Category Archives: Divorce
Spousal Maintenance in Illinois
Spousal maintenance is an important aspect of the divorce process, and those beginning the divorce process would be wise to become familiar with the topic. You may have heard spousal maintenance referred to as alimony or spousal support, and all names refer to the same idea of payments being paid to one spouse from the other spouse after divorce.
Divorce Impact on Your Health
There is no reason to stay in an unhappy marriage. While deciding to divorce can be a difficult decision to make, leaving an unhealthy relationship can change your life for the better in so many ways.
Leaving a marriage does not make you weak, or a failure. In fact, according to statistics from the Bureau of Labor, 42 percent of all people married between the ages of 15 and 46 end up divorcing by age 46. If you are struggling with taking the first step towards leaving your unhealthy marriage, remind yourself you are not alone. Millions of people have faced the same difficult decision and have significantly improved their lives.
Are You in an Unhealthy Marriage?
Are you considering divorce? If so, you are probably dealing with some conflicting feelings. Should you stay and continue to work on your relationship, or is your marriage past saving?
Knowing when to seek a divorce can be difficult. Marriage takes work, and most married couples experience their share of ups and downs, but how can you distinguish between typical marital problems and an overall unhappy marriage. It is not always as easy as it sounds, but understanding why you wish to end your marriage will allow you to move with confidence if you decide to divorce. There are several major signs that indicate you may be in an unhealthy marriage, one that is unsalvageable no matter how much hard work, therapy, or counseling you attempt.
How Is Marital Property Divided in Illinois?
Did you know that different states divide marital property differently during divorce cases? Some states, Arizona, Louisiana, Idaho and California, for example, divide all marital assets in half during divorce cases, with half of a couple’s assets going to each divorcing party. In Illinois, and in the majority of other states in America, marital property is still split up during a divorce, but it is handled a bit differently. Instead of a 50/50 split, the property is said to be divided fairly and equitably. This means one spouse could potentially receive more than the other, depending on the unique circumstances of each divorce case. How is property divided fairly and equitably in Illinois?
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Decrease Your Chances of Divorce
Data from the American Psychological Association shows that up to 50 percent of all marriages in the United States end in divorce. The likelihood of divorce also increases significantly for those in second or third marriages. People are always wondering, “can I divorce-proof my marriage?” When most couples get married, they imagine a wonderful romance, and likely do not plan to get divorced. With the addition of complicated schedules, bills, jobs, children, and messy houses, however, marriage can easily and quickly turn from romantic to mundane. Many divorces happen for the right reasons when a couple hits an impasse and is unable to remain together. In those cases, it is healthy and necessary to separate. Are there ways, however, to “divorce proof” your marriage, or at least help your marriage endure? A contributor to the Boston Globe recently surveyed many successfully married couples, and while there may be no way to truly divorce-proof your marriage, here are some insightful tips that may help you and your spouse strengthen your relationship and decrease your chances of divorce.
Just Divorced? Tips for Getting Your Finances Back In Order
If you have just divorced, you are likely ready for some relaxation and recovery time. Everyone needs a little break after a stressful, complicated experience, especially after a taxing process like divorce. While you may be ready to take a break from the lawyers, paperwork, and court dates you faced during your divorce, there is one last area to focus on before enjoying your newly single life – your finances. Life post-divorce can be vastly different from married life, so it is crucial that you move on with a solid understanding of your finances and a plan for the future.
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Pope Francis Calls for Softer Stance towards Divorced Catholics
For those practicing Catholicism, divorce can be difficult. According to the Church, marriage is an unbreakable bond, and in the eyes of God, those who divorce without receiving an annulment and then remarry are living in sin. Additionally, Catholics who divorced and remarried through a civil ceremony are not eligible to receive communion, leaving many divorced and remarried Catholics across the world feeling rejected by the Church. Catholics who do divorce and remarry commonly seek out another Christian denomination instead.
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Divorce and Social Media Use
Using social media sites like Facebook and Twitter is almost second nature to Americans. If you are going through a divorce, you may be inclined to post on social media, but there are real concerns, both legal and emotional, that you should be aware of when using social media. Do you need to unplug completely? No, but there are some potential consequences to be aware of. Before posting an update on your divorce, educate yourself on the potential legal and emotional issues you may face.
Signs of a Bad Marriage
Divorce happens all the time, and for a variety of different reasons. Even couples in happy marriages can be caught off guard by something unexpected that may lead to divorce. While most people do not get married expecting a divorce down the road, many people wonder if there are any signs that indicate that a relationship may be headed towards divorce. Thanks to research from psychologists at the University of Washington and the University of California at Berkeley, we now know there may be four tell tale behaviors that may exist within your relationship that could indicate you and your partner are headed towards divorce. While only you and your partner can truly determine if you are happy and compatible, if you notice that you or your loved one exhibits any of these four behaviors frequently, you may be in trouble.
What Is a Default Judgment and How Can I Get It Vacated?
When you fail to timely enter an appearance or respond to a divorce petition filed against you, a default judgment may be entered against you. By entering a default judgment, the court has determined that although you were provided with an opportunity to respond to the divorce petition and participate in the proceedings, you failed to do so. As a result, the court has concluded that it has no choice but to award the petitioner – your spouse who filed the divorce petition – the relief he or she requested in the petition.
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