The amount and duration of alimony in DuPage County depends on factors such as marriage length, the standard of living during the marriage, and each party’s financial resources, health, and disabilities. Courts in DuPage County, IL, consider many other variables too, including the ages of the spouses, how long one spouse might need to obtain education or training, and existing agreements such as prenuptial contracts. Do you have concerns about paying or receiving alimony? Spousal support can be complicated, so get in touch with Erlich Law Office at (630) 538-5331 to find out more. Types of Al ..read more

In DuPage County, IL, child custody agreements are governed by state law, prioritizing the child’s best interests. These agreements detail custody arrangements, visitation schedules, and parental responsibilities. Mediation is often encouraged to reach an amicable resolution, but court intervention may occur if parties cannot agree, prioritizing the child’s well-being above all else. An attorney advocating for you and your child can help you navigate the process more smoothly. Call (630) 538-5331 for a consultation with a child custody lawyer at Erlich Law Office. Types of Child Custody Arran ..read more

Child support is a crucial financial arrangement that ensures children receive the resources they need to thrive. However, navigating the legal system surrounding child support can be challenging, and even small missteps can have significant consequences. Whether you’re a parent paying child support or a parent receiving it, understanding common mistakes to avoid in child support cases can help ensure a smoother process. What Are the Most Common Mistakes to Avoid in Child Support Cases? In DuPage County, IL, common mistakes to avoid in child support cases include not establishing paternity, i ..read more

A family court hearing in DuPage County, IL, can be stressful, but adequate preparation helps ensure you are as ready as possible for your case. Family courts can establish paternity, finalize divorces, and determine matters such as parenting time and decision-making (child custody). Your lawyer can explain the particulars of preparation in your case. For example, mediation and parenting classes are often required before a custody hearing. For a custody trial, your lawyer can help you rehearse your testimony. How the Family Court System in Illinois Works Family courts in Illinois are also cal ..read more

Prenuptial agreements, also called prenups, offer peace of mind. They serve many purposes, such as giving spouses protection for assets they had before marriage and safeguarding inheritances for children from other relationships. There are many nuances to what a prenuptial agreement is, but prenups make sense for most people getting married in DuPage County, IL. What Is a Prenuptial Agreement? A prenup amounts to a businesslike contract that people sign before they get married. Despite being businesslike, it can be one of the best things to happen before a marriage. The associated open commun ..read more

The law is nuanced, but general examples of separate property in DuPage County, IL, include items one spouse purchased or acquired before the marriage and kept separate. Gifts and inheritances one spouse got during the marriage can be separate, too, if no commingling or transmutation occurred. When you divorce in Illinois, it is important to identify what is separate property, since the other spouse typically does not have rights to that. Understanding Separate Property in Illinois Here are details on the distinctions between separate and marital property under property laws in Illinois. What ..read more

What can be used against you in a child custody case includes some types of criminal history, lack of involvement with your child, domestic violence or abuse, an intentional lack of cooperation with the other parent, alienating the child against the other parent, and speaking badly about the other parent to the child. Any type of writing could be used against you, too, which is why it is important to be careful with texts, emails, voice mails, social media posts, and even pictures during disputes in DuPage County, Illinois. Illinois Custody Laws The Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriag ..read more

Parental interference occurs when one parent deprives the other parent of visitation or custody time. The offending parent may hide children, refuse to return them, or remove them from the state without permission. Illinois courts have the authority to penalize this type of interference through fees, misdemeanor charges, jail time, driver’s license suspensions, and other methods. What Is Parental Interference? Illinois criminal law identifies parental interference as, “unlawful visitation or parenting time interference.” It is also called custody interference. However, custodial interference c ..read more

A default judgment in a divorce occurs when the petitioner (the spouse asking for the divorce) files the divorce complaint and the other spouse does not respond or appear in court. By default, the judge then gives the petitioner what he or she asked for in the divorce papers. Some divorcing couples pursue a default judgment on purpose since the process can be simple with some pros. However, the potential downsides are serious, particularly for the defendant. A default judgment is nothing to jump into without thinking through the possible consequences. What Does Default Judgment in a Divorce Me ..read more

An Illinois divorce checklist should include items such as attorney consults, strategies for taking care of yourself mentally, emotionally, and financially, and an overview of the issues you care about the most and those with which you are willing to be more flexible. Divorce in DuPage County is rarely easy, even for friendly splits, so talking with a lawyer is one of the best ways to help you prepare and customize a checklist for your situation. What Are the Grounds for Divorce in Illinois? Illinois recognizes only irreconcilable differences as grounds for divorce. That generally means the sp ..read more