Posts By: MICHAEL C CRAVEN

Common Causes for Divorce Delays

divorce delays

A Comprehensive Guide for Chicago and Cook County Residents Understanding Divorce Timelines in Illinois Divorce is rarely a quick or simple process, particularly in a large and complex legal jurisdiction such as Chicago and Cook County. While Illinois is a no-fault divorce state designed to streamline the dissolution of marriage, many cases still experience delays that can extend the process from a matter of months to well over a year. For individuals navigating divorce in Chicago, Skokie, and...   Read more ...  

What Not To Say Or Do During A Divorce Case

HandsOfWifeHusbandSigningDecreeOfDivorceDissolutionCanceling

How Certain Words And Actions Can Affect Your Divorce Case In Illinois Divorce is often an emotionally challenging time. Anger, frustration, and fear can affect communication and behavior, but statements or actions during this period may have significant legal consequences in Illinois. Words spoken in anger, social media activity, financial decisions, and text messages can all become evidence in court. Illinois courts consider many aspects of each spouse’s conduct when deciding property divisi...   Read more ...  

Can I Move Out of State with My Children During or After Divorce?

child custody

One of the most complex and emotionally charged issues in family law is whether a parent can move out of state with their children during or after a divorce. For parents in Chicago, Skokie, and surrounding Cook County communities, relocation is not simply a personal decision—it is a legal matter governed by strict Illinois statutes. . Whether you are seeking new employment, moving closer to family, or pursuing a fresh start, Illinois law places the child’s best interests at the center of any...   Read more ...  

Best Interests of Child in Contested Divorces

Best-interest-of-the-child

When parents go through a contested divorce in Chicago or surrounding communities such as Skokie, Evanston, and Oak Park, one of the most critical legal issues involves determining parenting time and parental responsibilities. Illinois courts do not automatically favor one parent over the other. Instead, judges rely on a legal framework known as the “best interests of the child” standard. . This standard governs all decisions involving children under the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of ...   Read more ...  

When Respect Fades: A Major Turning Point In Many Illinois Divorces

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Marriages often break down slowly, and losing mutual respect is usually a major turning point in Illinois divorces. As respect fades, couples communicate less, trust each other less, and daily life becomes tense. We see this often with clients who are deciding whether to work on their marriage or move forward with divorce. While emotional distance is hard, it can also lead to important legal issues once divorce starts. . Illinois uses a no-fault divorce system, so courts do not blame either spou...   Read more ...  

Avoiding Financial Pitfalls In a Divorce

financial pitfalls

Divorce can be emotionally difficult, but it is also one of the most significant financial events many people will experience. Without careful planning and informed decision-making, individuals going through a divorce can face long-term financial consequences that impact their stability for years to come. . For individuals in Chicago, Illinois and nearby communities such as Skokie, Evanston, Oak Park, and throughout Cook County, understanding how divorce affects property division, debt allocatio...   Read more ...