RSSFebruary, 2013 - Chicago Illinois Family Law Blog Archive
Illinois Same-Sex Marriage Bill Clears House Committee
In a six-to-five vote, a bill that would make same-sex marriages legal in the state of Illinois cleared the House Executive Committee just before 10:00 p.m. February 26th, 2013. As reported by The Chicago Tribune, the bill now will move on to the full House. There the bill is expected to undergo its toughest test. Representative Greg Harris, a democrat from Chicago who is sponsoring the same-sex marriage bill, says the bill is needed because the status of those who are in civil unions often goes misunderstood. His belief is that all Illinois families should be treated equally under Illinois law.
If the bill passes the House, Illinois governor Pat Quinn has vowed to sign it into law. Illinois would become the tenth state in the U.S. to legalize same-sex marriages. The bill was passed in the Senate on Valentine’s Day. Less than two years have passed since the first civil union certificates were issued by the state.
Editorial Urges Ladies and Gentlemen of Illinois House to Step Up Regarding Gay Marriage Bill
Values that underlie marriage include providing reward for committed relationships, promoting stability within families, and protecting children’s interests. According to a Chicago Tribune editorial dated February 18, 2013, and titled “A Spouse is a Spouse,” allowing same-sex couples to be lawfully married would only serve to affirm these values, not devalue them.
In a major step toward marriage equality in the state of Illinois, the Illinois General Assembly two years ago voted to legally recognize committed partnerships regardless of the sexual orientation of the persons within the partnerships. In December, 2010, on the strength of that vote, Illinois legally recognized same-sex civil unions, becoming just the sixth state to do so.
Being a Part-Time Parent in a Full-Time Way
According to Marie Hartwell-Walker, Ed.D, family therapist and licensed psychologist, many professionals and parents alike hate the word “visiting” as it often is applied to the non-custodial parent. Accepting being referred to as the “visiting” parent is like accepting that parenting is no longer a shared responsibility after divorce. In the past, being given “visitation” with your children meant every other weekend and some holidays. That arrangement has been undergoing change during the last 20 years or so.
Illinois Senate Passes Gay Marriage Bill
The Illinois State Senate is continuing the drive toward marriage equality in Illinois. As reported by Reuters and published in The Chicago Tribune, the Illinois Senate approved a bill on Valentine’s Day, February 14, 2013, to make same-sex marriages legal. The vote in the upper chamber was as follows:
- 34 in favor
- 21 against
- 2 abstentions
The bill now goes to the House. Although the fight there is expected to be more intense, if the bill makes it to the desk of Illinois Governor Pat Quinn, he has pledged to sign it. President Barack Obama has already made his opinion on same-sex marriage in his home state known. He is in support of the efforts of advocates for same-sex marriage and does not believe the 2011 approval by the state’s legislators of civil unions for same-sex couples goes far enough.
FAFSA and Divorce
In order to receive financial aid for college, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form must be completed and submitted online. The form requests information about a young person’s financial support mechanism and amount. Child support from a non-custodial parent must be included on the form with the rest of the family’s financial information. Then a determination can be made as to the amount of financial aid colleges should make available.
The Chicago family law attorneys at Nottage and Ward have been helping spouses and former spouses with the financial complexities of divorce for more than 20 years. They help spouses resolve complex custody and financial issues.
Push for Marriage Equality in Illinois Continues in Illinois Legislature
Democratic Illinois legislators have begun a legislative drive to make same-sex marriage legal in the state. As reported by Reuters and published in The Chicago Tribune, an Illinois State Senate committee has approved a measure to make same-sex marriage legal. The vote count was the following:
- Nine in favor of legalizing same-sex marriage
- Five opposed
Republicans opposed the measure while Democrats voted in favor of making marriage between same sex couples legal. This vote paves the way for a possible vote in the Senate upper chamber during the week of February 11th, 2013.
Things to Do and Not to Do on Your First Post-Divorce Valentine’s Day
Sometimes the blues come around unexpectedly after a divorce. But there are certain times of the year that can be more painful than others if some advance planning is not taken care of. Whatever you do, do not sit home alone feeling sorry for yourself. The following do’s and don’ts are recommendations of Tina Tessina, Ph.D., a licensed psychotherapist who has authored 11 books including Money, Sex, and Kids:
Do
- Make plans well in advance of Valentine’s Day that include having your best friends around you.
- Send personal Valentine notes/cards to all who mean the world to you.
- Be certain about what it takes to make Valentine’s Day special to you, and you will not pity yourself.
- Plan an activity like skiing or skating with friends.
- Go to a play or sporting event like a basketball game.
- Take advantage of the day to try something new that does not remind you of the past.
- Use your own energy to help others in need such as helping out at a shelter. This will give you added perspective on your own life.
Chicago Divorce Attorney Jeffrey Knipmeyer Awarded Avvo Rating Badges
Nottage and Ward family law attorney Jeffrey Knipmeyer is proud to announce that he has been awarded the “Client’s Choice for Divorce Attorney” and “Client’s Choice for a Family Attorney” Avvo Rating Badges for his contribution to Avvo Q & A.
Avvo is a consumer-oriented website that offers unparalleled resources to those looking for an attorney to help them through a difficult time in their lives. Its mission is to provide the opportunities necessary to help people make the best decisions for their specific legal needs. One of these opportunities is the Q and A.
Calculation of Illinois Child Support Obligation
Divorce is an emotional time, but even in the midst of all the stress, divorcing parents want what is best for their children. The divorce process can become contentious and the presence of children in a marriage should be enough to encourage both spouses to take the rational approach toward settling differences.
In Illinois, in order to establish a child support order, the non-custodial parent’s net income and the number of children he or she is responsible for determine the amount of child support. Under Illinois Statutory Guidelines 750 ILCS 5/505 Section 505, the minimum amount of child supported ordered is as follows:
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