Contested Vs. Uncontested Divorce in Illinois
Every divorce comes with several important decisions that have to be made. Being able to reach an agreement about these key decisions with your spouse ultimately determines how your divorce will proceed — including if [...]
Contributions to College Expenses Under Section 513: What Parents Need to Know
Seeing a child wrap up their high school experiences and begin applying for college can be an incredibly proud moment. For divorced parents, this time can also come with some major challenges and unexpected hurdles [...]
Divorce In the Era of COVID-19
At the time we’re writing this, the outbreak of novel coronavirus COVID-19 is still dramatically impacting families here in Chicago and around the world. In this unprecedented time, our first priority is making sure that [...]
Co-Parenting During Coronavirus – and Other Emergency Situations
The spread of the novel coronavirus, COVID-19, has caused stress and uncertainty for millions of people across the country. As we all practice good hygiene and social distancing in an effort to help flatten the [...]
How Is Maintenance (Formerly Alimony) Calculated In Illinois?
On top of being emotionally trying, divorce can be a complex and confusing process for all parties involved. This is particularly true when you consider the many financial aspects that must be considered in divorce, [...]
What Is Considered Marital Property In Illinois?
Many couples see marriage as the opportunity to build a life together. From purchasing a house or a car; to opening up joint financial accounts; to choosing the furniture and artwork that suit your unique [...]
Is Illinois A ‘No-Fault’ Divorce State?
Illinois is considered to be a pure “no-fault” divorce state, and has been since 2016. In other words, this means that the only grounds for divorce recognized in the state is “irreconcilable differences.” The term [...]
Can Legalized Recreational Marijuana Use Affect Parenting and Caregiver Rights?
The short answer is: yes, just as alcohol is legal and affects parenting and caregiver cases, legalized use of cannabis will not give parents free reign to “get high” without consequence. Recreational cannabis was [...]
Marriage Story: The movie and real life, as reviewed by a Divorce Lawyer
By Jenny R. Jeltes, December 2019 I think about marriage often. I have loved. I have been loved. I have witnessed love and I have witnessed pain- like most humans. Being a divorce lawyer [...]
Self-Care Tips During Your Divorce
When you’re going through a divorce, emotions can run high and your to-do list can seem never-ending, leaving you feeling frazzled. Make sure to find some time for you and block it out on [...]
5 Tips for Your Back to School Routine
The carefree, fun days of summer have come to an end and another school year has begun. Here are five suggestions to help get your family organized and back into a routine so you [...]
I have raised my child since birth…and now I have to take a Parenting Class?
Yes, yes you do. It may come as a surprise to many, but in the State of Illinois, all legal parents going through a divorce or a legal matter involving parental rights and parenting [...]
Take the Fright out of Sharing Parenting Time this Halloween
With Halloween upon us, Chicagoland kids (and parents) are getting their costumes ready for school parades and trick or treating. Perhaps someone is begging mom or dad to “please, please just one more time, let [...]
Marriage on the Rocks? Facing Divorce? Here are 6 Immediate Things to Do
By: Jenny R. Jeltes Get counseling (even if you don't think you need it). Whether you have had professional counseling in the past or whether you and your spouse attended marriage counseling together, divorce [...]
I Do…Want a Prenup!
Premarital (Prenuptial) Agreements (and postnuptial agreements) have become much more common among the middle-class in recent years. Contrary to popular belief, premarital agreements are not just for the celebrities and athletes. There has [...]