According to numerous reports, there are hundreds of cell phone apps that can be used to stalk a current or former romantic partner, putting victims of domestic abuse at increased risk. Ostensibly, companies claim that the apps are merely tools to keep tabs on a phone or an errant teen by monitoring location and activities….Read More
New Tax Law Impacts Keeping the Family Home in a Divorce
The recently enacted tax law, effective January 1, 2019, will have a number of impacts on divorcing couples. The new tax law not only eliminates the tax deductible allowance of spousal maintenance for payers, but will also have implications on the valuation of closely held businesses and property tax deductions. Alimony Under the New Tax Law…Read More
Attorney Deanna Hoyt Sworn in as AWALC Co-Secretary
Deanna Hoyt was sworn in on May 2, 2018 as the new Co-Secretary of the Association of Women Attorneys of Lake County. The Association of Women Attorneys of Lake County (AWALC) was founded more than 25 years ago by women who were pioneers in the legal profession.
Guardians Ad Litem Beware
Pursuant to 750 ILCS 5/506 (a) “in any proceedings involving the support, custody, visitation, allocation of parental responsibilities, education, parentage, property interests, or general welfare of a minor or dependent child, the Court may, on its own motion or that of any party, appoint an attorney to serve in one of the following capacities to…Read More
Attorney Gary Schlesinger April Updates
Attorney Gary Schlesinger has been appointed to serve as a Member of the Illinois State Bar Association (ISBA) Civil Practice & Procedure Section Council for 2018-2019. As an appointee, Gary will contribute to various activities and programs of the association. Gary has also been appointed to the Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission (ARDC), whose mission…Read More
Recent and Upcoming Events for Schlesinger & Strauss Attorneys
April 17, 2018, Attorney Gary Schlesinger attended the monthly meeting of the board of directors of the Illinois Chapter of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers – he is on the board. Upcoming Events for Schlesinger & Strauss Attorneys Attorneys Michael Strauss, Rachael Bernal and Deanna Hoyt are all attending the Lake County Bar Association…Read More
Michael Strauss Weighs in on Proposed Child Custody Bill
When parents divorce, there is no one parenting plan that fits all families. There are many issues to consider such as a child’s ability to adapt to the new arrangement, the geographical distance between parents or even the potential for domestic violence, particularly in families with a history of abuse. Every family has a unique…Read More
Lump Sum Spousal Maintenance Offers
Permanent periodic spousal support is often awarded when a couple is married for many years before the divorce and the lesser earning spouse is unable to achieve a lifestyle comparable to the one enjoyed during the marriage. This is often the case when one spouse gives up a career to raise children for many years…Read More
Proposed Changes to Illinois Maintenance in Answer to New Tax Bill
As a result of the December 2017 federal income tax bill, starting January 2019, alimony payments, which Illinois calls maintenance, are no longer tax deductible by the payer and taxable to the recipient. In response, the Illinois State Bar Association Family Law Section Council, of which Attorney Michael Strauss is Secretary, created a small committee…Read More
‘Manimony’ aka Alimony for Men
As women’s career opportunities increase and their earnings become greater, they may be on the hook to pay alimony to their ex following a divorce. In a sign of the times, ‘manimony’ is on the rise, a nickname used to describe the rise of alimony payments made to men. In 1979, the general notion that…Read More
