted parenting might be appropriate:

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 Posted on January 19,2023 in Chicago divorce attorney

According to the Illinois Collaborative Process Act (ICPA), “collaborative process” is defined as a “procedure intended to resolve a collaborative process matter without the intervention of the court.” Collaborative divorce involves two parties who are willing to work and respectfully nnegoiate all issues outside the courtroom. A collaborative divorce attorney will represent both parties. The collaborative process consists of multiple meetings in a non-adversarial environment that helps to allow both parties to see eye-to-eye on the looming issues with their divorce, such as the division of assets or parenting time. Collaborative divorce is not for everyone, especially couples who refuse to work together. But, if the parties can work together, a collaborative divorce allows both parties to focus on their needs to move forward into the future.

What to Expect in a Collaborative Divorce

If the parties decide to go forward with a collaborative divorce, each spouse, along with theirr respective lawyers, will sign a participation agreement. This agreement means that all parties will agree to try and solve all marital issues with respectful negotiation. This process focuses purely on each party’s specific needs and interests. If any children are involved, then their best interests will also be a main focus. Once an agreement has been reached, the collaborative lawyers will draft the necessary paperwork and submit the written agreement to the court for approval. If the parties are unable to find an agreement, then the collaborative process will be terminated.

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 Posted on January 16,2023 in Chicago divorce attorney

Divorce is a difficult experience for everyone. You are not only grieving the separation of your family, but now you have to navigate the complicated legal process of divorce. However, if you and your spouse can converse, negotiate, and agree you might be able to work together to proceed with an uncontested divorce. An uncontested divorce is one of the fastest, easiest, and least expensive ways to get a divorce in Illinois.

What is an Uncontested Divorce?

In Illinois, an uncontested divorce has both spouses agreeing on important issues within their divorce. These issues may be about properties, debts, alimony or ‘spousal maintenance”, child custody, child support, and parenting time.

If you meet specific requirements, there is an even faster form of an uncontested divorce that spouses may seek out. This is a “joint simplified dissolution”, however in order to file for one, you must meet all of the following:

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 Posted on January 10,2023 in Spousal Maintenance

In the state of Illinois, alimony, or spousal support, are regular payments made to an ex-spouse from another ex-spouse. These payments are separate from those made for child support. These are meant to help financially support the receiving party who may need further education or financial support until they can gain the skills necessary to become self-sufficient. When addressing matters relating to spousal support, working with an experienced divorce attorney can help your chances of achieving a positive outcome. 

When Is Spousal Support Ordered?

In Illinois, there are two ways in which a spouse can be granted spousal support, called “spousal maintenance” in the law. Either the party can decide on a spousal maintenance arrangement through an agreement or it can be ordered by a judge. When considering a spousal support order during a divorce, a judge will consider many factors and circumstances. These things include: 

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 Posted on December 28,2022 in Spousal Support

Formerly known as alimony, spousal maintenance is established through an agreement between the spouses or a court order. Courts do not always award maintenance. Each divorce is evaluated on a case-by-case basis. A divorce attorney knowledgable in spousal maintenance laws can help you understand your potential maintenance entitlement or obligation during your divorce.

Formula to Calculate Spousal Maintenance

Illinois court utilizes a formula to calculate the amount of spousal maintenance one may be awarded: Twenty-five percent of the payee's net income is subtracted from 33.33 percent of the payer's net income to find the annual maintenance obligation. The maintenance must not surpass 40 percent of the combined income of the divorcing spouses.

The duration of spousal maintenance is usually determined by the duration of the marriage. For example, with a 10-year marriage, the petitioning spouse may be awarded maintenance for four years.

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 Posted on December 20,2022 in Child Custody

Establishing an agreeable parenting plan can be complex and contentious, especially if the divorce is acrimonious. Parenting plans include the allocation of parental responsibilities, which entails essential decision-making, like the child’s education and healthcare. Parenting time, formerly known as visitation, is also included in a parenting plan. The best interest of the child is always paramount under Illinois law. A child custody attorney adept at negotiation can help draft an agreeable, surefire parenting plan.

Parenting Plan under Illinois Law

From the divorce filing date, parents have 120 days to file a projected parenting plan with the court. If the parents are unable to provide a tentative parenting plan, they may obtain an extension through court-ordered mediation. When an agreeable parenting plan is not reached by the court-ordered date of extension, the judge may rule on the disputed elements of the parenting plan. The status of the parenting plan then transfers into an allocation of judgment. Once an agreeable parenting plan is established, that plan will be permanent and cannot be changed for two years except in rare cases.

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 Posted on December 16,2022 in Chicago divorce attorney

Many people assume that they will be granted a more favorable divorce settlement if their spouse cheated on them or they were otherwise wronged by their soon-to-be-ex. However, Illinois is a no-fault divorce state. Divorcing spouses do not need to show proof of marital misconduct like infidelity or mental cruelty to be granted a divorce. In most cases, the reason that the marriage is ending does not matter to Illinois courts. That being said, reckless or wasteful financial decisions during the marriage can impact the outcome of the divorce.

How Illinois Courts Divide Property

Divorcing couples in Illinois may be able to reach an agreement on how to divide their shared property without the court’s involvement. However, if the couple cannot reach a settlement, the court will divide their property according to a legal doctrine called equitable distribution. Property is divided fairly based on many factors, including both spouses’ financial circumstances. Illinois law specifically states that courts will divide marital property without regard to marital misconduct. For example, courts cannot award less marital property to a spouse solely because that spouse cheated on or abused his or her partner. However, there is one major exception to this rule: If a spouse dissipated marital assets, the non-dissipating spouse may be entitled to reimbursement.

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 Posted on December 15,2022 in Division of Property

Credit card debt is a common burden that afflicts many Americans. Out of frivolity or necessity, credit card debt can be easy to accumulate. In fact, as of 2022, the credit card debt of American citizens has risen to $925 billion, which is a 15 percent increase from 2021. When a divorcing spouse discovers, unbeknownst to them, that their spouse has accrued debt from one credit card or multiple credit cards, the divorce can become acrimonious. The equitable division of assets can also become even more convoluted than a divorce involving financial transparency.

Under Illinois law, most credit card debt is considered marital property as the non-offending spouse will be obligated to pay. A divorce attorney adept at identifying marital assets, which include debts, can evaluate your case and help strategize for a reasonable settlement.

Instances Where Credit Card Debt is Non-Marital

• Legal separation – Any credit card debt accrued after a legal separation is considered non-marital.

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