If you and your spouse are considering divorce after a lifetime of accumulating assets, sorting out all the details regarding property division, spousal maintenance and even child support can get expensive. To keep legal fees down, you may want to consider the following tips to reduce the costs of getting a divorce. Avoid a trial….Read More
Exclusive Possession of the Marital Residence in an Illinois Divorce
Under the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act (IMDMA), exclusive possession of the marital residence means that one spouse is subject to temporary eviction from the home while a divorce case is pending. Exclusive possession allows one spouse to go so far as to change the locks on the matrimonial home if he or…Read More
Expenses That Go Beyond Standard Child Support Calculation
Although the formula for basic child support is standard in Illinois, there are expenses that could go beyond the standard child support calculation that simply looks at income, parenting time, and the number of children. There may be children with special needs, and therefore extraordinary expenses, or it may be that one spouse has to…Read More
Should I Stay or Should I Go? What to Do With the House in a Divorce
The family home is often the most valuable asset divorcing couples share. As you divide marital assets, you will have to decide whether: (A) you and your spouse want to sell the house and split the proceeds (B) one spouse wants to buy the other spouse’s share and continue to live in the home or…Read More
How to Purchase the House from a Spouse in a Divorce
When couples divorce, what to do with the family home is one of the top considerations. While some couples prefer to sell the home and split the profit so they can start anew, one spouse may wish to keep the home. Typically this involves transferring the title and refinancing the mortgage in one spouse’s name,…Read More
Calculating Illinois Spousal Maintenance Effective January 1, 2019
Maintenance payments (aka alimony or spousal maintenance) may be granted by the court during a proceeding for the dissolution of marriage, legal separation, declaration of invalidity of marriage, or dissolution of a civil union. Awarding maintenance payments a spouse may be appropriate depending on factors such as the income and property of each party, present…Read More
Attorney Michael Strauss Appointed to Special Committee
Congratulations to Attorney Michael Strauss for his appointment to the Special Committee on Assembly Governance. In agreeing to serve on the Special Committee, Michael will assist the Assembly in their commitment and responsibility to identify and develop future and diverse leadership, give voice to and serve the future needs of the members, and seek to…Read More
Protecting Pets in Domestic Violence Situations
Many victims of domestic violence are concerned about what will happen to their pets if they separate from their abusive partner. According to A Safe Place for Pets, some 65% of victims are unable to escape domestic violence because they fear what will happen to their beloved dogs or cats if they leave them behind….Read More
Firm News June 2019
June 13, Attorney Michael Strauss has his first meeting as chair of the Family Law Section Council. Michael will attend a meeting of the Assembly, the legislative body of the Illinois State Bar Association, as an elected member on Saturday. Michael also presents at the International Society of Family Law North American Regional Conference: Family…Read More
Co-Parenting Following a Divorce? There’s An App For That.
Raising children consumes so much of our time, energy and attention. Parents not only provide a home and sustenance, but also coordinate many educational and social activities in between. From helping kids get their homework done to scheduling and keeping play dates or doctors’ appointments, parenting is a full time job. When parents’ divorce, juggling home…Read More
