An estate plan can do many things to help people at various stages of life. Young parents can choose guardians for their children. Elderly individuals can make decisions about medical care. People of all ages can decide how their assets will be passed on to the next...
Divorce
3 times engaged adults may benefit from prenuptial agreements
People preparing for marriage generally need to be proactive about protecting themselves. For example, they may want to attend premarital counseling with their minister or pastor. Doing so helps ensure that the couple shares values and expectations for the marriage....
Is legal separation an option in Illinois?
Legal separation is an option for couples in Illinois who no longer wish to live together but are not ready or willing to divorce. Unlike divorce, legal separation allows spouses to remain legally married while benefiting from formalized agreements concerning matters...
Tips for communicating with your soon-to-be ex-spouse
While you may not necessarily need to talk to your spouse during divorce, communicating can smoothen your process. You need to communicate effectively to avoid conflicts that may further complicate the process. Below are two tips for communicating with your spouse...
3 reasons young couples have a high divorce rate
Studies find that younger couples have a significantly higher divorce rate, so waiting a little can be beneficial. Between the ages of 18 and 32, the likelihood of divorce steadily decreases as the age of marriage increases, until, at 32 the divorce rate starts to...
3 tips for telling your parents you are getting a divorce
After having a divorce conversation with your spouse and children, you may want to inform your other family members such as your parents. Informing your parents that you are getting a divorce can be challenging. You may feel your news might disappoint or hurt them....
3 steps when preparing to litigate pet custody in Illinois
Every person preparing for divorce has unique priorities. Some spouses worry about protecting their professional practices. Others simply want to retain as much of their retirement savings as they can. For those with children, custody matters are often a focal point....
Do you have to give the ring back if you file for divorce?
Wedding rings and engagement rings are often a significant investment. Even at the low end, people generally pay hundreds or thousands of dollars. Some invest tens of thousands into these rings to symbolize the importance of their new relationship. This means things...
2 more options for your house during divorce
When getting a divorce, one of the biggest questions many couples have is what to do with their home. We recently discussed selling the house, which is a common solution because it simplifies property division. If the house sells for $100,000, for example, each spouse...
How you can avoid a contentious divorce in Illinois
Divorce is tough, no matter how you look at it. You and your soon-to-be ex are protecting your interests during the process. This can lead to hurt feelings along the way. But here's some good news: your divorce doesn't have to turn into an all-out war. Many couples...