Posts Categorized: Divorce

Pre-Trial Hearings in Illinois Divorce Cases

Pre-Trial Hearings in Chicago Divorce Throughout my years as a Chicago divorce lawyer, most of my clients realize that a judge at trial may ultimately decide their divorce.  This is true.  However, the majority of my family law and divorce clients are happy to learn that there is a less formal opportunity to resolve their case that often takes place before a final divorce trial.  These are called pre-trials, or pre-trial hearings. Pre-trial hearings are an invaluable element within divorce c...   Read more ...  

Do Both Parties Have to Agree to Divorce in Illinois?

If you are planning to file for divorce in Illinois, but you know your spouse does not want to move forward with the divorce, you may be wondering how Illinois divorce law handles such cases. In other words, you might want to know: Do both parties have to agree to divorce in Illinois?   While a divorce case may be able to move more quickly and smoothly when both parties agree to the divorce and all terms of the dissolution of marriage, you should know both spouses do not have to agree to di...   Read more ...  

Can I Contest My Spouse’s Petition for a Divorce?

If your spouse has filed a petition for divorce in Chicago or surrounding areas and you do not want to get divorced, do you have any options? For instance, can you refuse to accept the divorce papers when they are delivered to you, thereby preventing the divorce from moving forward? Or, if you do not believe the marriage should end and you want to continue working on the relationship with your spouse, is there a legal way to contest your spouse’s petition for divorce? Generally speaking, as lo...   Read more ...  

5 Common Divorce Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

There are many mistakes you can make when dissolving your marriage and they are all understandable. Divorce is an emotional time and usually a new, unexpected experience. However, you can work to avoid the most common errors by partnering with an experienced Chicago divorce attorney and understanding the best steps to take before, during, and after a divorce.   During your divorce, strive to avoid these common mistakes:   Not Planning for Life After Divorce. A divorce can absorb all of yo...   Read more ...  

What Are the Rules for Moving Back Home After a Divorce with Children?

Let’s assume you grew up outside of Illinois, resided in Chicago for your married life, had children while married and living in Illinois, and then get divorced in Illinois. If you wanted to move back to your home state to take advantage of: your family’s support network, job opportunities, or for other reasons, it could be difficult to move return to your home state if the other parent objects.   In short, you will need to learn more about “relocation” and how Illinois courts make ...   Read more ...  

“Til Death (Or Divorce) Do Us Part”

  Due to the diverse issues covered in a divorce case, divorce lawyers must have intimate knowledge of the statutes and cases governing not only family law, but also many other areas of the law. As a result, family law extends well beyond just family law.   One area that requires more advanced knowledge is estate planning; and as a Chicago family law attorney, I recommend that my clients review their estate plan preceding and following a divorce.   Power of Attorney for Health Car...   Read more ...