All posts by Abear Law Offices
How Mediation Can Keep Your Business Intact During a Divorce
Some divorcing couples are surprised to find out that a business can be part of their marital estate – the property acquired during the course of the marriage that must be divided upon divorce. It can be especially surprising if the other spouse never worked at or “officially” contributed to the business. Thankfully, a skilled divorce lawyer can help you assess what the scope of your marital property is and what may be excluded. Mediation may also be a valuable tool in preserving a business during a divorce. Learn more with help from the following.
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Considering a DCFS Adoption? Know the Process
Adoption can be a joyous and life-changing experience for families. Whether it be an international adoption, domestic adoption, adoption from an extended family, or adoption in a foster care situation, there are legal processes that must be understood and followed.
Adoption establishes you, the adopting parent, as the child’s legal guardian. This means you are granted legal parenting rights and decision-making responsibilities.
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How Children Feel after a Divorce
Researchers have used everything from control groups to cohort data to determine the ways that divorce impacts children. Because of their work, society now has a better understanding of the risks, potential pitfalls, and behavioral issues that might occur in children during and after divorce. Their work has also paved a path for divorcing couples, ensuring they have an idea of how to reduce the risk of an adverse effect on their child. However, it was only recently that anyone looked at individual children to determine how they felt about the divorce process.
Should You Settle Your High Net Worth Divorce Case?
Divorcing couples who have a high net worth often expect a long, drawn-out, contentious battle. Thankfully, divorce does not have to be this way. In fact, many couples find they can resolve matters outside of court, with less stress and cost. The key is knowing if and when you should settle. Perhaps even more important is knowing when not to settle your divorce case. The following information explains further.
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How the Calculation of Child Support Will Change in 2017
Right now, child support in Illinois is calculated based upon the paying parent’s net income and the number of children shared. All of that will change, come July 1, 2017. What sort of changes can you expect, and how might it impact your case? The following explains.
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New Child Support Calculation Model Could Further Complicate Illinois Family Court Process
Illinois made numerous changes to the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act (IMDMA) at the beginning of 2016. Now, with barely any time for families to adjust, lawmakers have made additional changes to a specific family court matter. This time around, it is a change to how child support is configured. Perhaps these alterations are meant to complement the numerous child-related changes made back in 2016, but what they may do is confuse families and create a potentially sticky situation for the children themselves.
Some Things to Consider Before Filing for Divorce
Divorce is rarely an easy or simple decision. In fact, couples may spend months or years trying to determine if divorce is the correct path. If you are considering divorce but feel stuck in the decision-making process, the following considerations may help you decide if the marriage is worth salvaging, or if it may be better to let the relationship go. You will also learn some tips for navigating the pre-divorce process, including where to turn for help.
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When the Retirement Years and Divorce Intersect
Studies show that retiring couples are divorcing at an unprecedented rate – one that has doubled in just the last couple of decades. In many ways, it could be considered a positive thing. It suggests aging couples are living longer and have more financial confidence than they once did, and that gives them the power to make decisions by looking at their quality of life. They do not have to feel pressured to maintain the status quo. However, there are still some important factors to consider before pursuing divorce. The following explains further.
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Suspect Hidden Assets in Your Divorce? Here is What You Should Know
Are you going through a divorce? Do you suspect that your spouse may be hiding assets to get more than their fair share? You are not alone. In fact, research suggests that many Americans are guilty of hiding money from their spouses during the marriage. It stands to reason that they might continue hiding this money in divorce. Unfortunately, those hidden assets can leave one party disadvantaged, not just immediately after the divorce, but perhaps, for years to come. Learn how to minimize your risk and employ the following strategies and resources in your divorce case.
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Children, Divorce, and Depression
It is no secret that divorce can be an incredibly stressful time for families. While a couple may have to deal with the grief and sadness of a failed relationship, spouses with children must also manage the transition into a new familial structure.