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Divorce - Chicago Illinois Family Law Blog

Divorce and Drug Addiction: Legal and Emotional Challenges

By Nottage and Ward on November 30, 2023

Even under the best circumstances, divorce is a painful and difficult process. If your spouse suffers from drug addiction, things become a lot more complicated. The instability that results from drug addiction may threaten the safety and well-being of you and your children. Drug addiction frequently causes financial issues, and this may be an issue when making decisions about asset division and spousal support.

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Posted in: Divorce

Divorce and Retirement Accounts: Splitting Assets Fairly

By Nottage and Ward on October 15, 2023

Illinois is an equitable property division state. When a marriage terminates in divorce, all marital assets are subject to equitable distribution – meaning they are distributed fairly but not necessarily equally. All property and assets acquired by either spouse during the marriage are considered marital property, including retirement accounts. Dividing 401(k)s, IRAs, or other retirement accounts fairly can be a complicated and emotional process.

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Posted in: Divorce

Divorce and Student Loans: How Debt Is Handled in a Divorce

By Nottage and Ward on September 15, 2023

More than half of students who attend four-year college leave school with student debt, and the total amount of student debt continues to grow. Along with home and auto loans, student loans are among the largest types of debt that most people will take on during their lives.

Americans now owe over $1.75 trillion in student debt. According to Forbes Magazine, students in Illinois with student debt owe an average of $ 37,223.

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Posted in: Divorce

Divorce Mediation and Litigation: Which Do You Need?

By Nottage and Ward on August 20, 2023

If you recently decided to dissolve your marriage, you are likely aware that you have more than one option available. Depending on the specifics of your case, mediation or litigation may be more appropriate for you.

Mediation is a more collaborative approach to divorce that allows both parties to maintain more control over the terms of their divorce. It is designed for spouses who are willing to work with one another. If you and your spouse are unable or unwilling to cooperate, litigation is likely the only option.

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Posted in: Divorce

The Psychological Effects Divorce Can Have on Children

By Nottage and Ward on July 20, 2023

Divorce can have profound psychological effects on children. The extent of those effects may differ from one child to the next. However, there are specific measures parents can take to minimize the psychological impact of divorce on their children.

In the United States and other Western countries, the divorce rate has steadily increased since the 1960s. According to a paper from the National Library of Medicine, approximately 60% of children live in a household where their biological parents are married.

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Posted in: Divorce

Maintaining Good Mental Health During Divorce

By Nottage and Ward on May 20, 2023

Divorce can be a difficult experience for everyone concerned. No matter the factors leading up to a divorce, it still means the death of a marriage. It can cause emotional pain and deep psychological distress that may prevent you from moving forward. For these reasons, it is critical to prioritize your mental health when you are going through a divorce.

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Posted in: Divorce

First Things to Do When You’ve Chosen Divorce

By Nottage and Ward on April 24, 2023

Getting a divorce can be agonizing for everyone involved, especially the two spouses and their children. Whether you saw it coming for a while, or if your partner made a sudden decision that caught you totally off guard, divorce is an emotional process.

As soon as you know that you’re headed for a divorce, it’s important to find a good Chicago divorce attorney right away. The decisions you make now will affect you and your children for the rest of your life. You’ll want to have an attorney by your side who will help protect you, your children, and your financial security.

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Posted in: Divorce

Navigating a High-Conflict Divorce

By Nottage and Ward on March 25, 2023

Although divorce often has an inherently adversarial tone, high-conflict cases are far more contentious and challenging to navigate. This situation can make it very challenging for divorcing couples to achieve a fair settlement. At Nottage and Ward, LLP our Chicago family law attorneys are experienced in handling high-conflict divorces and could provide the skilled representation and assistance you need to resolve your case.

With an experienced legal team on your side, you could better negotiate and settle the most problematic issues in your divorce. Your attorney could act as an intermediary, keeping emotions in check and working to minimize conflicts.

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Posted in: Divorce

Why Attorneys Shouldn’t Represent Themselves in Divorce Cases

By Nottage and Ward on February 15, 2023

We have all heard the old adage, “A man who represents himself has a fool for a client.” This pertains to attorneys as well as the average man on the street, including lawyers representing themselves in divorce proceedings.

Divorce is common in the U.S., and lawyers are not immune. In fact, divorce rates may be even higher in the legal profession due to the stress, long hours, taking a toll on a relationship and a marriage. Many lawyers prioritize their careers, which can put a strain on a marriage and life at home. For attorneys going through divorce, representing oneself can present unique challenges, even for those who specialize in divorce and family law.

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Posted in: Divorce

Can Secret Recordings or Photos of Your Spouse Be Evidence?

By Nottage and Ward on January 15, 2023

If you plan on getting divorced, you might wonder what evidence you can use in your case. In Illinois, questions on whether secret recordings or photos can be used as evidence are common. It can be tempting to record your spouse secretly if their behavior behind doors is much different from what they portray in public. Read on to find out whether you can use secret recordings of your partner as evidence and what is accepted as evidence in Illinois.

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Posted in: Divorce

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