Every divorce is different. Although not all divorces are as dramatic and combative as television and the media suggest, some are. The emotions and life changes that occur during a divorce can lead even the most level-headed people to act spitefully. When your spouse is making the divorce process difficult, it can seem appealing to treat them as poorly as they are treating you. You may also want to argue with their perspective, as disagreements are often the root cause of divorces in the first place. However, there are healthy and mature ways to navigate contentious divorces. These can minimiz ..read more

Domestic violence causes serious harm, danger, and trauma to spouses and children in families. Many spouses getting a divorce because of domestic violence they suffered wonder how it will impact the divorce case. Because Illinois is now a no-fault divorce state, a spouse cannot file for a divorce on the grounds of domestic violence. However, domestic violence may still impact certain aspects of the divorce proceedings. Domestic Violence in Illinois Law Illinois’ legal definition of domestic violence is abuse enacted against a family member or person living in the same home. An act of abuse inc ..read more

A divorce is a hard process for any couple, and divorces that enter litigation can be very emotionally exhausting. During divorce court proceedings, it’s essential that you protect your interests. There are several ways that being active on social media can harm your divorce court case. In contentious divorces, your spouse’s attorney will use whatever possible evidence against you, and that includes posts on social media. Certain types of social media posts can jeopardize the outcome of your case and harm your right to spousal support, child custody, and other parts of a divorce. How Social Me ..read more

Blended families, which consist of stepparents, stepchildren, and half-siblings, have become increasingly common in recent years. However, estate planning for blended families can be a complex and delicate process. Without proper planning, blended families may face challenges in distributing their assets. This can make it difficult to ensure that their loved ones are taken care of after their passing. Why Estate Planning Is Important for Blended Families Blended families often have unique dynamics and complex family structures that require careful estate planning. Here are some reasons why est ..read more

For family law matters, having an effective initial consultation with a family law attorney is crucial. An initial consultation is your opportunity to give the attorney all the facts of your case and get their opinion on how best to proceed. However, some common mistakes people make when consulting with an attorney for the first time can lead to a less-than-successful outcome. By better understanding how to approach an initial consultation, you can ensure that your case gets the best results. Prepare Your Documentation in Advance You must come prepared for your first meeting with your attorney ..read more

Whether you are creating a living will, looking for beneficiaries, setting up a plan for your estate, or dictating your health care and end-of-life wishes, it is important to get a jump start preparing your family’s financial future. If you are considering crafting an estate plan as a person currently in the military or as a veteran, then discussing your situation with a Springfield estate planning attorney can help you every step of the way. When you’re ready, consider the following steps to help you get started, then contact our firm. We have the experience and skills to ensure your ..read more

It is well known that communication is key in any relationship. It’s what allows us to understand each other and maintain a healthy connection that can weather any storm. However, this is not always easy to achieve, and even the best couples struggle to communicate effectively. This is often magnified in the case of divorce when couples are forced to re-evaluate their relationship and figure out how to best co-parent moving forward. By better understanding some of the most common miscommunication patterns found in newly divorced households, you and your ex can avoid potential conflict and bett ..read more

Economic uncertainty has increased dramatically for millions of Americans in recent years. Unfortunately, financial instability and arguments over money are leading causes of marital breakdowns and divorces in the United States. If you and your spouse are having trouble in your marriage and either or both of you are contemplating divorce, it’s understandable to be concerned about the financial implications your divorce will carry. This is especially true in periods of economic uncertainty, causing many spouses to wonder whether it would be better to wait for an economic upswing before filing f ..read more

Divorce is famously one of the most significant changes a person can go through. After years of building a life with your spouse, you have to separate yourself from everything you find familiar. Often, navigating social circles is one of the most significant challenges for divorcees. Shared friends may feel loyalty toward one spouse or the other, while separate friends may not know how to navigate the emotions that accompany a divorce. Whether you are going through a difficult divorce or an amicable one, there are certain ways to navigate your social life following a marital change. Following ..read more

The decision to end your marriage in Springfield, IL, is not a decision to take lightly. Divorce is much more than just ending a marriage contract; it is also a formal legal process of dividing your marital assets and debts between you and your spouse, determining custody and support for your children, and settling various other issues such as spousal support. Approaching this situation is likely to generate uncertainty and confusion in many people. Divorce is an inherently emotional issue, even for those who are convinced they need to end their marriages. Suppose you are approaching the divor ..read more