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
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
Fighting an Illinois Restraining Order Alleging Domestic Abuse
Unfortunately, domestic violence continues to be a serious problem across the nation and in Illinois. The Illinois Domestic Violence Act (750 ILCS 60/) provides victims a way to get court orders of protection, aka restraining orders, to protect victims and their children from abusers. Although certainly many incidences of abuse can be prevented using restraining orders, sometimes…Read More
Spyware Fuels Domestic Violence
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
Invisible Injuries of Domestic Violence
What researchers have learned from combat soldiers and football players and car-accident victims is only now making its way into the domestic-violence community: that the poor recall, the recanting, the changing details, along with other markers, like anxiety, hyper-vigilance, and headaches, can all be signs of traumatic brain injury inflicted at the hands of an…Read More
Domestic Abuse Peaks During Holidays
Unfortunately, every year there is an increase in domestic abuse around the holidays. People are spending more time together and sometimes there are disagreements that lead to violence, particularly against women and children. Last year around this time, Rock Island County in Illinois reported a spike in domestic response calls and a increase in the…Read More
Illinois Petition for Temporary Relief in a Divorce | Emergency Motions
If you are dependent on your spouse’s income and are considering divorce, you may worry about how you and your children will get by financially until everything falls into place. You may also be concerned about how the custody of your children will be handled or whether you will be able to stay in the…Read More
Order of Protection Illinois Domestic Violence
Unfortunately, domestic violence or abuse happens all too often. One in 4 women experience domestic violence in their lifetime, and every year, millions of children witness domestic violence in their homes. Some victims of abuse may decide to get an Order of Protection from the court to make the abuser stop abusive acts, stay away…Read More
2016 Symposium for a Safer Lake County
Just a reminder that this Friday, October 14th, attorney Michael Strauss is presenting at the 2016 Symposium for a Safer Lake County. The Symposium educates and equips professionals who work with victims of abuse regularly, with safe and appropriate ways to respond to and advise victims of violence. Resources and materials will also be provided….Read More
Divorce for Victims of Domestic Violence
Women living below the poverty line who are victims of domestic violence often lack the means to obtain legal assistance to get out of abusive relationships. Men who are abusive in marriage often control the couple’s finances and are more likely to fight for custody of the children making the divorce process difficult. In fact,…Read More
