Recent Blog Posts
Waiting Period to File For Divorce in IL
Illinois, like all other states under modern law, allows for no-fault divorce. Historically, one or both parties had to allege that their spouse committed some sort of wrongdoing–adultery, cruelty, abandonment, etc.–in order to file for divorce. The law now recognizes that parties should be free to divorce simply because their marriage is not working…. Read More »
What Are the IL Shoplifting Laws
In Illinois, the crime of theft can range from a misdemeanor to a serious felony depending upon the value of merchandise stolen and other aggravating factors. Retail theft, commonly called shoplifting, involves unlawfully taking merchandise from a store past the last point of purchase. Depending upon the amount and value of the property stolen,… Read More »
Understanding Common Law Marriage in Illinois
Common-law marriage is a term used to describe a legal union between two people even though the couple has not purchased a marriage license or had their marriage solemnized. Currently, eight states in the US recognize common-law marriages. However, each state may require couples to satisfy different rules and regulations in order to validate… Read More »
Defining Non-marital Property: What Is Non-marital Property in Illinois?
In Illinois, property that is acquired before a marriage occurs is considered non-marital property. Non-marital property also encompasses any debts or other obligations that existed before the marriage took place. The assets and liabilities that fall under non-marital property can be broad and will differ depending on the circumstances each couple faces. However, assets… Read More »
White-Collar Crime Defense: How to Defend Against White Collar Criminal Charges
“White-collar crime” is a hot-button issue in the modern era. Over the last couple of decades, federal and state prosecutors have been aggressively pursuing white-collar criminal investigations, seeking to “throw the book” at anyone even vaguely associated with an alleged white-collar criminal conspiracy, often more to score political points than out of any actual… Read More »
How to Navigate Joint Custody Schedules
Whether you are going through a divorce or a separation, it’s important that the children in your life have the stability they need to move forward as well. Having a child custody agreement in place complete with a joint custody schedule can help your children obtain a sense of stability again. There is a… Read More »
What is Parenting Time?
Different states use different terminology when it comes to defining parental rights under the law. Even within states, the terminology has changed over the last handful of years. For parents approaching divorce or other custody matters, the varied terminology can be confusing and add unnecessary additional stress to an already difficult situation. Below, we… Read More »
Difference Between Assault and Battery
Many people use the terms “assault” and “battery” interchangeably. Under the law, assault and battery are actually distinct terms. In many states including Illinois, assault and battery are wholly separate crimes. Read on to learn about the difference between assault and battery in Illinois, and call a seasoned Chicago criminal defense attorney as soon… Read More »
Is Residential Custody the Same as Sole Custody?
Illinois recently made significant changes to its child custody laws. In particular, Illinois changed the nomenclature around how the law and courts describe and divide child custody rights. Continue reading for a discussion of how child custody currently operates in Illinois. Call a compassionate Chicago child custody and divorce attorney for help with an… Read More »
Divorce Evidentiary Hearing: What Can I Expect?
Any type of legal proceeding can feel overwhelming. Most people will avoid court for the majority of their lives, if not entirely. When a court case involves something as deeply personal as a divorce, it can feel even more challenging. The best way to avoid the anxiety of legal procedures is to eliminate the… Read More »
