RelocationBy Erin WilsonFamily Law, April 2020In In Re Marriage of Collingbourne, the Illinois Supreme Court further developed the five factors to balance in removal cases set forth in In re Marriage of Eckert.
Where’s the Equity?By Ron CohenFamily Law, April 2020A look at how Supreme Court Rule 13, 735 ILCS 5/2-1301, 735 ILCS 5/2-1302, 735 ILCS 5/2-1401, 750 ILCS 5/405, Supreme Court Rule 105, and the equitable powers inherent in all courts of general jurisdiction are used.
No DNA for You!By Jessica PatchikFamily Law, March 2020If a father has signed a voluntary acknowledgement, the Parentage Act does not give the court authority to order DNA testing after the fact.
DCFS Safety Plans: How Best to Represent Your Client When DCFS Proposes a Safety PlanBy Elizabeth ButlerFamily Law, December 2019Attorneys representing parents during Department of Child & Family Services investigations can offer valuable assistance in guiding the parents through the drafting and implementation of the safety plan to ensure the most successful and speedy resolution of the investigation.
Suggestions for Fair PlayBy Matthew A. KirshFamily Law, December 2019In family law, although judges are the ultimate decision makers, it often feels to our clients that we have turned their lives over to a guardian ad litem or a mental health professional who will render opinions and make recommendations.
Jurisdiction Under the Uniform Interstate Family Support ActBy Howard Feldman & John S. MorseFamily Law, October 2019Family law practitioners serving clients whose work takes them out of the state or country or who have relocated to Illinois from a foreign jurisdiction must be cognizant of the provisions of the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act and principles of civil procedure and jurisdiction not often front-of-mind in dissolution and support cases.
Tips from an international family lawyerBy David N. SchafferInternational and Immigration Law, July 2019Insights, protocols, and lessons learned from one attorney's international practice.
Another playing field to levelBy Kevin H. SavilleFamily Law, May 2019All family lawyers have receivables problems, and there can be a number of solutions if we think outside the box.
Tips from an international family lawyerBy David N. SchafferFamily Law, May 2019Insights, protocols, and lessons learned from one attorney's international practice.
Does the decree provide for long-term success and stability?By Rob ZuikerFamily Law, March 2019When you resolve a divorce for your client and the decree is finalized, are you confident that your client is now properly positioned for the next stage?
Is cryptocurrency the new Swiss bank account?By Janice L. Boback & Stephanie L. TangFamily Law, March 2019The basics of bitcoin trading and tips for lawyers to help protect and educate their clients.
Unintended consequencesBy William ScottFamily Law, March 2019Summaries of cases that demonstrate the problems that arise when a client does not remove their ex-spouse as the beneficiary.
Is it income? Depends who is countingBy Richard D. Felice & Joseph M. BeckFamily Law, February 2019After considering the new maintenance formula, the repeal of the Illinois deduction, and changes in section 505 of the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act, attorneys are now confronted with an ever-changing landscape as to what defines a party's income for child support and maintenance calculations.
Enforcement of prenuptial agreements following Kranzler and WoodrumBy Stephanie L. TangFamily Law, December 2018Two recent cases—In re Marriage of Woodrum and In re Marriage of Kranzler—help clarify the criteria courts will consider when determining enforceability of a prenuptial or postnuptial agreement.
In re Marriage of Hodges: Equitable estoppel revisitedBy Arnold F. BlockmanGeneral Practice, Solo, and Small Firm, December 2018A summary of In re Marriage of Hodges, in which the court found equitable estoppel to be a valid defense to an enforcement proceeding to collect a child support arrearage.
New programs in Cook County’s Domestic Relations DivisionBy Grace G. DicklerFamily Law, November 2018In light of recent changes in family law in Illinois and an uptick in the number of litigants navigating cases without assistance of an attorney, multiple committees have been assembled to ensure that Cook County's Domestic Relations Division offers programs and policies appropriate to meet the changing needs of families.
Alleging and defending dissipation: Cheating, gambling, and jet-setting—oh my!By Marie SarantakisFamily Law, September 2018When allocating spouses’ property under 750 ILCS 5/503 of the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act, courts are to assess whether a spouse engaged in the dissipation of marital assets.
In re Marriage of Hodges: Equitable estoppel revisitedBy Arnold F. BlockmanFamily Law, September 2018A summary of In re Marriage of Hodges, in which the court found equitable estoppel to be a valid defense to an enforcement proceeding to collect a child support arrearage.
Not so fast, Buddy—Retirement and termination of maintenanceBy Marilyn F. Longwell & Anne L. MuellerFamily Law, September 2018Not unlike the issue of the award of maintenance at the time of dissolution, the totality of the circumstances must be considered as to whether retirement justifies a termination of maintenance.
