When couples decide to separate, the division of assets frequently is one of the most highly contested issues. Feelings run high, and it’s not unusual for one or both former partners to dig in their heels. Why Mediation is a Better Choice? What’s the best way to end a stalemate over the division of assets in Champaign? Usually, couples that …
Divorce is a stressful situation for everyone involved. Emotions run high, and many times the main emotion being experienced is anger. This can lead to divorce negotiations becoming extensive and expensive. When the disagreements become so intense that the divorce cannot move forward, both sides of the party lose. Therefore, anyone going through a divorce may want to seek the …
Divorce can be a very complicated proceeding. Both parties can be very emotional about the entire process, and this can slow things down. When both sides are furious, the process can drag on for months because agreements cannot be made on the divorce’s important issues. Sometimes it takes a third party to get things moving and help the divorce move …
I’m very proud to be a part of a nimble profession who is able to adjust during these unprecedented times. I have been conducting meditations online via Zoom and GoToMeeting for family law disputes (including child issues and divorce matters). I took it up a notch in the month of May and completed a 20 hour training via Mediate.com. Rincker …
I get a lot of questions during consultation on the factors to determine the allocation of parental responsibilities in Illinois. Although trial court judges are given a lot of deference to take into consideration the totality of the circumstances, the statute sets forth 14 concrete factors (and one catch-all factor) for the court to consider. They are: the wishes of …
In yesterday’s post, I noted what mediation is NOT. Well, this is what mediation IS: Mediation is a Conversation Put simply, the role of the mediator is to facilitate a conversation between the parties The mediator is not there to listen to testimony like a trial or arbitration. Albeit “heated” at times, a mediation session is conversation focused. Mediation Allows …
I will be speaking tomorrow at the crack of down tomorrow morning to the CU Sunrise Rotary Club on mediation. For those of you who are in Central Illinois, I would the support! The presentation is at 6:45am and coffee (and breakfast!) will be provided. Here are my materials for the presentation on mediation available on my JD Supra page …
You might wonder if child support can be awarded retroactively. In short, it can. In deciding whether to order retroactive child support or not, the court considers the following factors: A determination of the factors specified in the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act; The noncustodial parent’s prior knowledge of the fact and circumstances regarding the child’s birth; The …
I was recently interviewed regarding my “tips for married couples”. I’m a single gal and have never been married myself; however, I feel like I’ve learned a lot about married from my chair as being a matrimonial lawyer. For what’s it’s worth, here are my $0.02. (p.s. – Happy Pi Day!) 1. Talk About Finances. When people are going through …