Many who are considering divorce worry about the impact divorce will have on their children financially. Beyond the basics of food, shelter and clothing typically covered by child support, many wonder if their child will be able to attend private schools, participate in activities such as sports, dance or music, travel on school field trips…Read More
Michael Strauss Recognized by the University of Illinois College of Law
Michael Strauss recognized by the University of Illinois College of Law, Alumni Reporter for his Richard H. Teas Legislative Support Award. Michael Strauss has been selected by the ISBA to receive the 2019-2020 Richard H. Teas Legislative Support Award. The award acknowledges an ISBA member’s meritorious service provided in support of ISBA’s legislative efforts in…Read More
Regarding Litigants and Facebook
I write on the issue of judges having litigants or lawyers who appear before them as friends on Facebook. Rule 62 of the Illinois Supreme Court Rules is part of Canon of Judicial Ethics. “A judge should not allow the judge’s family, social or other relationships to influence the judge’s judicial conduct or judgement.” That…Read More
Family Law Issues Spike During the Pandemic
Family law attorneys across the country have seen an increase in family law matters since mid-March ranging from financial support and custody modifications to inquiries regarding divorce. Working from home, especially with children in the house, has been a source of increased stress for many married couples, and may well be the final straw for…Read More
File Your Taxes, Even if You Can’t Pay – Tax Penalty Review
The following article, published on the Illinois State Bar Association, Family Law Section, by Alan Stumpf, Stumpf & Gutknecht, P.C. Last week the WSJ warned taxpayers about the duty to file an income tax return, and the roadmap of what happens after the filing delinquency, in the article, “The IRS is the most powerful creditor…Read More
Gary Schlesinger’s Letter to the Editor
Gary Schlesinger’s, Letter to the Editor, published by the Lake County Bar Association, Docket, Titled, Withdrawing an Appearance as the Attorney of Record.
Ex-Spouse Social Security Benefits
Couples that are divorcing later in life, aka gray divorce, may wonder if they are eligible for a portion of their ex-spouse’s social security benefits and the answer is yes, you are entitled to half if: you were married for 10 years or more you are at least 62 in age you remain unmarried your…Read More
Illinois Military Divorce Attorneys
There are special rules and requirements that apply to military divorces. Military couples seeking a divorce are not only subject to federal military law but also state laws in the state in which the filing spouse resides; or where the service person is stationed; or in the state in which a service member legally resides….Read More
Smoking in Cars with Minors Now Prohibited
Among the new laws taking effect in Illinois this month is one that outlaws smoking in a vehicle with children present. Public Act 101-0468 makes it a petty offense to “inhale, exhale, burn or carry a lighted cigarette, cigar, pipe, weed, plant, regulated narcotic or other combustible substance” in a vehicle while a person under…Read More
Establishing Paternity
A biological mother or someone who believes they are the parent to a child may also establish parentage in court by filing a petition. At the hearing, the petitioner will testify before the judge and genetic testing will be ordered. If genetic testing proves parentage, child support will be ordered. Failure to respond to an…Read More
