Illinois courts make all decisions regarding children based on the child’s interests, including decisions about custody and child support. Typically, it is considered in the child’s interests to be cared for, raised, and financially supported by both parents, whether or not those parents are separated. Unfortunately, there are some cases where this is not in a child’s interests. If you need help petitioning the court for custody rights, you need a Springfield child custody attorney. The courts may award sole or joint legal and physical custody of a child to either parent, depending on a family ..read more

Not all divorces are handled through a contentious court battle — in fact, most aren’t. Many couples settle their divorce outside of court through alternative dispute resolution (ADR) methods, such as collaborative divorce and divorce mediation. With the help of a Springfield divorce attorney, couples can negotiate a separation agreement that they then present to the court for approval. This is a much simpler form of divorce that many couples prefer. Divorces are either contested or uncontested. When a divorce is contested, spouses either disagree on what the terms of a separation agreement sh ..read more

After a divorce or parental separation, parties may create several court-approved or court-ordered legal guidelines, including the division of property, spousal support assignments, custody of children, and other parenting plan determinations. These orders must be followed. However, life can be unpredictable, and court orders can be modified to reflect changes in your circumstances. A Springfield modification attorney can help you determine if you can request modification. When a couple’s divorce or separation is litigated, these orders are made and enforced by the court. When a couple uses me ..read more

A comprehensive estate plan can be made of multiple documents, which can be tailored to meet your individual needs and the needs of your family. If you are new to planning your estate, it can be difficult to know what your goals are to protect and distribute your assets. A Springfield estate planning attorney can help you determine your goals and effectively protect any size of estate that you have. Last Will and Testament A will is one of the most basic documents in an estate plan, and it is typically what individuals will create without a comprehensive estate plan. It can be updated througho ..read more

A high-asset divorce has the potential to be much lengthier and more complex than other divorces. Though any divorce can become contentious, more complex divorces, like high-net-worth divorces, are more likely to have raised emotions. High-asset divorces have to go through all the same negotiations or litigation to determine how assets are split, whether spousal maintenance is awarded, and the custody and support of children. The additional complications of high-asset divorces can make each of these decisions even harder. Both spouses have the potential to lose a lot, and this can make them mo ..read more

After parents divorce or separate, both have the legal obligation to provide financial support for their children. The court or the parents will determine child custody and visitation and create a parenting plan. This is also when child support calculations will be made. Child support payments are meant to ensure children receive the same level of support from both parents and that they retain a similar standard of living as when their parents were together. Parents who are divorced or separated may be concerned about paying child support, when payments are necessary, and how they are calculat ..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

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

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

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