Chicago Illinois Family Law Blog

How Allocation of Parenting Time Can Affect Your Child’s School Arrangements

By Nottage and Ward on September 6, 2016

In 2016, the state of Illinois changed the term “custody” into “allocation of parenting responsibilities” in order to separate parenting responsibility issues such as education, religion, living arrangements etc. from parenting time. When a divorce occurs, it can be especially traumatizing for the children involved. Parents should always consider how their actions and the decisions they make both during and after the divorce will affect their children. Parents can sometimes come to an agreement over these custody issues on their own if the divorce was amicable, but other times when a decision cannot be reached or disputes arise, the courts need to step in and evaluate the possible solutions. Courts always try and do what is in the best interest of the child when it comes to determining custody related issues, so they will first examine the specific facts of each individual case before rendering their decision.

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Posted in: Child Allocation

Here’s Why You Need a Forensic Accountant to Deal with Your Divorce Investments

By Nottage and Ward on August 26, 2016

Divorce: It’s that dreaded word that no one wants to hear, yet half of marriages today will experience it. Not only does divorce bring with it the emotional heartache and stress, but it comes with the overwhelming job of dividing up all assets between you and your spouse. This division of property can become especially complicated when you and your spouse shared investments. These can include your home, vacation properties, real estate, businesses or corporations, stocks, bonds, retirement plans, and any other financial investments you and your spouse made during the course of the marriage.

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Posted in: Divorce

Grandparent Adoption In Illinois

By Nottage and Ward on July 11, 2016

As a grandparent, you play a big role in your grandchild’s life. You love them, support them, and even protect them. You are there when their parents cannot be, and in the event of a tragedy, you are there to also serve as a parent. You certainly aren’t alone. The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services reports that approximately 100,000 other grandparents in the state are raising their grandchildren.

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Posted in: Adoption

Illinois Post-Nuptial Agreements

By Nottage and Ward on June 7, 2016

A post-nuptial agreement is similar to a prenuptial agreement. The basic difference between the two is that a post-nuptial agreement is created after the couple enters a civil union or marriage, rather than before. The most common purpose of a post-nuptial is to assign the division of assets should the couple decide to get a divorce or separate. The agreement can also be implemented in the event of a spouse’s death.

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New Illinois Law Makes Major Changes to Divorce Process

By Nottage and Ward on February 23, 2016

In the new year, Illinois has made major changes to its divorce and family laws. For the first time in years, Illinois has updated its Dissolution of Marriage Act, changing the way the state handles divorces.

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Posted in: Divorce

Chicago Divorce Inquiries Spike After the New Year, Say Studies

By Nottage and Ward on February 3, 2016

The first Monday after the new year always means a significant increase in inquiries by people who are considering a divorce. The trend is so well-known that in Great Britain it even has a name: “Divorce Day.”

Here in the United States, studies have found that calls to divorce attorneys rise 20 to 30 percent in the first weeks of the new year. Some attorneys compare it to a “New Year’s resolution.” They note that for many people, the conclusion of the holidays–plus the potential represented by the new year–are enough of a push for them to seek the advice they need to make a change.

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Posted in: Divorce

Why Do Some Long-Term Illinois Marriages End in Divorce?

By Nottage and Ward on November 15, 2015

Every Sunday newspaper reports the happy anniversaries of couples who’ve been married twenty, forty, or even fifty years. But for every happy long-term couple, there is a couple seeking to split after decades of marriage.

Why do these couples break up? What can you do if you are contemplating divorce after many years of marriage?

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Posted in: Divorce

How to Face Your Fears During Divorce and Conquer Them

By Nottage and Ward on November 4, 2015

During any divorce, the two most common negative emotions people experience are anxiety and fear.  These are understandable feelings.  You’re stepping away from everything you know, into a future where all the details – from your financial health to the time you spend with your children – are uncertain.

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Posted in: Divorce

Common Questions About Child Custody in Illinois

By Nottage and Ward on October 22, 2015

When a Chicago couple divorces, one of the most pressing questions is: “How will we handle custody?”  Deciding where the children will live and how major life decisions will be made for them is essential to providing the safety, stability, and support children need.

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Posted in: Child Allocation

Tips To Survive a High Asset Divorce

By Nottage and Ward on October 5, 2015

Any divorce is a difficult situation. But, when you have a high net worth, a divorce can be even more complex and stressful. You have to not only work through the emotions of ending your marriage, but have to also defend yourself and the financial assets you’ve worked so hard to build. In negotiating the terms of a high asset divorce, an experienced Chicago lawyer can help sort through you and your spouse’s financial details. Items like retirement accounts, stocks, and real estate will need to be equitably split between you and your ex. A lawyer can also investigate your financial situation to make sure all assets are found and shared in your divorce. Contact Nottage and Ward, LLP to discuss your situation.

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Posted in: Divorce

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