Mediation in Illinois useful in post-divorce scenarios

On behalf of The Walters Law Group, Ltd. posted in Divorce on Wednesday, August 28, 2013. Even when an initial legal split between a couple with children is amicable, unforeseen issues can arise months or years later that can complicate relations between ex-spouses and bring negative emotions to the forefront. One way to ease tensions from the outset is to use a neutral third party or mediator when going through the divorce process in Illinois. Emotional issues often come to the forefront during and after divorce. Instead of resorting to litigation to solve aContinue reading

Illinois gambling winnings may be seized to pay support

On behalf of The Walters Law Group, Ltd. posted in Child Support on Monday, August 26, 2013. A new Illinois law aims to help the state reduce the state’s $3.1 billion of unpaid child support. Under the new law, any time a person wins at least $1,200 at a casino or racetrack, those winnings may be taken to pay past due child support. The law became effective immediately. When a person wins more than $1,200, the casino or racetrack is required to check the state’s database, which will be updated in real time.Continue reading

Living together is the new trend

On behalf of The Walters Law Group, Ltd. posted in Unmarried Couples on Wednesday, August 21, 2013. More and more individuals are choosing to live together without the benefit/burden of marriage. They may own a home together, share a bank account and raise children together without being legally married. This lifestyle provides some benefits to individuals in Chicago and other areas. However, making the choice to live together without marriage can pose unique legal problems, such as issues with child custody and property division. The Centers for Disease Control reports that three quarters ofContinue reading

DIY divorce plagued with problems

On behalf of The Walters Law Group, Ltd. posted in Divorce on Monday, August 19, 2013. People who attempt to save money by getting a divorce without a lawyer may be in for a rude awakening. Once a person files for a divorce pro se, the judge is unable to provide legal advice regarding the divorce. Additionally, Chicago spouses may be at a disadvantage if they do not have an attorney but their spouse does. Sites are popping up on the Internet that allow users to input information that allows them to prepareContinue reading

Methods to improve communication with your ex

On behalf of The Walters Law Group, Ltd. posted in Divorce on Thursday, August 15, 2013. Illinois couples who have gotten a divorce might be wondering why they still have to communicate with their ex. However, if they have children involved, then they might have to suffer through some sort of communication with their exes regardless of their emotions. According to Huffington Post, there are various ways that people can improve their communication with their exes after divorce. The first strategy that they can use is to simply regard their exes as strangers.Continue reading

Dividing your assets at divorce with prenuptial agreements

On behalf of The Walters Law Group, Ltd. posted in Divorce on Monday, August 12, 2013. Prenuptial agreements are an important part of the proceedings when there is a high asset divorce. Illinois residents who are preparing for marriage or divorce may be interested to know some things to look out for when preparing a prenuptial or postnuptial agreement or attempting to negotiate property division at the dissolution of a marriage. A prenuptial agreement that is very old and without any postnuptial modifications or clarifications is liable to be challenged by theContinue reading

Post-divorce financial planning

On behalf of The Walters Law Group, Ltd. posted in Family Law on Thursday, August 8, 2013. Alimony in Illinois is a legal obligation to support a spouse financially at regular intervals before or after marital separation or divorce. Such support can be important to divorced individuals who were not employed during their marriages and have limited prospects for substantial income, but alimony may not last forever or even for long, so former spouses reliant on alimony payments to pay necessary expenses should plan to adjust their budgets accordingly. Some family lawContinue reading

Unsealed birth certificates can change adoptees’ lives

On behalf of The Walters Law Group, Ltd. posted in Family Law on Tuesday, August 6, 2013. For many adoptees, their inability to reach their birth parents causes a void that can’t be filled. Sealed birth certificates have made it very difficult for many people to find their birth parents, though it is not impossible and often very expensive. However, a small group of states, including Illinois, have unsealed their birth certificates, providing access for adopted children, making the search for their birth parents easier. Only 8,800 Illinois adoptees have actually requestedContinue reading

Gay couples finally gaining equal rights to divorce

On behalf of The Walters Law Group, Ltd. posted in Divorce on Friday, August 2, 2013. Gay couples throughout Illinois who took advantage of their right to enter a civil union have gained another victory. Amazingly, this victory comes in the form of a law passed hundreds of miles away. While gaining the right to gay marriage and civil union rights were hard-fought battles, obtaining a divorce is still difficult. Gay couples often travel to places where civil unions are legal and recognized. What these individuals don’t realize, however, is the fact that theyContinue reading