blog home illinois divorce reasons - Chicago Illinois Family Law Blog

illinois divorce reasons - Chicago Illinois Family Law Blog

The Real Impact of Marriage and Divorce on Kids

By Nottage and Ward on March 28, 2012

According to Psychology Today, a popular blogger and best-selling author recently declared that divorce is selfish and immature, almost always bad for kids, a sign of mental illness, and something done by “dumb people” more so than well-educated people. These are very strong statements, but that doesn’t mean they are correct. Based on the aforementioned points, it can be concluded that a married couple, even an unhappily married couple, should stay together “for the kids.” This brings up an important question, however: Does divorce cause more damage to children than an unhappy marriage?

Divorce is difficult on everyone involved, including children, and children from divorced parents tend to experience more behavioral and/or school-related problems, but does that mean that parents should stay together even though they are unhappy? The short answer is no. Factors that create issues for kids during/after a divorce can also exist during a marriage. If there is a high level of conflict between parents, it will affect their children.

Read more…

Housing Market Crash Causes Problems for Divorcing Couples

By Nottage and Ward on February 6, 2012

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.

Read more…

First Recorded Divorce in U.S. History Tells a Common Tale

By Nottage and Ward on January 9, 2012

According to History.com, the first recorded divorce in the American colonies was that of Anne Clarke and her husband Denis Clarke of the Massachusetts Bay Colony on January 5, 1643. The divorce was granted by the Quarter Court of Boston, MA on the grounds that Denis Clarke abandoned his wife to be with another woman. In a signed affidavit, Denis Clark admitted to having done just that. He and Anna Clarke had two children; he also had two children with the other woman. In the affidavit, he also stated his refusal to return to his original wife. As a result, the Puritan court had no choice but to grant a divorce to Anne Clarke, and punish her absent and adulterous husband.

Although divorce was treated with more severity in the past than it is now, this first recorded divorce highlights an important commonality in the reasons for divorce. The system by which the divorce was carried out in 1643 may be different than the system in 2012, but the reasons for the divorce, adultery and abandonment, are not uncommon today. There are many reasons why a couple may file for divorce in modern times, but the most frequent include:

Read more…

Little Black Pearl The Business of ArtWe are proud sponsors of Little Black Pearl Art and Design Center.

To learn more, click here.

Friends of the Chicago RiverProud Member of Friends of the Chicago River.

To learn more, click here.

Client Reviews

Five Stars5 Leslie has been the strongest representation I could ask for

Leslie has been the strongest representation I could ask for in a very complicated, emotional matter. She has continuously looked out for my best interest and the best interest of my son. She is always prompt in getting back to me and in keeping me well informed about my case.
-

Read More Client Reviews

Avvo Top Contributor Family Law - Jeffrey Knipmeyer
Avvo Top Contributor Divorce Law - Jeffrey Knipmeyer