Even when a divorce is mutual, the two people involved can become adversarial towards each other. Things can quickly change during a divorce case, and one side may start acting purely out of anger and frustration. When this is the case, it is important that you protect yourself by properly communicating with your spouse. This can prevent something as simple as a conversation from becoming used as evidence against you in your case.

Couples that want to get a divorce but that always want to avoid the lengthy and costly process of going through litigation will often turn to alternative dispute resolution methods, such as collaborative divorce or mediation. Both methods are extremely effective and can help the parties maintain a respectful relationship, which is important, particularly if there are children involved. However, there are differences between these two dispute resolution methods, and couples that are interested in them should know what they are.

One of the most difficult aspects of many divorce cases, particularly those that involve a long marriage, is the division of retirement accounts. Dividing these savings follows the same property division rules of the state. These accounts are divided fairly, although not necessarily equally. Dividing retirement savings in a divorce also follows a slightly different procedure and has additional rules. When a divorce involves the division of retirement accounts, it is always best to work with an Illinois divorce lawyer that can help you through the process.

Getting engaged is an exciting time. You are likely busy planning for the wedding, and cannot wait to talk about it with your family and friends. Although this is a time of celebration, it is also time to really consider your future, and how you can protect it. Premarital agreements are no longer only for the wealthy, and they are not seen as the romance killers that they once were. Instead, premarital agreements can actually strengthen your relationship, and provide the security you and your soon-to-be spouse both need. If you are planning on getting married, below are four reasons to get a …

The family home is not only the most valuable asset divided in many divorces, but it is also one of the most sentimental. The couple often purchased the home together after they got married, and they may have even raised children in the home. It is for all of these reasons that many people want to keep the family home during a divorce, but doing so is a complex process. If you want to keep your home in your divorce, below are the five steps to follow.

Social media is a significant part of the lives of so many people today. Platforms such as Twitter and Facebook can help you connect with your support group, and you may find that particularly important when you are going through a divorce. Unfortunately, posting to social media usually hurts a person during divorce more than it helps. This is particularly true when you are going through child custody hearings. The best advice is to stay off social media altogether, but that is becoming quite difficult today. So, if you are going to use social media during this difficult time, avoid posting …

When a married couple has a child in Illinois, it is assumed that the two spouses are the biological parents of the child. The same assumption is not made, however, when a child is born to unwed parents. In these cases, it must be proven that the father is the biological parent. It is important to do this soon after the child is born. Establishing paternity, and doing it early, has many benefits for the mother, father, and the child.

For couples that have children together, there are many decisions that must be made in a divorce. These decisions can be made during mediation or collaboration, or a judge can make the final determination during litigation. Mediation and collaborative law allow the couple to retain control over the process and come to an agreement that is best for both of them. During these processes, the couple will have to create a parenting plan, and there are three very important terms to include within it.