Many saw the story break last year about a California woman who was awarded child support 50 years after her ex-husband hightailed it to Canada, leaving her to raise their 3 year old without the benefit of financial support. Fifty years later, realizing California did not have a statute of limitations on child support payments,…Read More
Social Media Infidelity Can Lead to Divorce
Infidelity is among the top reasons couples divorce and social media has made cheating on a spouse more prevalent. Social media platforms such as Facebook allow spouses to communicate emotionally or sexually with others outside the marriage, which can signal the beginning of the end for many marriages. Research points to the fact that heightened…Read More
Medical Divorce Increasing
Medical divorce is becoming more common in situations where one spouse requires extensive medical and long term care. Families faced with tens, if not hundreds of thousands of dollars in medical costs may look to Medicaid as an option when their private insurance runs out. While those with limited income and assets typically qualify for…Read More
Financial Infidelity and Divorce
Marriage is not only an emotional pact you make with a significant other, it is a legal and financial commitment that requires trust in order to last. Among the reasons someone might file for divorce is financial infidelity, spending money without a spouse’s knowledge that can quickly lead to divorce. Financial infidelity is an outright…Read More
Sharing Parenting Expenses After Divorce
Sharing child rearing expenses can be challenging. Divorce almost always means that parents will have to tighten their belts as they begin to maintain separate households. When structuring a divorce settlement agreement, it is important to consider the personal finances involved in co-parenting so that you are not on the losing end of financial arrangements…Read More
College Financial Aid and Divorce
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) uses the information your child provides regarding your financial situation to determine your child’s financial aid eligibility. For parents that are married or reside together, FAFSA takes into account both parents incomes and assets. If parents are divorced and live apart, only the custodial parent is considered…Read More
Child Support for Child Care, Tuition & Extracurricular Activities
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
