If your spouse suddenly withdraws money from a joint bank account before or during an Illinois divorce, don't panic or immediately retaliate. Learn what to document, how marital property and dissipation may apply, and when legal action may be necessary.

Understanding Your Child's Preferences in Parenting Cases It’s a common question in Illinois parenting cases: “My child says they want to live with me. Does the court have to listen to his or her preferences?” As children grow older, they often express stronger opinions about where they want to spend their time. The Role of a Child's Wishes The short answer is that a child's wishes can matter, but they do not automatically dictate where the child will live. Illinois law does

When a marriage is ending, staying under the same roof can quickly become uncomfortable. You may be sleeping in separate rooms. Conversations may turn into arguments. One spouse may be telling the other to leave. Or you may simply feel that moving out would make the situation easier for everyone. But before packing your belongings and finding somewhere else to stay, there is an important question to ask: Should you move out before filing for divorce? There is no one answer th

Weighing mediation, collaboration, or litigation for your Illinois divorce? Compare real differences in cost, timeline, and control before you decide.

Divorce is difficult enough on its own, but for some families, safety is an immediate concern — not just a long-term one. If you or your children are dealing with threats, harassment, or physical harm from a spouse, Illinois law gives you a way to seek protection that moves faster, and works differently, than the divorce case itself. Here's what an Order of Protection is, how it works alongside a divorce, and what it can and can't do. What Is an Order of Protection? An Order

If you're heading into a divorce in Illinois, one of the first questions that comes up is whether spousal maintenance — what many people still call "alimony" — will be part of the picture. Will you pay it? Will you receive it? And if so, how much, and for how long? The good news is that Illinois doesn't leave this up to a judge's gut feeling. Spousal maintenance is governed by a statutory formula that brings a fair amount of predictability to the process, even though the cour

Losing your job doesn't automatically reduce your child support obligation. Learn how child support modifications work in Illinois, what the court considers, and why acting quickly is important if your financial situation changes.

Child support plays a crucial role in ensuring children receive the financial support they need after a separation, divorce, or parentage case. In Illinois, child support is calculated using statutory guidelines designed to provide for a child's needs while considering the financial circumstances of both parents. While no major statewide child support changes appear on the immediate horizon, Illinois family law continues to evolve. Understanding how child support is currently

Learn who can claim a child on taxes after divorce in Illinois, how parenting agreements affect tax claims, and what to do if disputes arise.

Learn how Illinois courts handle parental relocation after divorce. Understand relocation laws, court approval requirements, and factors judges consider when children are involved.

Child support plays an important role in ensuring children receive the financial support they need after a separation, divorce, or parentage case. In Illinois, child support is calculated using statutory guidelines designed to provide for a child's needs while taking into account the financial circumstances of both parents. While no major statewide child support changes appear on the immediate horizon, Illinois family law continues to evolve. Understanding how child support i

Learn how retirement accounts, pensions, 401(k)s, and IRAs may be handled during an Illinois divorce. Understand marital property, equitable distribution, and retirement asset division.

Can you refuse visitation if child support isn’t being paid in Illinois? Learn how Illinois courts handle parenting time and unpaid child support disputes.

When custody disputes become tense, many parents start thinking about how to protect themselves — and their children. One of the most common questions is: “Can I record conversations with my ex to use as evidence?” It sounds like a smart move… but in Illinois, recording someone without their consent can actually create serious legal problems. Here’s what you need to know before hitting record. Illinois Is a Two-Party Consent State Illinois has one of the stricter recording la

What happens if your ex introduces a new partner to your child too soon? Learn how Illinois courts handle new relationships and parenting concerns after divorce.

What happens if your spouse refuses to sign divorce papers in Illinois? Learn how divorce can still proceed and what your legal options are.

Divorce and custody disputes are often emotional. When parents are frustrated or hurt, it can be tempting to speak negatively about the other parent—especially in front of the children. However, what many parents don’t realize is that judges pay very close attention to how parents speak about each other in private and in front of the children during a custody case. Negative comments, accusations, or attempts to turn a child against the other parent can significantly affect ho

Child support and child-related fees are court-ordered financial obligations designed to help cover a child’s basic needs, including housing, food, education, extracurricular activities, and healthcare. When a parent stops paying child support or required child-related expenses, it can create serious financial stress for the other parent and disrupt the stability of the child’s life. If a parent fails to pay court-ordered child support or child-related fees in Illinois, there

Divorce often begins long before any paperwork is filed. It starts with difficult conversations, sleepless nights, and the quiet realization that something in the relationship has changed. For many couples, the early stages of divorce feel deeply personal and emotional—focused on hurt feelings, broken trust, and uncertainty about the future. But at some point, the situation shifts. There is usually a moment when the divorce moves from being purely emotional to becoming a lega

Divorce can be emotionally difficult, but when significant finances are involved, it can also become complicated and contentious. One issue that sometimes arises during divorce proceedings is the attempt to hide assets from a spouse.