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
Does Having a Criminal History Impact Child Custody?
An arrest or conviction may affect your parental rights in Illinois. Having a criminal history can lead to challenges when trying to gain custody or visitation with your children, referred to in Illinois as allocation of parenting time and responsibility. Courts consider the best interests of the child when making child custody determinations. Typically, a…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
A Safe Place 40th Anniversary Celebration A Huge Success
A Safe Place Celebrates its 40th Anniversary and Raises $248,000 Toward Services for Families of Domestic Violence LAKE COUNTY, IL – More than 300 guests walked past 25 powerful, soul-stirring images created by survivors of domestic violence expressing their personal healing journeys as they entered the “Unmask the Violence: Empowered Voices” Gala to celebrate the…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
Michael Strauss Weighs in on Proposed Child Custody Bill
When parents divorce, there is no one parenting plan that fits all families. There are many issues to consider such as a child’s ability to adapt to the new arrangement, the geographical distance between parents or even the potential for domestic violence, particularly in families with a history of abuse. Every family has a unique…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
Symposium for a Safer Lake County
Attorney Michael Strauss will be presenting at the 2016 Symposium for a Safer Lake County, organized by the Partnership for a Safer Lake County. The event will be held Friday, October 14th in Libertyville, Illinois. The Symposium seeks to provide information and resources to professionals who provide support to victims of various types of abuse…Read More
Illinois Child Custody FAQ’s
Many parents that are facing divorce worry about the impact the divorce will have on their children. Among the issues surrounding divorce, parents are particularly concerned about custody arrangements. Where a child will reside, how much visitation a parent will be granted, and who has the legal authority to make decision on behalf of a…Read More
