Chicago Illinois Family Law Blog

Second (or Third) Marriage? How to Keep the Peace (and the House)

By Nottage and Ward on April 15, 2025

Remarriage later in life often brings joy, companionship, and a second chance at happiness. But it also comes with legal and financial complexity.

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Posted in: Divorce

Joe Jonas and Sophie Turner’s Parenting Dispute: What Happens When One Parent Wants to Relocate

By Nottage and Ward on April 9, 2025

Celebrity divorces often bring public attention to complex legal questions that many families quietly struggle with every day. One recent example is the headline-making dispute between Joe Jonas and Sophie Turner regarding the allocation of parental responsibilities.

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Posted in: Child Allocation

Celebrity Prenups: Why They Matter (and When They Can Be Challenged)

By Nottage and Ward on April 2, 2025

Prenuptial agreements—often simply called prenups—aren’t just for the ultra-wealthy or high-profile Hollywood couples.

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Why Kevin Costner’s Divorce Sparked a Fight Over Monthly Support

By Nottage and Ward on March 30, 2025

When Hollywood actor Kevin Costner’s divorce hit the headlines in 2023, it wasn’t just the famous name or real estate headlines that grabbed attention. What quickly became the focus was the support battle. Costner’s estranged wife requested six figures in monthly support, citing their lavish lifestyle, while Costner’s legal team argued for a significantly lower figure.

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No-Fault Divorce in Illinois

By Leslie Fineberg on March 12, 2025

Illinoise is a “no-fault” state. It allows you to move forward without the need to prove that someone is at fault for the breakup when ending your marriage.

Still, it’s important to understand that this path might come with its own set of challenges. This is especially true when establishing asset division, maintenance payments, and arrangements for the allocation of parental responsibilities.

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Posted in: Divorce

What You Can Learn From Jeff Bezos’ Divorce If You Own a Business

By Nottage and Ward on February 18, 2025

When Jeff Bezos, founder of Amazon, finalized his divorce in 2019, it became one of the most expensive—and educational—separations in history. With a fortune exceeding $130 billion at the time, the stakes were astronomical.

While the case was settled without public litigation, it highlighted a key reality for entrepreneurs: business ownership doesn’t exist in a vacuum, especially in a divorce.

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Posted in: Property Division

Are Your Maintenance Payments Taxable Income in Illinois?

By Leslie Fineberg on February 8, 2025

Navigating the world of maintenance payments in Illinois can feel a bit like solving a puzzle, especially when it comes to taxes. If you’re receiving maintenance payments from an ex-spouse, it’s important to know that these are generally considered taxable income in Illinois. But don’t worry, because understanding these payments and how they fit into your financial life is easier than you might think.

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Posted in: Maintenance

Cryptocurrency in Divorce: What Happens to Your Digital Wallet?

By Nottage and Ward on January 15, 2025

As digital currency becomes increasingly mainstream, more divorce attorneys face a new kind of asset in property division negotiations: cryptocurrency.

Whether it’s Bitcoin, Ethereum, or even digital art in the form of NFTs (non-fungible tokens), these assets pose serious legal and logistical challenges in high-asset divorces.

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Posted in: Divorce

Why Get a Prenuptial Agreement?

By Leslie Fineberg on January 3, 2025

Marriage is an exciting milestone, but it also comes with financial and legal considerations. One important step couples should consider before tying the knot is a prenuptial agreement (prenup). While some view prenups as unromantic, they are actually practical tools that provide financial clarity and protection for both parties. At Nottage and Ward, LLP, we help couples navigate the complexities of prenuptial agreements to ensure their future financial security.

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Should I Get a Divorce During the Holidays?

By Nottage and Ward on December 2, 2024

The holiday season is often synonymous with joy and celebration, but it can also be a time when underlying relationship tensions come to the forefront, prompting many to reassess their marital commitments. For those contemplating divorce amid the festivities, it is crucial to weigh various factors before proceeding with such a significant decision. For example, the emotional complexities of the holidays can cloud judgment, making it difficult to decide whether to remain in the marriage or pursue a new beginning.

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Posted in: Divorce

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