Divorce Risk: Does a Short Engagement Result in Divorce?

 Posted on December 00,0000 in Divorce

Recently it was reported that the participants of a reality show entitled, “Married at First Sight,” had finalized their divorce, citing irreconcilable differences at the time of filing. A second couple from the show started the divorce process last month. This begs the question whether or not a brief period of engagement dooms the marriage.

The Engagement Period

Various studies on the subject offer no concrete answers as to the perfect length of engagement, certain themes emerge that show tendencies on the subject.

• Too Short - Many believe engagements lasting less than 12 months do not offer couples enough time to truly get to know each other. While they enter the marriage while the relationship is still fresh, new and exciting, those feelings may quickly fade when the realities and responsibility of a lifetime commitment present previously unexperienced problems or disagreements.

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Divorce and Blame

 Posted on December 00,0000 in Divorce

When a couple splits everyone immediately wants to know who is to blame. Surely one of the spouses or other did something so egregious that is resulted in divorce. In some cases, the couple who is splitting up feels the need to blame their partner for the divorce in order to relieve some of their own guilt.

The Blame Game

Even though most states offer the option of a no-fault divorce, blame still plays a big part in the reasons leading up to and the process of a divorce. Many times it is not even those who are seeking a divorce that place blame, as friends and family have been known to choose sides and blame the other for the end of the marriage. Some common thoughts on blame and divorce include:

• It many cases, there is no blame to place as two people eventually learn they just are not compatible and decide a divorce is the best thing for both of them.

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Strange Divorce Settlements

 Posted on December 00,0000 in Division of Property

Most couples going through a divorce are looking for a fair division of the marital assets, alimony and child support amounts they can live with, and, ultimately, the legal dissolution of a marriage that just was not working. However, every so often we hear about some really odd demands made by one party or the other that cause us to shake our heads in disbelief. Strange Demands, Strange Results Granted, divorce laws around the world vary greatly. Some tend to favor one party more than the other. Perhaps the only thing more strange than the demands made by the parties in these divorce cases, is that the judge actually granted them in finalizing the divorce decree. A Cambodian couple ordered to split their assets took things quite literally and divided their house in half. The husband towed his half away, perhaps to enclose it before the rainy season. A judge in Spain ordered a couple to divide their apartment in half as it was deemed best for the well-being of their two young daughters. In Australia a man had to dig up the remains of his parents, who he buried on his family property, after a judge awarded the property to his wife. A Nobel laureate who was divorced in 1988 had to pay his wife half of 1995 winnings because their settlement included a clause for any future Nobel winnings up to and including 1995. If he had won in 1996 his wife would have received nothing. In India, a man who claimed his wife spent all his money on ice cream, was ordered to pay $1,300 per month in support, and an additional $2.50 each month so his wife could buy ice cream. Of course, these stories all seem to border on the extreme, but the lesson is that if you feel you are entitled to something as part of your divorce there is no harm in asking for it. Work with an Experienced Aurora Divorce Attorney When it comes to dividing marital property as part of the final divorce settlement there is bound to be some disagreement among the parties. This is when it will pay off to find and retain an Illinois divorce lawyer that will work on your behalf to see that you receive everything to which you are entitled. When you rely on the Law Office of Matthew M. Williams, P.C. for help in pursuing your divorce, you will benefit from years of experience and their dedication to client satisfaction. You can schedule a free consultation when you call their offices today. Sources: http:/mentalfloss.com/article/23385/10-bizarre-divorce-settlements https:/www.oddee.com/item_99656.aspx" divorce are looking for a fair division of the marital assets,alimony andchild support amounts they can live with, and, ultimately, the legal dissolution of a marriage that just was not working. However, every so often we hear about some really odd demands made by one party or the other that cause us to shake our heads in disbelief.

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Things a Divorce Lawyer Knows

 Posted on December 00,0000 in Divorce

Anyone who has experienced divorce or is in a relationship headed for divorce understands it is an emotional and volatile period. Advice and guidance come from well-meaning friends and family members, but the complexities of a contested divorce require a greater understanding of the issues and family law.

How a Lawyer Can Help

Even if you have been through a previous divorce, it is very likely that every breakdown of a marriage contains element and issues unique to the people involved. It is for these and many other reasons why the counsel of a practice legal professional may prove to be the best decision a person makes when they have the resolve to pursue a divorce decree. In addition to handling all the key research and filings, a divorce attorney can help a person keep track of other related details.

• Avoid letting emotions guide your financial decisions. Often times acting out of spite or anger could damage your own financial future.

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Unusual Divorce Laws

 Posted on December 00,0000 in Divorce

It is a common and widely-held opinion that divorce is no laughing matter, especially if you or someone you love has been through the experience. However, sometimes certain celebrity splits and other unusual reasons for divorce hit the news and one cannot help but shake their head and maybe even chuckle.

Strange and Weird

While many divorces involve fairly straightforward claims to dissolve a marriage, there are times when divorce attorneys and the courts hear of some very out of the ordinary claims. As it is, there are divorce laws in some states and countries still in effect that many consider unusual to downright bizarre. However, it turns out that these laws exist because the reasons for their creation still occur.

• A man in Vermont can divorce his wife is she gets false teeth without first notifying him.
• In New York, you can seek a divorce on the grounds that your spouse is legally insane. However, one must prove the spouse was mentally ill for at least five years.

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Shared Parenting: Keeping Both Parents Involved with the Children After Divorce

 Posted on December 00,0000 in Child Custody

A new law is regaining traction in Illinois that would provide greater custody rights for dads going through a divorce. Shared parenting bills are under consideration in a number of states, and a bill currently making the rounds in the Illinois legislature is gaining support from a number of father's rights advocacy groups.

What Is Being Proposed?

The main goal of any shared parenting law is to help the children of divorce build and maintain a relationship with both parents. When child support payments are late or not made, there are laws in place to punish delinquency. However, that is not currently the case when it comes to visitation agreements. In addition, there are groups who are of the opinion that when it comes to deciding custody in Illinois divorce cases that judges do not always consider both parents equally. New legislation under consideration may change that.

• The shared parenting bill requires courts to begin a custody process by presuming that child benefits most when able to spend equal time with both parents.

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Early Resolution Program Started to Help Streamline Divorce

 Posted on December 00,0000 in Divorce

Once a person actually decides that their marriage is no longer salvageable, and a divorce is imminent, the next steps require time and research to find the right attorney and begin the process that will lead to a final and legal decree of divorce. However, a new program in Illinois was established to help reduce some of the time-consuming work that adds stress to the situation.

The Early Resolution Program

The Illinois Supreme Court Access to Justice Commission recently awarded a $15,000 grant to the McHenry County Judicial Court to help fund the activity of its Early Resolution Program. The goal of this new initiative is to help those who require assistance starting their divorce process while making the entire experience more efficient. The Early Resolution Program was created to:

• Help people find an attorney who will represent them in their divorce case.
• Host monthly “problem solving” sessions to deal with procedural questions and paperwork.

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Dividing Property as Part of Your Divorce

 Posted on December 00,0000 in Division of Property

When a married couple decides to divorce everything they have obtained, amassed and created together suddenly becomes a desired possession by one party or the other, but very frequently property and assets are sought by both adults. The matter of property division is one that tends to increase the level of stress and cause prolonged court battles.

Understanding the Process

Along with the help of a knowledgeable divorce attorney with experience in matters of property division, it may be helpful to have a basic understanding of the guidelines Illinois judges refer to when faced with these matters. Consider the following information as a reference.

• It happened that a couple owned two season tickets for the home games of a local professional sports team, but neither enjoyed the thought of continuing to attend games with the other once divorced. The wife even went so far as to file an emergency petition to obtain custody of the tickets. Eventually, the judge awarded the tickets to the husband but ordered him to purchase equal value seats for the wife.

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What Happens to a Family Business When the Owners Divorce?

 Posted on December 00,0000 in Division of Property

The division of marital property can be a long and contentious process, as both parties attempt to secure the value of joint assets and obtain full or majority ownership of the property. This can be particularly when a married couple owns a business together, and that business becomes part of the divorce negotiations.

Keeping the Doors Open

It is not uncommon for a small, family business to close its doors forever as a result of a divorce. In addition to the stress and resentment this causes, a business closing also negatively impacts the employees who lose their jobs and even the community that relies on its services. Here are few tips to consider when taking steps to protect your business prior to or during a divorce.

• Keep accurate financial records, and do not allow business finances to mix with family finances.

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Mistakes Married Couples Make

 Posted on December 00,0000 in Divorce

There is an old saying that goes something like, “everybody makes mistakes.” Often it is how someone deals with and bounces back from their mistakes that helps them move forward in life. The same can be said for the mistakes married couples make, and whether or not those mistakes can be overcome or result in divorce.

No Marriage Is without Its Challenges

After the ceremony and celebration have ended, and all that remains of the honeymoon are the pictures and videos, it’s time to get back to real life. However, missteps are bound to take place. Here is a list of some of the mistakes married couples make that, if go unresolved, could play a role in the end of a marriage.

• Sometimes one spouse starts to take the other for granted because they feel so comfortable in their relationship. Failing to show appreciation for one’s spouse, and the things they bring to the marriage can create tension and hard feelings.

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