trial
Most divorce cases in Illinois do not go to trial. Most divorce cases are simply an exchange of minimal discovery and then negotiations based on a mutual feeling for what is fair or a mistaken understanding that the law requires…
Read More
They say that a picture is worth a thousand words. At your Illinois divorce trial, give the judge a picture instead of having your witness drone on. A document. A report. A picture. Exhibits are all so much more effective…
Read More
I just spent three days in Houston, Texas at the National Family Law Trial Institute’s Advanced Cross Examination training. The best family law trial attorneys in the nation coached me and other lawyers from across America on how to best…
Read More
After an adverse ruling in an Illinois divorce trial, the parties to the divorce need not tuck their tail between their legs and say “Well, I guess that’s it.” In an Illinois divorce, it ain’t over until it’s over…and that’s,…
Read More
Sooner or later, during your Illinois divorce, you will attend a friendly status call where a party will ask that their motion be set for hearing. The judge will pause and then ask, “Will this be an evidentiary hearing?” The…
Read More
If you start a divorce in Illinois, you can stop the divorce anytime by simply filing a motion to voluntarily dismiss your petition for dissolution of marriage. “The plaintiff may, at any time before trial or hearing begins, upon notice…
Read More
You cannot just show up in an Illinois divorce court with a bunch of documents for a judge to review. Documents are an “out of court statement to prove the truth of the matter asserted.” Therefore, documents are hearsay and…
Read More
An Illinois divorce judge is the finder of fact during an Illinois divorce trial. The Illinois divorce judge determines what are true facts based on the testimony of the witnesses presented. A judge can use many different factors to determine…
Read More
In an Illinois divorce trial each party has the right to call their own witnesses in order to take testimony and/or present evidence. The initial questioning of a witness is called direct examination. After a witness is called to testify…
Read More
You are at an impasse with your ex. You both cannot agree on an issue so you have to let the judge decide. Finally, it is your day in court! Your ex is asked a simple question and then tells…
Read More