“If you can’t explain it simply, you don’t understand it well enough.” – Albert Einstein.
The term “pre-nup” is part of pop culture’s nomenclature. We hear about it on television, we hear about celebrities and athletes entering into pre-nuptial agreements, and we hear about it in music. However, how does a pre-nuptial or premarital agreement actually work, and what is the legal reason people actually enter into pre-nuptial agreements? Pre-nuptial
In Illinois there is a great deal of law as to what makes a marriage valid. 750 ILCS 200 et al. A marriage license must be applied for, a marriage must be solemnized and the marriage license must be recorded appropriately. It is exceptionally rare for a marriage conducted in Illinois to have that marriage
After child custody and support issues are settled, the next question on most divorcing peoples minds is ‘What will happen to my 401k or pension in my divorce?” As with any property in the marriage, the first order of business is to determine whether the property is marital or non-marital. If the property is marital
Jewelry is a peculiar asset. Jewelry’s value has to be estimated by a professional before that value is known. Jewelry can often “disappear” during a divorce. Most all, jewelry is usually a gift. But, who gets the jewelry in a Chicago, Illinois divorce? In Illinois, the first step is determining whether the jewelry is marital
When someone asks me “Who gets to live in the house during the divorce?” My first advice to any potential client is that you have to take care of yourself first. Take care of your physical, mental and emotional health. Most often this means moving out and away from your ex. Nothing good will happen
In 12 years of practicing family law in Chicago, Illinois I’ve found that parties almost always separate and begin pursuing separate lives before they even file for divorce. Often, the parties will then believe that a “line in the sand” has been drawn where their earnings are no longer the property of their spouse as