Posted on July 21, 2015 in Child Custody

Parental Alienation Syndrome (PAS) is a recognized disorder that affects nearly all child custody cases at one time or another, and to one extent or another. It is normally defined as a series of actions, or inactions, which are designed to poison the relationship between the children and one of the parents. In many cases, the mother launches a campaign to discredit the father in the eyes of the children. PAS has been called “maternal brainwashing” by some, and that label is entirely false. More than likely, the high incidence of maternal-child PAS is not a function of the mother’s animus, but a function of the high rate of maternal custody in these situations. Moreover, PAS is not “brainwashing.” Many times, the parent’s behavior may be indirect and perhaps even unintentional, at least on some level. Some Signs Parental Alienation Syndrome is typically like bricks in a wall. Taken individually, they may be largely harmless. However, when put together, they can build a nearly impenetrable wall between a non-custodial parent (NCP) and their children. Some common examples include the following situations:

Continue Reading ››

 Posted on April 23, 2015 in Divorce

In a new study funded by the National Institute on Aging, researchers from the University of Indianapolis and Iowa State University published data that appears to indicate that the risk of divorce is heightened if one partner, specifically the wife in a heterosexual coupling, is diagnosed with a serious or chronic illness. If the wife contracts an illness, the marriage was found to have a six percent greater chance of ending in divorce than if the husband is diagnosed as ill.

Chronic Health Issues and Divorce

In a sampling of almost three thousand married couples with at least one partner age fifty or older, the study’s findings show that if either partner contracts a serious illness there is a thirty-percent chance that the marriage will end in divorce. There is a nearly twenty-five percent chance the marriage will end in widowhood.

Continue Reading ››

 Posted on April 20, 2015 in Prenuptial Agreements

You often hear about prenuptial agreements in connection with Hollywood or sports celebrities. These agreements outline, in a legal document, what will happen with assets (and debts) that you both bring into the marriage. Touted by many as being unromantic, such agreements in Illinois actually have quite a few benefits. Also, you do not have to be a rock star or a matinee idol to take advantage of them.

Why Get a Prenup?

1. It keeps family property in the family. If you have a family farm, a family business or an ancestral house that you would like to leave to your children (and their children), a prenup agreement can assure that even if you and your new spouse divorce, the family property that your predecessors worked so hard for won't leave your family.

Continue Reading ››

 Posted on April 13, 2015 in Child Custody

Child custody and child support battles are some of the most difficult and stressful aspects of a divorce. To make matters worse, the laws governing this procedure are complex. This has led to more than a few misconceptions about divorce, as well as countless questions. Each child custody case is unique, and laws vary from state to state. This is why the advice of an experienced attorney may prove invaluable. A skilled Illinois family law attorney can answer your questions and address your concerns.

The follow questions are common inquiries lawyers often receive from child custody clients:

1. Is Joint Custody the “Default” Judgment for Courts?

Joint custody is not the default judgment. Courts in Illinois focus specifically on the most beneficial outcomes for the children involved. According to the Illinois General Assembly, the judge will consider several factors including the physical and mental health of both parents, the location of the child’s home, and any specific needs of the children.

Continue Reading ››