Recent Blog Posts
Changes to Illinois Spousal Maintenance in 2019
With the new year come new guidelines for how courts will determine an award of spousal maintenance. The modified rules went into effect on January 1, 2019, and they affect any divorce from 2019 onwards. The new rules do not apply retroactively to divorces already finalized, but they may apply if a maintenance order… Read More »
4 Ways Co-Parenting Apps Make Life Easier
Raising a child in 2019 is never a simple task. Many children are involved in multiple extracurricular activities, such as music lessons, athletic teams, or supplemental tutoring, not to mention play dates and birthday parties. Keeping children’s schedules straight isn’t easy under the best of circumstances, but it can get even more complicated when… Read More »
Basic Steps of Probate in Illinois (and How to Avoid It)
While it is painful to think of the grief your family will suffer upon your death, it may be comforting to think that you can at least provide a material gift for them through your will. Without careful planning, however, the gifts you leave for your heirs in your will may be delayed by… Read More »
How Does the First Step Act Reform Criminal Justice?
Criminal justice has always needed reform and now has been acknowledged in the passing of the First Step Act. In a rare moment of agreement among congressional republicans, democrats, and President Trump, a criminal justice reform bill was just passed by the United States House of Representatives, following overwhelming approval in an 87-12 vote… Read More »
Consider the Factors that Influence your Blood Alcohol Level Before Getting Behind the Wheel
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs can have devastating effects on your education, your professional life, and even on your ability to find a place to live. The best way to avoid being charged with an Illinois DUI? Don’t drive if you’ve had too much to drink or have been using drugs… Read More »
Can You Date Someone While Going Through a Divorce?
When your unhappy marriage ends, you may be eager to find a relationship that does a better job of making you feel happy and fulfilled. After all, few couples reach the point of divorce without spending months or years fighting and growing apart. Once you and your spouse have filed for divorce, you’re finally… Read More »
AAP Issues New Guidelines on Child Car Seats
As a parent, you do all you can to keep your kids safe while at home or on the road. While it may seem as though official opinions on how to make your kids safest while they ride in the car are always changing, it’s important to follow the latest recommendations so that your… Read More »
What Are Factors that Make a Will Contest More Likely to Occur?
Will contests can be drawn-out, ugly battles among loved ones that do long-term harm to family unity. As you’re creating your estate plan, you’ll likely want to minimize aspects of your will that could cause conflict between family members, or at least prepare your heirs in advance for what they can expect to see… Read More »
Illinois Supreme Court to Consider Constitutionality of Statute Covering Kids’ College Expenses in Divorce Cases
Illinois divorce law includes various rules and procedures as to how child support payments are calculated and apportioned in divorce proceedings. Section 513 of the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act covers payment obligations for educational expenses. An Illinois court recently determined that the statute was unconstitutional as applied to a particular parent. … Read More »
Executor Distribution of Assets: Help by Consolidating Your Estate
Ever have to move or downsize your possessions? Many people find it hard to go through a lifetime of belongings and decide what to keep and what to get rid of, and whether to gift items to specific individuals, donate them to charity, or simply throw them out. Now imagine if you are required… Read More »
