Unpaid child support in the U.S. has climbed into the billions and many states are struggling to collect it when parents have all but given up on paying when faced with accumulating child support debt. Not long ago, Maryland started a program to get so called ‘deadbeat parents’ back on track by offering a 10…Read More
Helping Your Child Transition Between Homes After Divorce
Following a divorce, children will often spend time in two home settings instead of one. Transitions are difficult for children, especially when they are young, so even the most thoughtful parenting time arrangements will require patience and understanding for your child to adjust to the change in circumstances. During the initial period following a divorce…Read More
2018 Divorce Grandfathers Alimony Tax Deduction for Many
If there was ever a good time to divorce, 2018 is it…especially for wealthy Americans. That is because of the new tax law, effective January 1, 2019, that eliminates the tax deduction of alimony payments. Financial planners and attorneys alike are warning wealthy clients to get a move on if they are contemplating divorce, because…Read More
Firm News June 2018
The weekend of June 16, Attorneys Deanna Hoyt, Michael Strauss and Gary Schlesinger all attended the annual meeting of the Illinois State Bar Association. Deanna was at a meeting of the Women and the Law Committee to which she had been appointed by the president of the Illinois Bar Association. Michael attended a meeting of…Read More
Child Support Modification Due to Job Loss
While Illinois residents are celebrating summer with family activities, many sheriffs’ departments across the nation are gearing up for deadbeat raids in an effort to snare unsuspecting parents who are behind on child support payments. Child support debt in the U.S. has increased by 1000 percent, reaching over $114 billion last year. As debt skyrockets,…Read More
Michael Strauss Receives Outstanding Community Achievement Award
On June 15, 2018, Attorney Michael Strauss was honored by the Lake County Housing Authority at their annual Black Tie Gala with the Outstanding Community Achievement Award. Other honorees include, Marc Jones who received the Unsung Hero Award; Mayor Kristina Kovarik (City of Gurnee), the Distinguished Leadership Award; David A. Northern, Sr., recipient of the…Read More
Deanna Hoyt Appointed to Women and the Law Committee
Deanna Hoyt has been appointed to the Women and the Law Committee of the Illinois State Bar Association by James F. McCluskey, the incoming president of the ISBA.
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
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.
