The Law Office of Erin M. Wilson LLC strives for an amicable settlement when resolving clients' family law cases, yet sometimes settlement is not possible, and trial becomes necessary. Preparing for trial can be a long process, so it is important that you, as a client, know what to expect leading up to trial.
Read MoreOccasionally, one or both spouses will have obtained professional degrees or licenses either before or during the marriage. It is important to understand what impact those professional degrees, and any loans associated with them, have on the divorce.
Read MoreWhen a case is filed in the Domestic Relations Division, a judge is automatically assigned to the case. In Illinois, parties in civil cases have the right to request a substitution of judge under certain circumstances. There are two specific types of ways that a judge can be substituted from a case.
Read MoreThe rise of social media and virtual communication inevitably gives people a new way to stalk or harass. Sometimes persistent contact online can be an issue before, during, or after a romantic or familial relationship. If your ex-partner continually contacts you and makes you feel unsafe, scared, or helpless, there are multiple precautions you can take to ensure your safety.
Read MoreDivorce can be a lengthy process that can take months or even years to finalize. Unfortunately, some people have to deal with the harsh reality of having their spouse die during the pendency of the divorce proceedings, but before their divorce is finalized.
Read MoreTraditionally, in-person legal proceedings were the standard before the COVID-19 pandemic. However, following the COVID-19 pandemic, virtual court proceedings have remained available through video communication platforms and have become increasingly common.
Read MoreSerious illnesses or accidents are often sudden and may occur at any moment. In the event you are incapacitated or otherwise can't make decisions regarding your health, it is important that you have someone who can speak on your behalf.
Read MoreCivility is deeply rooted in the ethical practice of law. In domestic relations proceedings, whether it be a divorce or parentage case, emotions can run high, which can create animosity and result in untoward behavior.
Read MoreTherapy is a powerful tool to help individuals navigate the emotional, logistical, and relational challenges that come with divorce. When going through a divorce, change is inevitable, and therapy is a great way to manage your mental health during a major life transition and stressful process.
Read MoreA court typically appoints a Guardian ad Litem (“GAL”), a third-party attorney trained in child-related matters, to investigate and make recommendations as it pertains to the best interests of a child during a legal dispute.
Read MoreChoosing to get a divorce and end a marriage is often tough and challenging for both parties involved. The thought of “Should I get divorced?” or “Should we stay together and reconcile our marriage?” can be a hard choice to make as a couple without help. If you are in a similar predicament, discernment counseling might be your best option.
Read MoreWhen one party files a pleading to commence a court case, a common question is “what happens if the opposing party does not engage?” There is recourse if one party does not participate in a court proceeding in the form of a “default judgment” being entered by the judge.
Read MoreMaintenance, formerly known as “alimony”, is financial support provided by one party to another after a marriage. Not every party will be entitled to receive maintenance and certain factors must be considered to determine if maintenance is appropriate.
Read MoreIllinois is a no-fault divorce state. No-fault divorce means that wrongdoing by one of the parties does not need to be shown. Rather, a couple can show that “irreconcilable differences” have led to the irretrievable breakdown of the marriage and a divorce is in the best interests of the family.
Read MoreIn Illinois family law courts, understanding the difference between venue and jurisdiction is crucial for ensuring your case is properly handled. Here's a concise explanation of these concepts and their importance.
Read MoreAn important consideration when negotiating a divorce settlement is whether there are any tax consequences for a spouse being awarded certain marital assets. Often the most equitable way to divide a marital estate is for each party to be awarded assets “in kind”, meaning similar amounts of similar types of assets. That way each party is in a similar financial position post-divorce.
Read MoreThere can be serious consequences for violating a court order. It is important that individuals keep themselves informed regarding court orders pertaining to their court proceedings, including deadlines and required actions, for both them and the opposing party. When a court order is violated an individual may be held in “contempt of court”.
Read MoreRecently, Section 607.6 of the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act was amended by House Bill 2741. Section 607.6 addresses court-ordered therapy, and specifically, subparagraph d of the Section concerns the confidentiality of information about court-ordered therapy.
Read MoreFees and costs are always a hot topic when deciding to retain an attorney. Individuals going through divorce need to also be prepared for other expenses that may come up during divorce proceedings.
Read MoreAs you navigate the tough emotions and changes that accompany divorce, it is important to have a strong support system that you can lean on and turn to.
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