Many victims of domestic violence hesitate to contact a domestic violence hotline or shelter because they do not know what to expect. The fear of the unknown sometimes outweighs the fear and uncertainty they face at home, even when their safety may be at risk. Although every shelter program is different, they also have many…Read More
Protective Factors to Prevent Child Abuse and Neglect
The month of April is National Child Abuse Protection Month, but of course every day of every month a child may be subjected to abuse at home. While it is important to recognize warning signs of abuse and neglect so that every child gets the immediate help they need, many wonder if there are ways…Read More
Spike in Domestic Violence During Covid-19 Restrictions
With the recent closure of schools and businesses, where many have been asked to stay home to stem the spread of Covid-19, health officials are concerned about an uptick in domestic violence. Calls from victims of domestic violence are not only increasing in volume, but intensity of distress levels and courthouses across the nation have…Read More
Issue of Modifications of Child Support
This month, I am tackling the issue of modifications of child support and recent rulings by the Illinois Appellate Courts regarding this. I am specifically speaking of In re Marriage of Salvatore, 2019 IL App (2d) 180425, In re Marriage of Wengielnik, 2020 IL App (3d) 180533, and In re Marriage of Connelly, 2020 IL…Read More
Splitting Retirement Accounts in a Divorce
Dividing workplace retirement plans such as 401ks and pensions require a court order that is separate from the divorce settlement agreement. It is important to work with an attorney who has experience drafting the necessary documents so that retirement assets are divided properly. Retirement savings are some of the most valuable assets a married couple…Read More
Withdrawing an Appearance as the Attorney of Record
I write on the concept of withdrawing an Appearance as the attorney of record for a client in the Circuit Court of the Nineteenth Judicial Circuit, Lake County, Illinois. The procedure that the Judges wish to follow is that unless and until either the green card from return receipt certified mail may be presented in…Read More
When Divorced Parents Disagree on Child Relocation
Following a divorce one parent may want to relocate with the children to take a job opportunity in another state or move so that they can be closer to extended family. If you share parenting responsibility and parenting time with your ex-spouse, you may be in for an uphill legal battle unless he or she…Read More
Telling Children About Your Divorce
A recent UCLA study finds that the academic careers of kids from stable families are more negatively impacted by divorce than kids from struggling families. Parental divorce tends to lower the educational attainment of kids, but only in cases where divorce seemed unlikely – kids who saw it coming tend to be more resilient. Some…Read More
Telling Your Child’s Teacher About Your Divorce
When a family is going through a divorce, many do not want to discuss their private lives outside of their immediate family and friends. However, when there are school-aged children involved it may be in your child’s best interest to let his or her teacher know what is happening at home so they can provide…Read More
Possession of Marital Home During Divorce
When marriages break down spouses might find themselves in a standoff over who will remain in the home, which can be especially difficult if there are children involved. In cases where spouses cannot agree on how property will be divided during the divorce process, one spouse can ask the court for temporary orders to obtain…Read More
