Posted on September 12, 2024 in Child Custody

When you have children, things change, sometimes so rapidly that you can hardly keep up. Some of these changes require a custody modification and the only way to accomplish this is to file the paperwork and return to court, where a judge will determine the outcome of your request. After a long, drawn-out custody battle, the very thought of going back to court to make a change can leave you dreading the process. 

If you are facing such a change, you can benefit from speaking to an experienced Batavia, IL child custody lawyer from The Law Office of Matthew M. Williams, P.C.. While it may not be the most enjoyable thing you have done recently, if a modification is in the best interests of your child, it is worth it. Your attorney can guide you through the process, making it easier and more comfortable for you. 

How Often Can I Ask the Court for Custody Modification?

Custody is now known as the allocation of parental responsibilities and refers to which parent makes decisions for the child or if the decision-making is shared. The day-to-day issues of where the child lives or visits and which parent cares for the child are referred to as parenting time or placement. Courts generally avoid making changes so the child has stability in his or her life.

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 Posted on September 06, 2024 in Property Division

While one spouse often believes he or she got the worst end of the divorce settlement, in most cases, assets are divided either under state community property laws or equitable distribution laws. Illinois operates under equitable distribution laws, which dictate that marital assets are divided fairly, which may or may not mean equally. So what circumstances could cause what seems to be a totally bizarre divorce settlement?

Strange or disparate divorce settlements are sometimes the result of a prenuptial or postnuptial agreement. Others are the result of one spouse hiding marital assets. There are specific factors in place used by Illinois family court judges when determining divorce settlements, but if you feel as though you may get the short end of the settlement, speak to an experienced Oswego, IL divorce attorney from The Law Office of Matthew M. Williams, P.C. who will aggressively defend your rights while looking out for your future.  

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 Posted on August 27, 2024 in Divorce

While the figures differ, about 42 to 50 percent of first marriages end in divorce, while about 70 percent of second and third marriages end in divorce. Some spouses never see a divorce coming, while others have known for months, if not years, that divorce is inevitable. If you are aware that your marriage may end in divorce, it is always a good idea to be as prepared and proactive as possible.

In particular, if your spouse earns the majority of the income while you stay home with the children, you need to know exactly what your marital financial situation is and what you are entitled to receive. It is also important to know whether you are entitled to spousal support and how a child custody decision is likely to go.

You can get the answers to all your questions by speaking to a Yorkville divorce attorney from The Law Office of Matthew M. Williams, P.C.. We are fully committed to every client and will guide you through the divorce process to make it as simple and comfortable as possible.  

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 Posted on August 21, 2024 in Divorce

Although every divorce has unique aspects, when those with professional careers divorce, there can be a few added layers of issues to consider. Physicians typically lead extremely busy professional lives, which can make it more difficult for them to have healthy marriages. When both spouses are physicians with tight schedules the divorce process can be extremely challenging. It can even be difficult for both spouses to show up for scheduled divorce appointments.

If you, or both you and your spouse are physicians, you need a very tailored approach to your divorce. Your North Aurora, IL divorce attorney from The Law Office of Matthew M. Williams, P.C. will represent your interests in court and handle all the divorce proceedings except those you must absolutely show up for. We will make the process easy and comfortable for you while aggressively fighting on your behalf to ensure the process is equitable in every way. There are many special considerations for physicians, and we will help you sort through each one.

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 Posted on August 20, 2024 in Child Custody

If you were granted primary custody of your child, you may experience concern when the child has visitation with the other parent. These feelings of anxiety and concern could be because you are accustomed to having your child with you for much of the time.

They could also be because you do not fully trust your ex to take proper care of your child. Your ex may have a history of flighty behavior, a drug or alcohol problem, or could be so angry with you over the divorce and custody that you are not sure what they might do.

If you live near the child’s other parent, you might decide to do a little covert surveillance by driving by to see if they are home. If they are not, your anxiety may ramp up a few notches. Perhaps your ex has taken the child to a movie, or perhaps he has decided to leave the state with the child. You simply do not know, and not knowing can be excruciating.

There are certain ways to determine where your child is, but it is extremely important that you discuss the issue with your Batavia, IL child custody lawyer from The Law Office of Matthew M. Williams, P.C. before you do anything. Your attorney will know the best legal way to handle the issue and can give you support and encouragement as well.  

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 Posted on August 15, 2024 in Child Custody

Custody determination, which is now known in Illinois as the allocation of parental responsibilities, can be a difficult time for parents going through a divorce. Since the distinctions between a civil union and a marriage can be somewhat fuzzy, parents in a civil union may be concerned about how that might affect their custody determination.

Illinois is one of only a handful of states that currently recognizes civil unions as an alternative to marriage. Since 2011, Illinois has allowed civil unions between two people of either the same or opposite sex who are not related by blood and who are at least 18 years old.  

If you are in a civil union, you may wonder how it could potentially affect custody of your child and what you need to do to prepare. The most important thing you can do is to speak with a knowledgeable St. Charles, IL custody attorney who can help you sort out the details.

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 Posted on August 09, 2024 in Child Custody

We have all been warned to avoid social media posting during a divorce or custody determination, and for the most part, we understand why and go out of our way to do so. Even the most innocent picture or post, taken out of context, can end up making a difference in the allocation of parental responsibility, spousal support, or another divorce issue. There are many ways, however, that technology can actually help you during a divorce and even afterward once you, your ex-spouse, and the children settle into your new lives.

While there are certainly many ways technology can cause trouble for you—particularly social media—below you will find some creative ways that technology can actually make everyone’s life easier. Another way to make your life simpler during divorce is to have an experienced, compassionate Aurora, IL divorce attorney from The Law Office of Matthew M. Williams, P.C. by your side from start to finish. Having an advocate in your corner really makes a difference in how you come through this difficult time.  

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 Posted on July 24, 2024 in Child Custody

Changing a name is a significant and personal step for a person, especially after a divorce. When a spouse changes her last name back to her maiden name, it reflects a change in marital status. It also indicates a new personal identity and a change in the family dynamic.

A father or mother might also want to change the name of his or her child after a divorce. However, this is not as simple as a spouse changing her name. Because both parents by default have equal rights to their child under Illinois law, both of them must be involved in the decision to change the child’s name. Note that this does not mean both parents must agree to the name change; only that they must be involved, as we will discuss. Speak with an Illinois family law attorney if you are considering a name change for you or your child.

What Is the Legal Process for Changing My Child’s Name?

If you want to change your child’s name after divorce and your co-parent agrees, the process is fairly straightforward. You can complete a Request for Name Change (Minor), which you will both sign. After you file the papers with the county clerk, a date will be set for a court hearing where you will both be required to appear. The judge is likely to approve the name change unless he or she feels for some reason that it is not in the child’s best interest.

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 Posted on July 13, 2024 in Divorce

Divorce is a trying ordeal that can bring out a mean streak even in pleasant people. Sometimes, that nastiness takes the form of false accusations, where one spouse makes untrue claims about the other spouse to achieve a legal outcome. False allegations are made in up to 35 percent of all divorces involving children, according to some estimates.

This article will discuss what can happen if your spouse makes false accusations against you and what you can do about it. Allegations made during divorce are often serious and can have severe consequences, so protect yourself by contacting an Illinois divorce attorney.

What Happens If I Am Falsely Accused?

False accusations that are made during divorce are typically grave. Common examples include:

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 Posted on July 08, 2024 in Divorce

Technology has become an integral part of our lives. Many of us are inseparable from our electronic devices. Research shows that around half of Americans admit to being addicted to their phones, which the average American checks 352 times a day.

It is understandable, therefore, that spouses going through a divorce might not be very cautious about how they use technology. This can lead to negative effects on the divorce process and impact your ability to achieve a favorable outcome.

This article will explore a few ways to be careful when using technology during a divorce. However, the best way to ensure you are using technology safely during your divorce is to seek guidance from an Illinois divorce attorney.

Your Social Media Content Can Be Used Against You

Your posts on social media can be used as evidence in court. Therefore, you will want to be careful about what you post. Imagine, for example, that you are angling for more physical custody, known in Illinois as parenting time. One night, you post photos to Instagram that show you partying with a known violent felon. This can be used in court to show that you do not have a home environment that is safe for a child.

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