It is extremely important to understand your financial situation, especially if you are getting a divorce. It is not uncommon for people to try to keep certain assets from their spouses when it comes to dividing them during a divorce. Unfortunately, nearly 15 million Americans reported that they have at least one bank account or credit card account that their live-in partner does not know about. Though you may think it is difficult to figure out if your spouse is hiding assets from you, it can become obvious if you know what you are looking for. Here are five signs that your spouse may be hiding something:

You Notice an Increase in Transactions on Your Bank Statements

You should know your spouse’s spending habits better than anyone. If you notice unusual transactions or purchases, it could be a sign that he or she is trying to cover their trail. An increase in large purchases, such as cars, artwork or jewelry could be a sign that your spouse is trying to convert their cash to physical assets. Unusual ATM transactions could be a sign that your spouse is moving money from a joint account to a secret account.

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Traditionally, divorce has been frowned upon, especially if a couple has children. It was thought that children were better off growing up in a family where their parents were married. But staying in an unhappy marriage can mean a life of misery for you and can actually be detrimental to your children. Though “staying together for the kids” was once seen as an act of decency, it is now seen as an act of ignorance because children pick up on familial tension far more than some adults realize. That tension can manifest itself in many different ways in children, none of them being favorable. Here are four ways staying in a bad marriage could affect your children:

Chronic Stress

Sure, your kids might not know exactly why you and your spouse are fighting, but they can pick up on the tension that the fighting creates, which can lead to stress. Children look up to both of their parents and when they are both fighting constantly, they feel tense around them, rather than relaxed. Chronic stress can lead to problems such as depression and chronic fatigue.

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There is no way around it - getting a divorce will be difficult at times, stressful during the divorce proceedings and emotionally demanding during most of the process. A divorce is the legal separation of you and your spouse, but it goes much deeper than that - divorce is also the emotional separation of you and your spouse and the end of your relationship. It is only normal for you to go through a mourning period, but there are things that you can do to make your divorce go as smoothly as possible, ultimately saving you a lot of pain and distress.

1. Think of Your Divorce as a Business Transaction

Though it will be difficult, emotionally distancing yourself from your relationship will help you immensely. Marriage is just a legal contract that you entered into with your spouse - now you are getting out of that contract, which is the divorce. Try to treat the process like you would treat a severing of a business relationship - your heart will thank you.

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There is no one answer for how children of any age will react to their parents’ divorce, but there are common reactions that have been observed in children of different age groups. These common reactions can give you things to look for in your children when you are going through a divorce and can help you plan how to deal with these reactions.

Infants (Ages 0 to 18 Months): At this time in their lives, the child knows only the love that their parents give them by holding them and spending time with them. A divorce can impact the amount of time that a parent spends with the child, which can have negative effects on the baby. Infants can sense a lot more tension in the home than you think they can. Possible reactions to the tension can be:

• Nervousness around new people;
• Loss of appetite or change in eating habits;
• Frequent outbursts or tantrums; and
• An uneasy stomach.

Toddlers (Ages 18 Months to 3 Years): When children are toddlers, their main interactions are still with their parents, or siblings if they have them. For toddlers, change can be difficult for them. Toddlers thrive off of routine and predictability, so when their routines are changed or interrupted, they can have negative reactions. These reactions can include:

• An increase in crying or tantrums;
• Wanting more attention than normal;
• Trouble sleeping; and
• Feelings of anger.

Preschoolers (Ages 3 to 5 Years): A preschoolers are exposed more to the outside world, their level of thinking becomes more complex and their world is expanded. These children are trying to make sense of the world that they do not yet understand, so when they are in a family in which parents are going through a divorce, they probably do not understand why mommy and daddy are no longer together. Reactions during this stage can include:

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Divorce is not an easy concept for many children to grasp. Even if they understand the basics of what a divorce means, many children still cling to the hope that their parents might get back together. Introducing your children to your new partner is a task that can be daunting and requires a certain level of prudence. Your children should be at the forefront of your concerns, so dating after your divorce should be as unobtrusive to your children as possible until both you and they are ready to open their minds and arms to a new way of life. Timing Is Everything If you introduce your new partner to your children before they have had time to mourn the dissipation of their family unit, results could be less-than-desirable. Some experts say it takes at least a year before children are comfortable with their new life and have settled into their new routine of having divorced parents. You should also give the new relationship time so that you can evaluate the potential of the relationship. When children have new people in their lives, they tend to get attached to them. If that person is suddenly not there anymore, they will have to go through the break up just like you. While there are no guarantees that any relationship is long term, you should be sure that your new partner understands your concerns that you have about introducing them to your children. Be Honest with Your Children Though this is an age-sensitive topic, you should be as honest as is appropriate with your children. You can tell younger children that your new partner is your new friend and that you would like him or her to become friends with each other. With older children or teenagers, they might be more curious as to the status of the relationship. If you feel comfortable doing so, you can tell teenagers that you are dating and that your new partner is your new boyfriend or girlfriend. Get Help From a DuPage County Divorce Attorney

For some people, dating after a divorce can be an exciting and fun time in their life. You are able to explore your feelings for other people and enjoy the freedom from your ex, but you should also take into consideration how new relationships will affect your children. Going through divorce can be tough on children, but with the help of an Aurora divorce lawyer, you can help your children avoid the stress of a divorce. Contact the Law Office of Matthew M. Williams, P.C. at 630-409-8184 to set up a consultation.

 

Source:

https://expertbeacon.com/how-introduce-your-children-new-partner-after-divorce#.W5AW1egzpPY

“I think we should get a divorce.” Whether those words came as a total and complete shock or it was only a matter of time until they were uttered, it is never easy to hear that your marriage is falling apart. Divorce is an emotionally draining process, but it can also put a strain on your finances. Luckily, you can alleviate some of that strain by making sure you are well prepared before you even begin the divorce process. Making sure your finances are in order before you begin can save you some stress and a headache or two in the long run. Gather Your Records

Your first step in preparing yourself and your finances for divorce is by gathering all of your financial records and making copies of them. You should make sure that you have copies of your:

• Bank account statements from the past year, including checking and savings;
• Current retirement account statements;
• Documents pertaining to your mortgage, car loans and any personal loans;
• Credit card statements from the past year;
• Recent pay stubs; and
• Your tax returns from the past couple years.

Open New Bank Accounts (and Start Saving) As soon as you are legally separated from your spouse, you should open new checking and savings accounts, but in your name only. This will ensure that your money is not going to be a part of your marital property, which is subject to division during a divorce. You should also make sure that you are putting away a little bit of your income each month. Transitioning from living with two incomes to only your own income can be challenging, so making sure you have some sort of a safety net is good. Take Record of What You Own When you begin dividing your marital property, you should know what you own, what you are entitled to and what cannot be subject to division by state law. Make lists of both marital and nonmarital property, including everything from retirement accounts to your collection of antique postage stamps. You should also try to estimate what each item is worth, that way you can make sure both you and your spouse are getting equitable shares of your marital estate. Create a Budget Write down all of your sources of income for each month and all of your expenses, taking into account that you will only be working with your own income from now on. Before your divorce, weekly trips to the nail salon might have been doable, but can you still afford them after you are divorced. Try to cut back on your spending and using that money to build your new savings account. Speak with a Knowledgeable DuPage County Divorce Attorney

There are many things that will stress you out during your divorce, but your finances do not have to be one of them. Speaking with an Aurora divorce attorney can help you get your financial affairs in order, figure out which property you are entitled to and plan for the long term. Contact the Law Office of Matthew M. Williams, P.C. to begin preparing for your divorce today. To schedule a consultation, call the office at 630-409-8184.

 

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Getting a divorce is a time-consuming, stressful and frustrating process. Not only are you legally separating yourself from your ex, but you are also emotionally cutting them out of your life - a divorce is a loss and it should be treated like one. There are many considerations you must make when you get a divorce and that are a lot of ways you can make mistakes, but an Illinois divorce attorney who has experience in successful divorce cases can help you make the right decisions for your family. From issues with finances to issues with your emotional wellbeing, here are five mistakes that you should avoid making during your divorce: Not Being Prepared and Informed The thing that is going to help you most during your divorce is being prepared with all of the information that you are going to need and being informed about your financial situation. Prior to beginning a divorce, make sure you have enough money set aside for legal fees, court costs and other costs you may incur. You should also have copies of all important financial documents and records including bank statements, pay stubs, tax returns, property deeds, vehicle titles and registrations, wills and trusts and any other pertinent information. Not Considering All of Your Options Many people think that their only option when it comes to divorce is the traditional divorce litigation. Now, there are many forms of alternative dispute resolution to choose from when you want to divorce, including mediation, collaborative law, and simplified dissolution. You should talk with an attorney to discuss all of your options before you choose one. Not Putting Your Children First With everything that you are thinking about and dealing with during a divorce, your children can be unintentionally put on the backburner. You should always have your children at the forefront of the decisions that you are making. Make sure you have a parenting plan created when you get a divorce so that you and your children know what will happen once the separation is final. Letting Your Emotions Take Over Though it may seem impossible, letting your emotions get the best of you during your divorce is not good for anyone. You may have feelings of anger, sadness, grief, and resentment boiling in your mind, but you cannot let those feelings fuel your decisions that will affect you for the rest of your life. Seeing a counselor or therapist can help you sort out these emotions during this troubling time. Not Hiring a Knowledgeable DuPage County Divorce Lawyer

One of your biggest mistakes can be not hiring competent legal representation. You should always have some sort of legal counsel with you when you are negotiating terms of your divorce settlement so that you can be informed about the decisions you are making and how they will impact you later. By hiring a well-versed Aurora divorce lawyer, you can be sure that all of your needs are being taken care of. The attorneys at the Law Office of Matthew M. Williams, P.C. will advocate for you and guide you every step of the way through your divorce. Call the office at 630-409-8184 to schedule an appointment.

 

Sources:

https://www.huffingtonpost.com/cheryl-and-joe-dillon/common-divorce-mistakes_b_6057888.html

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As summer comes to a close, children are returning back to school, some of which are excited to begin learning new things, while others are depressed that summer vacation is over. While some children are anxious to begin the new school year, some parents are as well. New school years can bring about issues for some divorced parents, such as purchasing school supplies, managing permission forms, communicating with teachers, and parent-teacher conferences. Back-to-school time can be daunting for divorced parents, which is why it can be beneficial to keep these tips in mind when dealing with issues that may arise throughout the school year:

Split the Cost of School Supplies

With the start of a new school year comes the need for new school supplies. With a long list of pencils, crayons, paper, folders and scissors that the teacher sends home, plus new school clothes, uniforms, shoes, a backpack and lunchbox, it is safe to say you will probably be spending a small fortune on these items. If you and your spouse do not have a prior arrangement worked out, it is a good idea to split the cost of these supplies, so one of you is not bearing the brunt of it.

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In addition to dividing property, savings accounts, and retirement funds, many divorcing couples also have children that they must make arrangements for. Divorce is hard on everyone in the family, but it is arguably the hardest on the children. By creating a comprehensive parenting plan that encompasses as many issues pertaining to the children as possible, you can help eliminate some of the trepidation and mystery that a divorce brings.

Parenting Plan Is Required by Law

Under Illinois law, all couples who are divorcing and have children together must submit a parenting plan that covers a certain set of issues. These parenting plans help the court decide what the proper course of action is when awarding parenting responsibility and parenting time. If a couple does not have a comprehensive parenting plan to submit to the courts, they will be required to attend mediation to come up with a parenting plan that is agreeable to both parents.

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Those who have gone through a divorce will tell you that it is no easy feat. In addition to all of the logistics of a divorce, it also comes with emotional worries and changes, especially to children. Children are usually flexible and good adapters, so most children are fine after a short period of reassurance from their parents. In order to ensure that your child understands the divorce and transitions to their new life, it is important that you understand how to talk to your children about the divorce. Here are five tips that might make telling your kids a bit easier:

1. Choose the Right Time to Tell Them

Timing is everything. If you and your spouse are just fighting, do not tell your kids that you are getting a divorce because you threatened one in a fight. Kids can be sensitive about divorce, so until your divorce is finalized or close to being finalized, you should hold off on the conversation.

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One of the most complicated and confusing times of your life can be your divorce. Divorce can bring about a plethora of emotions such as anger, jealousy, resentment, sadness, and rage. These emotions are normal, but they can make you lose sight of what is really important when it comes to divorce. Here are some do’s and don’ts that you can follow during your divorce to help you keep your sights on what is important. These tips can help remind you of what you should focus on during your divorce.

Do:

• Stop arguing with your spouse. It is doing nothing positive for you or them and is only stressing you out more.
• Try to resolve things together. Your goal should try to keep things as amicable as possible between you and your spouse. It will save you a lot of time, money and stress in the long run.
• Eliminate intimacy between you and your spouse. Any kind of emotional, verbal and physical intimacy can be confusing if you are in the process of getting a divorce.
• Think of divorce as a business transaction. Though you are emotionally severing ties, marriage is a legal contract and you should try to think of your divorce as an ending of that contract.
• Fight for your fair share in the divorce settlement. In Illinois, marital property is divided in an equitable way, meaning the division is not necessarily equal. You should fight for your fair share of marital property when it comes to divorce proceedings.

Do Not:

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So you have gone through all of the steps and jumped through all of the hoops to request and receive child support. But now you have a substantial change in your life, which will require a change in your child’s support. Though it is not impossible to make a modification to the child support orders, it can be a tedious process due to the requirements that need to be met before you can have the modifications granted.

Can I Ask for a Child Support Modification?

Once a child support order is issued, the non-custodial parent must pay child support until the child turns 18 or graduates from high school, whichever is later. Existing child support orders can go through the modification review process if:

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There are a million and one things that you need to cover in a divorce settlement. There is the house, child support, allocation of parenting responsibilities, splitting bank accounts, and determining spousal support. With so many things already on your mind, it is easy to forget about things that are smaller - but still just as important. These things may not be significant now, but they can affect you in the future. Debts or Other Financial Obligations Usually divorcing couples argue about who gets the money in the savings account and who gets to keep the house - nobody is arguing about who gets to repay debt. When you get divorced, you are not forgiven of your debt and you still have the responsibility to pay it back. Whether it be personal debt, credit cards, or a mortgage, you should outline who pays what so there is no confusion. Car Insurance If you have children, car insurance is something you will have to consider when they come of age to drive. Many insurance companies will increase your premiums automatically when your children reach the driving age, even if they are not actually driving your car. The sooner you can negotiate how those extra costs are divided, the better. College Costs for Your Children In Illinois, parents have the responsibility to help their children attend post-secondary education if they choose to. This means that the courts will require one or both parents to contribute to the child’s education if it is necessary. Portions of the parents' income or property could be used to cover costs such as college application fees, college entrance exams, books and supplies, living expenses and tuition. You can choose to outline your own college payment plans in a divorce settlement if you do not want the courts to decide for you. Collections and Memorabilia Things such as books, art, antiques, and coins can be just a hobby to you, but they can be worth a lot of money. Not only are they intrinsically valuable to you, they are also financially valuable, so it is important for you to decide what happens to them when you divorce. Get Help from a Kendall County Divorce Lawyer

There are many things that should be covered in a divorce settlement--too many things for you to remember on your own. If you are getting a divorce, you should contact a Naperville divorce attorney to help you keep everything straight. Rely on the Law Office of Matthew M. Williams, P.C. to help you come to a comprehensive and agreeable divorce settlement. Call the office at 630-409-8184 to set up a consultation.

 

Source:

https://www.forbes.com/sites/jefflanders/2013/10/16/divorcing-women-dont-forget-these-marital-assets/

In a divorce, things can get ugly and they can get ugly fast. Once you have made the decision to separate from your spouse, the last thing you want to do is spend months, even years, arguing with them over certain things, attending court hearings, and waiting for the courts to finalize everything. This is the case for many couples who cannot come to an agreement on things. When you make the decision to divorce, you want the divorce to go as quickly and as smoothly as possible. This is where a joint simplified dissolution of marriage may come in handy. What Is a Joint Simplified Dissolution of Marriage?

This type of divorce is an uncontested divorce, meaning there are not any points of disagreement or argument between the two parties who are getting divorced. Generally, for the divorce to be uncontested, both spouses have to agree on:

• Division of the marital property;
• Spousal support;
• How marital debts will be paid off; and
• Any other issue arising from the marriage.

A joint simplified dissolution is entered into willingly by both parties and essentially expedites your divorce, but there is a catch - not all couples can use the simplified version of divorce. Qualifications for a Joint Simplified Dissolution of Marriage

The Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act states that the only couples who are eligible to use this process are couples who meet all of the following set of criteria:

• Neither spouse is dependent on the other for support;
• Both spouses waive their rights to support;
• At least one spouse has been a resident of the state of Illinois for at least six months prior to the divorce petition;
• Proof of irreconcilable differences has been met;
• No children were born of the relationship, the couple did not adopt a child and the wife is not pregnant with the husband’s child;
• The marriage did not last longer than eight years;
• Neither spouse has property or retirement benefits, or the retirement benefits are held in separate accounts and are less than $10,000 in value;
• The total value of all marital property is less than $50,000;
• The combined gross annual income from all sources is less than $60,000 and neither spouse makes over $30,000 annually;
• Both spouses have disclosed all of their assets, liabilities and tax returns during the marriage;
• Both spouses have formed a written agreement dictating the division of assets, debts, and liabilities; and
• Both parties have agreed upon who is responsible for any companion animals.

Contact a Skilled Kendall County Divorce Lawyer

Although not all couples are eligible for a joint simplified dissolution, some couples are. Joint simplified dissolutions are the easiest and quickest way to get an uncontested divorce finalized. If you think that you might qualify for a simplified dissolution, or if you are unsure if you qualify, you should contact an Aurora divorce attorney to discuss your situation. The Law Offices of Matthew M. Williams, P.C. can help you figure out the best way to file for your situation. To set up a consultation, call the office at 630-409-8184.

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Prenuptial and postnuptial agreements have long been considered taboo or unromantic. While it is probably close to one of the most unromantic topics you could discuss, divorce is a possible reality for any married couple. Entering into a prenuptial or postnuptial agreement can help you if you do decide to get a divorce somewhere along the road. Ironically enough, these kinds of agreements can also help you during your marriage, too, which is one of the reasons why they have become more popular.

What Is a Postnuptial Agreement?

Both prenuptial and postnuptial agreements are legal documents that can outline certain things in the event that a marriage ends in divorce. Unlike prenuptial agreements, which are signed prior to the marriage, postnuptial agreements are ones that are formed and signed after a couple is already married.

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It has often been said that breaking up is hard to do. This can be especially true if you are getting a divorce, which has emotional and financial impacts, not to mention the life upheaval it brings. Not all divorces have to be full-on feuds, though. A form of alternative dispute resolutions, a collaborative divorce is designed to keep the peace between separating spouses and come out on the other side with a settlement that is mutually agreeable. What Is Collaborative Divorce?

The theory behind a collaborative divorce is that both spouses will work together (or collaborate) to come to an agreement that they can both be satisfied with. Both spouses have their own lawyers, much like a traditional litigated divorce. Rather than deciding issues in court, the collaborative process takes place in private meetings between the two spouses and their lawyers where the group negotiates their issues, rather than having a judge decide their outcomes. Collaborative divorce begins with both spouses sign an agreement stating that they will:

• Not go to court;
• Be honest with one another and foster communication; and
• Take a problem-solving approach to their divorce.

Collaborative Law Professionals

In addition to their separate attorneys, couples who are using the collaborative model for divorce also have a team of trained professionals to guide them through the different issues that a divorce comes with. These professionals might include:

• A financial planner;
• A child psychologist;
• A family therapist;
• A real estate broker; and
• A parenting coordinator.

Financial Benefits of Collaborative Divorce There are many benefits of a collaborative divorce, such as increased control over your outcomes, a speedier timeline and much less stress and anxiety than a litigated divorce. One benefit that not many people think about is that it can be financially smart, too. Litigated divorces often add up in costs very quickly. In a litigated divorce, you are responsible for all court costs and fees every time you appear in court to decide an issue. With collaborative law, you decide all of your issues before you step foot in a courtroom. Contact a Trained Naperville Collaborative Divorce Lawyer

Collaborative divorce can greatly reduce the strain and emotional impact that divorce has on a person. Because of the nature of collaborative divorce, spouses are required to work together to solve their issues--not fight about them. This creates a more communicative nature between the spouses, which increases the likelihood of successful post-divorce outcomes. Your first step in beginning the collaborative divorce process is finding a Kendall County collaborative divorce attorney. The Law Office of Matthew M. Williams, P.C. can help you take the first steps toward a fair divorce. To set up a consultation, call 630-409-8184.

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When you are going through a divorce, it can be a confusing process, especially because of all the words and legal terms that are used in divorce proceedings and paperwork. Understanding all of the legal jargon that is used during this process is crucial to you reaching a divorce settlement that you are satisfied with. Even some words that have normal meanings can have different meanings when used in a legal setting, which is why it is important that you educate yourself on specific words and phrases used in Illinois divorce proceedings. Marital Property: The Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act states that marital property is all property, including debts, that is acquired by either spouse during the marriage.

Non-Marital Property: The Act also states that there are exceptions to marital property, which is called non-marital property. Examples of non-marital property include:

• Property acquired by gift, legacy or descent;
• Property acquired in exchange for property acquired before the marriage;
• Anything acquired by either spouse after a legal separation; and
• Property excluded in a prenuptial or post-nuptial agreement.

Parenting Responsibilities: In Illinois, the term “custody” is no longer used. Instead, parenting responsibilities means both parenting time and important decision-making responsibilities when it comes to a child. Parenting Time: This refers to the time when a parent is responsible for taking care of the child and making non-significant decisions regarding the child.

Parenting Plan: This is a written agreement between parents that allocates and specifies certain things concerning their child. Things that can be covered in a parenting plan include:

• Parenting time;
• Decision-making responsibilities;
• Living arrangements;
• Schooling; and
• Child support, if applicable.

Relocation: The term relocation is used when a parent moves a child from their current residence to a new residence. Spousal Maintenance: In Illinois, the term “alimony” has been replaced with spousal maintenance. This is the term used for any sort of payment that is paid from one spouse to another after a divorce depending on each spouse’s financial situation and needs. Get Representation from a Kendall County Divorce Lawyer

Divorce can be confusing, but it does not have to be. With the help of a well-versed Aurora divorce attorney, you can understand and be fully involved in your divorce. When you choose to be represented by an attorney from the Law Office of Matthew M. Williams, P.C., you can rest easy knowing your divorce case is in good hands. Call the office at 630-409-8184 to set up a consultation.

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For some people, divorce may be a peaceful process. They may already know who will get the house, who will keep the dog and where their child will live. And if they do not already know, they may be able to quickly agree on those things. For the majority of divorcing couples, the decisions are not that easy and deciding parental responsibilities can become a long and combative process. When this happens, Illinois courts may decide to take things into their own hands and conduct interviews, evaluations, and investigations as to what the best parenting arrangement would be for the child. The Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act allows the court to require evaluations if the parents cannot come to an agreement on their own. Court Interviews Because the determination of parental responsibilities directly affects the child, it is important to understand his or her wishes in regard to the situation. Sometimes, the child does not have the chance to voice their wishes and in this case, the court will conduct an interview with the child to try to determine what they would prefer. According to the Act, counsel will be present during the interview and the interview will be recorded by a court reporter. Professional Evaluation

In addition to interviews, the court may either appoint a professional to conduct an evaluation or if a parent requests an evaluation, will allow either parent to choose a professional for the job. The professional’s job is to interview the parents and the child, observe the child with each parent, review court documents pertaining to the case, contact other professionals such as teachers, daycare workers, therapists and doctors and conduct psychological testing if needed. The professional’s report to the court must contain:

• A description of what the professional did to evaluate the situation;
• A report of his or her findings;
• Any test results gathered;
• The professional’s conclusions pertaining to parental responsibilities;
• The professional’s recommendations concerning the allocation of parental responsibilities; and
• An explanation of any limitations the evaluator may have come across.

Know When to Contact a DuPage County Parental Responsibility Lawyer

If you have gone to court to determine who gets certain parental responsibilities, you should seek the help of an Aurora parental responsibility attorney. If you get representation from the Law Office of Matthew M. Williams, P.C., you can rest easy knowing you are being well represented. Call the office at 630-409-8184 to set up a consultation.

 

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All marriages were are not created equally. Sometimes, for whatever reason, it just does not work out and it would be better if the two of you went your separate ways. But knowing when to call it quits can be a stressful and confusing time. While there is no magic answer to exactly when you should file for divorce, there are things you can consider when making your decision. You Are Only Staying Together for the Children Children understand and pick up on far more than most people give them credit for. They will know if their parents are in an unhappy marriage and studies have shown that parents staying in an unhappy relationship can actually be worse for your children than a divorce. While divorce will probably affect your children in some way, it will not be anywhere as damaging as growing up in a conflict-ridden home. You and Your Spouse Cannot Seem to Resolve Your Conflicts If you have tried to improve your conflict resolution and have even been to see a marriage counselor and still have not been able to overcome your issues, it may be time to think about a divorce. Counseling only works if both spouses are willing to critically look at their behaviors and change what is not working. If one spouse is not completely in it to win it, there is no way of reconciling what has been broken. You Are Being Treated Poorly Marriage should mean that you are being loved and respected by your spouse. If you have found that you are no longer being treated in a way that you deserve, it can be time to move on. If you are being abused, whether it be emotionally, physically, or in any other way, you should take immediate action by getting a domestic violence restraining order while you file for divorce. Nobody deserves to be treated in an abusive manner. Consult with a DuPage County Divorce Attorney

Even if you are not completely set on the idea of divorce, it can be wise to at least meet with a knowledgeable Aurora divorce lawyer to discuss your specific situation. While deciding to divorce is never an easy decision to make, in some situations, it is for the best. If you decide to go through with a divorce, the Law Office of Matthew M. Williams, P.C. can help you with every aspect, from property division to dividing parenting responsibilities. To set up a consultation, call the office at 630-409-8184.

 

Sources:

https://www.huffingtonpost.com/the-stir/10-signs-its-time-to-get-_b_2338250.html

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When you are going through divorce proceedings, one of the many facets that you will come across is issues pertaining to your children. In Illinois, physical child custody and visitation are called parenting time and legal custody is called parenting responsibility. When making decisions about these things, the court is always taking into consideration the best interests of the child. The majority of parents are concerned with their child’s best interests, but their views of what is best for the child can sometimes be clouded by everything else surrounding the divorce. Understanding what the court considers best for the child can help you anticipate what decisions the court will make with your case. What Is the “Best Interest” of the Child? In legal terms, the best interest of the child is used in most cases involving decisions made about children. This means that the judge presiding over the case will base his or her decision about parenting time and responsibilities on a number of factors to best suit the child’s individual needs. All states have some sort of standards set in place to determine what is in the child’s best interests. Determining Factors in Illinois

The Illinois Juvenile Court Act of 1987 set into place specific factors judges take into consideration when a “best interest” determination is required. The child’s age and developmental needs are taken into consideration, along with:

• The physical safety and welfare of the child, including basic needs;
• The development of the child’s identity;
• The child’s background and familial, cultural and religious ties;
• The child’s sense of attachments, including where the child feels love, their sense of security and familiarity;
• The child’s wishes;
• The child’s community ties, such as church, school, and friends;
• The child’s need for permanence and stability;
• The uniqueness of every family and child; and
• The preference of the parents.

Contact A DuPage County Parental Responsibility Lawyer

Divorce proceedings can get messy pretty quickly and parents can lose sight of what is important - their children. Everything a parent does should be in the best interests of their children and Illinois courts want to make sure of that. If you are going through a divorce with children, you should get the help of an Aurora divorce attorney who can focus on your divorce so you can focus on your children. Contact the Law Office of Matthew M. Williams, P.C. to see how they can help you with your case. Call the office at 630-409-8184 to set up a consultation.

 

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