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Commonly Used Terms In Divorce Documents
When an individual receives a document drafted by an attorney, it often contains terms which may be confusing or unfamiliar. Attorneys use these terms to not only comply with court requirements but also to make specific arguments and requests for their clients. Although it is the attorney’s responsibility to draft every document submitted to the
Why The Stigma Surrounding Divorce Is Wrong
Many couples considering divorce are hesitant to make the decision due to their fear of the stigma they may face. In fact, 1 in 10 divorcees report staying in their marriage after they knew it was over for this exact reason. Although divorce has become a normal part of society and human relationships, a recent
We Both Want A Divorce, What Are Our Options?
For some individuals, when their spouse files for divorce, it is a shocking, unexpected act. In other situations, however, both spouses realize that for one reason or another their marriage is no longer working. When a divorce is something that both parties want, the couple is typically seeking to end the marriage as quickly and
Partners To A Civil Union In Illinois: What Are Your Rights?
In 2011, Illinois passed the Religious Freedom Protection and Civil Union Act giving protection and recognition to the legal relationship between two persons, of either the same or opposite sex, to the type of commitment known as a civil union. [1] The Act includes particular language that equates a civil union with a marriage, and
New National Law Makes Animal Cruelty A Federal Felony
In October 2019, the United States House of Representatives voted to pass a bi-partisan bill that would designate certain forms of animal cruelty as federal felonies; this bill was passed by the Senate earlier this month and, on November 25, 2019, was signed into law by the President. The Preventing Animal Cruelty and Torture Act,
Financial Aspects of Divorce To Consider
When filing for divorce, it may feel as though you are drowning in paperwork. From tax returns to your child’s doctor bills, a party to a divorce proceeding may be required to submit a large number of documents. These documents are used to gain insight into how the couple or family functions financially. Each party’s
Prospective Illinois Animal Protection Laws
It is no secret that many individuals consider pets as a member of the family. In fact, a recent survey found the millennial generation was more likely to adopt a pet than to have children or move in with a romantic partner. [1] Considering this, it is no surprise that recent legislation has taken steps
Proposed Illinois Laws Offering Protection To Women And Minorities
Illinois legislators have recently proposed a number of acts that further the opportunities for demographic groups at-risk of being disadvantaged, such as women, minorities, and persons with disabilities. If approved, many of these acts will go into effect January 1, 2020. Below is a brief summary of just a few of the bills currently under
Illinois Protection Against Stalking
In 2019, Illinois enacted a new law to expand anti-stalking and harassment laws to include digital contact and social media. This protection extends to any form of digital communication between the perpetrator and their victim. To understand this and other anti-stalking and harassment laws, it is important to have a clear understanding of what type
Divorce In The Digital Age: How Technology Affects Your Settlement
Social media is intended to unite individuals; however, when going through a divorce proceeding, social media may bring an individual too close to their ex and could even affect the way their case is settled. Without a second thought, many people create posts that give clues about their infidelities, income, habits, and lifestyle. All of
Sealing and Expunging Your Criminal Record
If you have ever been arrested, charged, or convicted of a crime in Illinois, you may have wondered what options you have to clear your record. Illinois offers two distinct avenues – expungement and sealing – that may be available to you in these cases. Expungement is a process through which entries on your criminal
Side Effects of Marijuana Legalization
Likely most everyone has heard the news at this point that Governor J.B. Pritzker signed the Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act on June 25, 2019, officially legalizing the use of recreational marijuana for anyone over the age of 21. [1] However, the bill also has several other lesser known provisions that you may not have
