What is Parental Alienation? Parental Alienation occurs when a child shows extreme preference for one parent (the “Preferred Parent”) over another parent (the “Rejected Parent”) as a result of efforts by the Preferred Parent to alienate the child from the Rejected Parent. Parental Alienation can significantly complicate a divorce and the accompanying allocation of shared parental responsibilities. Parental alienation is …
I have always been passionate about resolving disputes outside of court, especially when children are involved. It’s one of the (many) reasons why I love mediation. I’m excited to announce that I have been accepted into the Amicable Divorce Network for both Illinois and New York. I just completed my training and am excited to help walk folks who are …
Can the custodial parent claim the Earned Income Tax Credit while the noncustodial parent claims a different tax credit? After a divorce with children, it can be very confusing when it comes to figuring out which parent can claim which child tax credit. In most circumstances, only one parent is able to claim a child for the following tax credits: …
Is it too late for a prenup if I’m already married? In Illinois, prenups become effective on the day that you and your betrothed are legally married. If you’re past that point, a prenuptial agreement is no longer a valid option. That does not mean it is too late for you and your spouse to protect yourselves and your respective …
Not all prenuptial agreements are created equal. Sometimes, in the course of a divorce proceeding, the court will strike down a prenup and refuse to enforce it between the divorcing parties. If you are working with an attorney to draft a strong prenuptial agreement between you and your betrothed, or if you have a prenup and are contemplating a divorce, …
I note three key issues usually discussed in prenuptial agreements in this short video. They are the identification of separate/ marital property, spousal maintenance and estate rights. Interested in a free 15 minute consultation on a nuptial agreement? Please contact cari@rinckerlaw.com or call (217) 531-2179.
What is considered income for child support and maintenance calculations during a divorce can be very complex especially when it comes to inheritance. The Illinois Supreme Court recently helped to uncomplicate one gray area when it held that mandatory individual retirement account (IRA) distributions and withdrawals are considered income when calculating child support and maintenance calculations In re Marriage of …
In the first quarter of 2022, inflation is up over 8%, the highest since the early 1980s. With this high inflation rate, you are likely paying more for everything for your child – from gas in your car, to diapers and music lessons. Maybe you’re wondering if your child support payments can go up to match your increased costs. Unfortunately, …
Divorce is rarely simple. When two people’s lives are intertwined—physically, emotionally, and legally—separating the individual strands can be a task akin to untying the Gordian knot. The longer a couple has been together and the more they share, the more difficult this task becomes. It can be even more difficult if the divorcing couple co-owns a business or one spouse …
Do I need a prenup before I get married? No one gets married with the intention of getting divorced, but it is always a good idea to protect your rights and your property in the event that life does not goes as planned, regardless of your financial circumstances. Divorce is inevitably complicated, contentious, and unpredictable. In Illinois, the law requires …
Divorce necessitates frank discussions concerning numerous touchy subjects. It can be difficult for one or both spouses to talk about these things but doing so is essential to make divorce a more constructive process. Negotiations become even tenser when children are involved. For instance, the divorcing couple needs to make critical decisions about the allocation of parental responsibilities, and it …