The Basics of No-Fault Divorce in Illinois
There are many reasons that a couple may decide to end their marriage. In some cases, the spouses may disagree on financial issues or parenting strategies. In others, one partner may be guilty of negative or destructive behavior such as mental or physical cruelty or infidelity. No matter what drives a married couple apart, however, the state of Illinois will only grant a divorce on the no-fault grounds of irreconcilable differences.
Living With a New Partner Could Affect Your Spousal Support
If you are receiving payments of alimony—also known as maintenance or spousal support—you have probably come to rely on those payments to improve your quality of life. Assuming the maintenance was ordered by the court and not the result of an agreement between you and your spouse, the existing order also means that the court determined that the support was appropriate to help offset the financial impact of your divorce. In most cases, maintenance orders are intended to last for a predetermined amount of time, but there are some events that could cause your order to be terminated ahead of schedule.
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Millennials Are Waiting Longer for Marriage Than Their Parents Did
The Millennial generation certainly has its own ideas about marriage, and, in many ways, they are not like those of their parents. An interesting shift is taking place in the way younger people perceive marriage and its importance. Throughout the last 60 years, several trends have arisen. People, in general, are waiting longer to get married, divorce is more common, and couples are having fewer children. During the 1950s, 75 percent of women in their early 20s were married whereas only 50 percent are now.
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Five Questions to Ask a Prospective Divorce Attorney
As you approach the process of divorce, you are probably hearing from friends and family that you should hire an attorney. In fact, you have likely had people recommending various lawyers who may have helped them with their divorces. With all the noise coming from so many directions, it can be difficult to narrow down exactly what you are looking for in a divorce lawyer.
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How Divorce Could Impact Your Child
If you and your spouse are considering calling it quits, you probably have many concerns. Divorce can affect your finances, living situation, and especially your children. What should you expect your children to experience and feel if you and your spouse split? Every situation is different, but experts agree that there are some common themes to be aware of when it comes to how divorce will impact your child.
Does a Bankruptcy Affect My Prior Divorce Settlement?
Many Illinois couples are faced with crippling personal debts and make the difficult decision to file for bankruptcy. Unfortunately, bankruptcy does not eliminate all debts. For example, federal law does not allow a bankruptcy court to discharge any debt incurred as the result of a “domestic support obligation,” such as child support or spousal maintenance. This means that if you and your current spouse seek bankruptcy protection, you may still need to deal with the consequences of a prior divorce.
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Separation and Divorce: Do I Need to Move Out Before I File?
When a married couple is having serious problems, it is not uncommon for the spouses to separate for a while before making any decisions. One partner may move out of the marital home and stay with family members while gathering his or her thoughts about what to do next. The practice is common enough, in fact, that most couples would not think about filing for a divorce while living under the same roof.
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Choosing a Venue for Your Divorce
When you decide to get divorced, you probably realize that you will need to file your divorce petition at the county courthouse. But, how do you know which county? Does it matter? According to Illinois law, the county you choose for your divorce matters in some ways but does not matter in others, and it important to understand the difference.
Non-Minor Support for Educational Expenses
For most parents who pay child support, their obligations end when the child graduates from high school or turns 19 years old. By that time, the child should be capable of obtaining employment and supporting him- or herself. Many young adults, however, choose to continue their education at a college, university, or trade school before entering the workforce. If you have been paying child support for a child who recently graduated from high school, the law in Illinois says you may be on the hook to help your child pay for college depending on the circumstances.
What to Do If Your Ex Refuses to Follow a Court Order
When a family court issues an order, it expects that the parties will follow it. If your spouse—or ex-spouse—refuses to comply with an existing court order, a family law attorney can help you understand your available options. In some cases, your best choice is to file a Rule to Show Cause or a Contempt Action.
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