Chicago Illinois Divorce Lawyers

In January, the decision to deny spousal benefits to Springfield city employees in civil unions was reversed by a unanimous vote of the Joint Labor/Management Health Care Committee. After the vote was initially denied in December, Springfield Mayor Mike Houston publicly declared his support of awarding spousal benefits to city employees in civil unions. Soon after that public announcement, the committee reversed its decision and granted benefits. Unfortunately, that reversal vote has since been thrown out by a Circuit Court Judge for violating the Open Meetings Act, according to The Windy City Times.

An Illinois Times reporter had filed suit after the Committee held a closed-door vote on extending spousal insurance benefits to civil union spouses in January. The Committee did unanimously vote to extend the benefits, but, because the Committee was a public committee, they were required to hold open meetings. Because the vote was conducted behind closed doors, a Judge ruled in favor of the reporter’s suit, which made the vote void.

This unexpected delay in granting benefits to civil union spouses of city employees may mean that benefits will not be available by the beginning of the city’s fiscal year in March. The Executive Director of The Civil Rights Agenda (TCRA), though he supports the Open Meetings Act, is disappointed that the ruling invalidates the vote which granted equal benefits to city employees in civil unions. It is hoped that the Committee will not hesitate to hold another vote so that benefits may be available in March.

If you are thinking of entering into or are currently in a civil union with your spouse, you may have many questions as to which rights are granted and which are denied. At Nottage and Ward, our experienced civil union lawyers in Illinois are committed to helping you understand your legal rights and options. Call us today at (312) 332-2915 and we will be happy to answer all of your questions and address all your concerns.

In last week’s blog post, we discussed the first four steps of coping post-divorce by using the Vendetta Technique, which was developed by celebrity weight-loss coach Valerie Orsoni. Today we present the last three steps to move on with your life, happily and confidently, after divorce:

• Step 5: The Vendetta Diet – There is strong correlation between looking good and feeling good, and vice versa. It gives you confidence that you may have lost after the divorce. Toss out all junk food, fill the fridge with fresh and natural foods, especially veggies, and establish a new exercise routine, even if it is just taking a walk with your friends every day.
• Step 6: Reward Yourself – You’ve set up goals, now create your own Vendetta Treasure Chest, a box with promise notes for rewards, like “Buy new shoes” or “Get motorcycle riding lessons,” when you reach those goals. Once the Treasure Chest is empty, you’ve reached all your goals and have achieved your Vendetta.
• Step 7: Time to Celebrate! – Throw a party for yourself with your closest friends, take a trip, or even symbolically destroy all memorabilia of your ex that you don’t want any more to celebrate achieving your goals.

The important thing to remember after a divorce is that you have the power to rebuild your life, whether it is with these steps or in a completely different way. Unfortunately, the more contentious the divorce typically means the more difficult the recovery process. If you and your spouse are headed towards divorce in Illinois, our knowledgeable Chicago divorce lawyers at Nottage and Ward can help you through the divorce process without undue stress or frustration. For a consultation, call us today at (312) 332-2915.

It has been almost one year since the civil union law went into effect in Illinois and now some lawmakers feel it is time to take the next step and authorize same-sex marriages, according to The Chicago Tribune.

Last week, three legislators filed a bill, HB5170, entitled the “Religious Freedom and Marriage Fairness Act,” which would remove the explicit prohibition of same-sex marriages from state law and make marriage legally available to gay couples. In addition, the new measure would allow religious groups to make their own decisions concerning the types of marriages they perform. One of the bill’s sponsors is not sure whether the Legislature will give it serious consideration, but, if trends across the country are any indication, Illinois may consider same-sex marriages sooner rather than later.

Last year, New York legalized same-sex marriages, and, within the last month, the State of Washington did the same and the California ban on gay marriages was struck down by an appeals court. It is an election year, and so legislators may be less than enthusiastic about declaring their support for the bill; however, a vote on the new measure may find its way onto the Legislator’s docket before new lawmakers are seated. The civil union law was passed during the same period.

It is too early to tell how long this bill will need to simmer before a decision is made, but Illinois seems to be ready for the next step. Until then, the only legal option available is a civil union. If you are considering entering into an Illinois civil union or just have questions, the knowledgeable civil union attorneys in Chicago at Nottage and Ward can help. Call us today at (312) 332-2915 to learn more.

Getting over a divorce is a long emotional process, whether it was a mutual decision or not. Every person has their own methods of coping with divorce, and no one way is the right way, but wallowing in depression should never be one of those methods. If you have recently been divorced and are trying to find a way to be happy with yourself and your life again, the Vendetta Technique, developed by celebrity weight-loss coach Valerie Orsoni, may be the way, according to Shape magazine. In this two-part blog series, we will be outlining the essential seven steps of this technique and how they can help you move on with your life in a healthy way.

The goal of the Vendetta Technique is to drive yourself to becoming a better and healthier person, not to actually hurt your ex, but to gain control of your life and your emotions. These are the first four of the technique’s seven steps:

• Step 1: Choose Your “Enemy” – Even if you don’t consider your ex-husband or ex-wife an “enemy,” this characterization can help you solidify your resolve and push you toward your goal(s).
• Step 2: Choose Your Vendetta – What is your goal? Looking better? Being healthier? Whatever your goal or goals, once you figure them out, write them down. Statistically, people who write down their goals are more likely to achieve them.
• Step 3: Cleanup – Remove any presence of your enemy from your life. Put away pictures and remove them from your phone, Facebook, Twitter, etc.
• Step 4: Create a Fanbase – Establish a support team of only close friends and family who know about your Vendetta. Watch empowering/inspirational movies, have fun, and just spend quality time with each other.

These four steps set up your goals and your support system and are the beginning steps of rebuilding your life. Check back next week for the last three steps!

The real estate market crash made and still makes life difficult for homeowners across the country. House values have plummeted and people are left with loans that are worth more than their homes, making it nearly if not completely impossible to keep up with expensive loan payments or even to sell. According to a Yahoo! Finance article, approximately 3.5 million homeowners are behind on their mortgage payments while another 1.5 million have already begun the foreclosure process. In the next two years, it is estimated that there will be 3.6 million foreclosures.

This leaves homeowners with a couple of different options: 1) Strategically default on the loan; or 2) try to save the house. Unfortunately, the latter option rarely ends well and the homeowner ends up depleting their entire life savings before having to default anyway. Trying to sell, though an option, is very difficult. If the lender does not agree to the short-sale, the home will fall into foreclosure.

This obviously poses many financial problems for homeowners, but if the homeowners are a married couple trying to divorce, this also creates other complications. Oftentimes, in divorce, a couple will sell their marital property, split the proceeds and move on with their lives. But if they are unable to sell, they may be prevented from doing so. In addition, several other factors, such as child support and maintenance, may also be affected.

Trying to get through a divorce, while dealing with the deficit value of your home, can make establishing the terms of your divorce very frustrating and difficult. If you are a homeowner suffering from the housing market crash who also wants a divorce, speaking to an experienced divorce lawyer in Chicago at Nottage and Ward can help you understand your legal rights and options. To learn more, contact us today for a consultation at (312) 332-2915.

There are many potential factors that contribute to a divorce. The most common of these are usually infidelity, financial issues, and conflicting goals. Lying and cheating are obvious behaviors that can lead to divorce, but there are also a handful of less obvious behaviors which, if consistent, can end a marriage.

According to The Huffington Post, although there are countless reasons why a relationship ends, researchers identify five behaviors that, if repeated over time, have the power to end a marriage:

1. Nagging – Repeatedly requesting that your spouse to do something, which they ignore, can lead to annoyance, frustration, and eventually resentment.
2. Contempt – Openly disrespecting your spouse and/or committing other hurtful actions, such as name calling and putting him or her down.
3. Criticism – Repeatedly attacking or complaining about your spouse’s character or personality instead of effectively discussing what is actually bothering you in a mature fashion.
4. Stonewalling – Shutting down or withdrawing from the discussion or the relationship, whether physically, emotionally, or mentally. This can lead to resentment on both sides for long periods of time.
5. Defensiveness – Always defending yourself when your spouse makes comments or criticisms about you, instead of openly discussing those comments or criticisms. This can also include consistently disagreeing with your spouse and/or issuing a complaint about them as a rebuttal.

All of these behaviors have the potential to build years of resentment, frustration, and unhappiness if they occur repeatedly. In fact, according to a Gottman Relationship Institute study of over 1,000 married couples, when the last four of the aforementioned behaviors are present in a marriage, that marriage has a 94 percent chance of failure.

Research studies and statistics, though helpful for an overall look at relationships, do not predict the future of every relationship. Divorce is usually the result of a combination of dozens, if not hundreds, of factors and is usually the last resort. But, unfortunately, some relationships just do not work anymore. If you are considering a divorce in Illinois, the experienced divorce lawyers in Chicago at the family law firm of Nottage and Ward can help you understand your legal rights and options. Call us at (312) 332-2915 for a consultation today.

Newt Gingrich is a Presidential Candidate in the race to become the Republican Party Presidential Nominee. However, discrepancies between the persona he presents to voters and the person he actually is, as described in detail by his second ex-wife, may put a stop to his White House aspirations. Marianne Gingrich told ABC News that Newt Gingrich “lacks the moral character to serve as President.”

In November 2011, the possibility that Newt Gingrich’s affairs and divorces may hurt his chances for the White House, were well publicized. Now, the public has even more information concerning his personal exploits because his second ex-wife wants voters to know Gingrich as she knows him, in summation, a hypocrite.

According to the former Mrs. Gingrich, the politician’s campaign positions on the importance of family values and the sanctity of marriage do not align with his behavior during their 18-year marriage. Newt Gingrich wanted an “open marriage” in order to have both a wife and a mistress. Marianne Gingrich refused, but this did not stop her husband from having a six-year affair with a Congressional aide, who is his current wife. She made a point to remind the public that this affair was going on at the same time Newt Gingrich condemned President Bill Clinton for his supposed lack of moral leadership.

Newt Gingrich made the decision to divorce Marianne just months after she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. Additionally, he divorced his first wife while she was receiving cancer treatment.

It is inevitable that voters will judge politicians based on a variety of factors, not only their positions on relevant public matters, but also how they conduct themselves in their personal life. Marriage, divorce, and everything in between play a role in the success of a politician, whether he or she likes it or not.

Celebrity relationships are, unfortunately, public, which makes it difficult for a troubled couple to work through their problems. When the celebrities are politicians, however, not only are their personal relationships subject to public scrutiny, but also part of their success. A politician’s personal life has the potential to end a career.

If you are considering divorce in Illinois, but require the utmost discretion, the experienced high-profile divorce lawyers in Chicago at Nottage and Ward can help. Confidentiality for high-profile clients is our top priority. To find out more, contact us today at (312) 332-2915 for a consultation.

In Monday’s blog post, we discussed the shortcomings of the current Illinois child support system, as reported by the Chicago Tribune. This child support payment system may make the family court’s job easier, but it can make things tougher and more frustrating for families.

The new income shares system aims to be more centered on the particular situation of the family. The income shares system still assumes that the child of a divorced couple is entitled to financial support equal to that he/she would have received if his/her parents stayed together. But, unlike the current system, this would be determined by how much each parent earns. Higher income means higher child support contribution. The amount of time a non-custodial parent spends with the child will also be taken into account. With the added level of fairness in this new system, long and contentious disputes would likely take less of the court’s time and alleviate any bitterness between the parents.

Both parents want what is best for their child or children after a divorce, but unless a couple comes to a child custody and support agreement themselves, their child may become caught in the middle of constant financial disputes or other unhealthy situations. If you are a divorced parent in Illinois, or you are a parent considering divorce, the dedicated child support attorneys in Chicago at Nottage and Ward can help you understand the state child support system as well as help you obtain an outcome that is in the best interests of your child. For a consultation with one of our lawyers, call us today at (312) 332-2915.

Even a divorce that is necessary can have negative effects on a couple. Most often, the effects people think of are depression, uncertainty, loneliness, and/or financial insecurity, but, according to USA Today, there is another serious effect of divorce, as demonstrated in the findings of a University of Arizona (UA) divorce study: higher risk of an early death.

The UA study, or rather review, was published in the journal Perspectives on Psychological Science. After examining 32 case studies involving 6.5 million adults in 11 countries over 27 years, researchers found that divorced adults suffer a higher risk of early death than married adults. More specifically, divorced adults have a 23 percent greater chance of dying early, and for divorced men, it is more than that.

The study found that health risks of divorce were similar to the health risks of other established health risks, such as alcoholism, smoking, and obesity. These findings do not conclude, without a doubt, that divorce always leads to early death, but that divorce is a risk factor which can contribute to early death. In most cases, divorced adults actually find more happiness and/or satisfaction in their lives post-divorce; seventy-five percent even remarry.

Relationships are not a one-way street. Health risk factors may contribute to divorce just as much as divorce contributes to health risks. Regardless of what this study reveals, however, a marriage and a divorce cannot be generalized. Every couple has their own unique problems that they deal with in their own way. Likewise, every divorced adult’s situation is unique. If you are considering a divorce in Illinois, our experienced divorce lawyers in Chicago at Nottage and Ward can help you understand your legal rights and options as they pertain to your particular situation. We are committed to providing each and every client the personal attention they deserve. To find out more, call us at (312) 332-2915.

Child custody and support are two of the most contentious aspects of a divorce and can lead to ongoing bitter disputes that are definitely not in the best interests of the child. Illinois aims to remedy these common situations by implementing a new child support payment system, which will be better for all parties. In this two-part blog series, we will be discussing the shortcomings of the current system and the remedies of the new system.

According to the Chicago Tribune, an advisory committee to the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services is supporting a complete reconstruction of the state’s child support payment system, which really does not allow for the best arrangement, for parents or children, in its current state. A bill is being drafted to change the current system to an income shares system, a trend that is already in place in 38 states.

There are a variety of scenarios where the current Illinois child support system fails. The basic rule is that the non-custodial parent pays a flat percentage of his or her net income to the custodial parent, based on how many children need supporting. That is about it. There are various “what if” scenarios that the current system just does not take into account. Two of these include the following:

• Does it take into account the amount of time the child actually spends with the custodial parent? No.
• Does it take into account the fact that the custodial parent may have a much higher income? No.

The new system, called an income shares system, will include additional factors, like those above, in the determination of each parent’s child support obligation.

Check back soon for the second installment of this series, where we will be discussing this new system.