CHICAGO DIVORCE LAWYER ARTICLES
"If you can't explain it simply, you don't understand it well enough." - Albert Einstein.
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Ninety five percent of divorces in Cook County finalize by agreement rather than be resolved via a full blown trial. When cases do get resolved by agreement, the Cook county divorce court wants to ensure that EVERYTHING is truly resolved and agreed to. So, the Cook county court requires a final stipulation by both parties that (almost) everything is truly agreed. Stipulations are a good thing in divorce litigation. Stipulations…
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Demonstrative evidence, like a chart, a map or a drawing are effective ways to clarify an issue to a finder of fact. While common in accident cases where the laws of physics need to be explained to a jury, demonstrative evidence is not especially common in Illinois divorce cases. Demonstrative exhibits are a great idea when it comes financial issues like equitable distribution and maintenance (formerly known as alimony). For…
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An old joke best illustrates the concept of hearsay in a trial. Witness: “Then Bobby told me that he was the one that did it.” Lawyer: “Ah. So, hearsay? Witness: “Yup. I heard ‘em say it” “”Hearsay” is a statement, other than one made by the declarant while testifying at the trial or hearing, offered in evidence to prove the truth of the matter asserted.” Rule 801 – Definitions, Ill. R.…
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If you can’t agree on the final terms of a divorce, an Illinois divorce judge will make final determinations and issue a judgment of dissolution of marriage, a marital settlement order and/or a parental responsibilities and parenting time order. In order for the Illinois divorce judge to come to these conclusions that will forever affect your, your spouse and your children’s lives, the judge must weigh the evidence. Not all…
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Mirriam-Webster’s Dictionary defines “bullshit” as “nonsense; foolish insolent talk.” In an Illinois divorce, it is very likely that you’ll receive some document that is nonsense and full of foolish insolent talk. When you get this document, you will say “this is bullshit.” Illinois civil procedure provides a remedy for such bullshit: the motion to strike. If the opposing side’s pleading is illegible, incomprehensible or vague, you can ask that the…
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