Recent Blog Posts
3 Things to Consider Before Getting Remarried in Illinois
Finding a new romantic partner and planning a future together is an important step for many people after the stresses of a divorce, and it has the potential to enrich your life in many ways. However, a remarriage is usually not as simple as a first marriage, and there are important matters that you will need to consider before making the decision to move forward. Your remarriage will not only affect your life, but also the lives of your children and even your ex-spouse.
Important Considerations for a Remarriage
The choice to remarry after divorce is personal, and you and your new partner will certainly have your own considerations that factor into your decision. That said, the following three issues are likely to arise in many remarriages, so it is wise to keep them in mind.
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The effects on spousal maintenance. In Illinois, spousal maintenance payments terminate if the receiving party gets remarried or starts living with a new partner. If you have been receiving spousal support, you should prepare for the effects on your finances when those payments are no longer available. If you are the paying party, however, you should be aware that you may still be expected to pay spousal support even after remarrying.
How Can I Contest a Will in Illinois?
It can be traumatic when the loss of a loved one is coupled with shock and surprise over a will that transfers the estate’s assets in a way that appears inconsistent with the intentions of the deceased testator. If you are dealing with such a scenario in the wake of the loss of your parent, spouse, child, or another close relative, you may have the option to formally contest the validity of the will in question. In doing so, you should work closely with an experienced Illinois wills and trusts attorney.
A Will Must Comply With Applicable State Laws to be Valid
Wills and trusts are serious business. As such, a will must comply with all formalities imposed by state law in order to be regarded as valid. For example, Illinois law requires that a will must be signed by the person whose estate it concerns, who is known as the “testator”. In addition, the testator’s signing of the will must occur in the presence and hearing of two valid witnesses. In most cases, in order to be a valid witness of a will, a person must not be a beneficiary of the will. If you have reason to believe that the will was not created in accordance with these requirements, you may have grounds to contest it.
Complete Estate Planning: Additional Tools You May Wish to Use
A last will and testament can serve as the backbone to any estate plan. It can be used to determine who will become the executor of your estate, who will inherit what, and who will assume guardianship of your children or your pets. But, there are some things that a will cannot do. In some cases, the limitations are set by state laws or federal regulations. However, there are also situations in which additional documents can be used to ensure your final wishes are carried out.
When Incapacitation Precedes Death
Wills are meant to cover what happens after your death, but not all accidents, illnesses, or chronic health conditions lead to immediate death. When incapacitation occurs, whether it is short-term or long-term, physicians will follow standard protocols. If you have wishes that deviate from that standard of care, additional estate planning documents are needed. Examples include:
Careful Estate Planning Can Stop Family Fights Before They Start
It seems that at least a dozen times a year, we hear of families fighting over the distribution of assets of a deceased person’s estate. At first glance, it may seem silly to squabble over such matters, but many underestimate the emotional value that can be placed on a tangible item. Maybe it is that china set used for family holiday dinners that everyone is fighting over. Or, perhaps it is simply easier to focus on the argument than the grief of losing a loved one.
Unfortunately, asset and estate arguments can also damage family relationships. Feelings get hurt. Words are said that are not truly meant. Resentment can live on long after the assets have found their homes. And, a good share of the estate may have been lost while trying to resolve the matter in probate court. Thankfully, careful planning can prevent family arguments before they start, regardless of any underlying issues.
Wills and Trusts – How They Differ
Can Child Support Be Ordered for College Expenses in Illinois?
Laws throughout the United States, including in Illinois, require both of a child’s legal parents to contribute to child support to provide for basic needs until the child reaches the age of 18. However, many children benefit from the financial support of their parents even after they reach adulthood, especially if they want to pursue a college education. In general, parents are not legally required to provide support under these circumstances, but Illinois law does include a provision through which both parents may be ordered to contribute to their children’s college expenses after a divorce or separation.
When Is a Child Eligible for Support for College Expenses?
Parents are, of course, free to make their own arrangements to contribute to their children’s higher education under any circumstances. However, after a divorce or separation, it may be best for a parent to pursue a legally binding order that ensures that both parents contribute. In these cases, an Illinois court will only consider issuing an order if the following criteria are met:
Is a Video Will Legally Binding in Illinois?
Video wills are not a new concept. In fact, they have been around since the early 1980s—basically since video cameras became widely available to the general public. You may have even seen one featured in a show or movie, probably used for dramatic effect. Maybe the owner of the fortune cut someone out of the will at the last minute or made conditions through which an heir might receive their fortune. Are they really legally binding, though? More importantly, should you use one for your estate plan? The following explores this interesting and unique option, and provides some details on how to execute it properly, should you decide this is the right option for you.
Video Wills and Your Family
One of the biggest reasons that individuals decide to read their will on video is because they want to give their family one last memory. For some, it is a way to heal broken bonds. For others, it is a way to comfort from beyond the grave. Whatever your reason, ensure your intentions are pure. No matter how angry or irritated you might be with a member of your family, no matter how distant the two of you might have become, they will still likely grieve losing you. So be sensitive and kind. It will be their last memory of you.
How Long Will I Receive Spousal Support After My Illinois Divorce?
As you contemplate whether to get a divorce, one of your biggest concerns may be your ability to support yourself financially without your spouse’s income, especially if you are a stay-at-home parent or you are out of work for other reasons. In these cases, you may be able to make the case for spousal support as part of your divorce resolution. It is important to understand when spousal support, otherwise known as maintenance or alimony, is awarded and how long it may last so that you can plan accordingly.
When Is Spousal Maintenance Awarded?
If you and your spouse have a legally valid prenuptial or postnuptial agreement that provides for the amount and duration of spousal maintenance in the event of a divorce, you can likely expect the court to honor that agreement. However, in any other case, decisions regarding spousal support are settled at the time of your divorce. You will either need to negotiate for maintenance with your spouse or demonstrate to the court that you have a need for it. Some reasons the court may consider include:
Keeping the Holidays Enjoyable After Your Illinois Divorce
For many families, the winter holidays are a time for celebration. They can also be a time of heightened emotions, and those feelings are not always positive. Families who have recently gone through a divorce may still be coping with grief, sadness, even anger, and they may understandably find it hard to recapture the joy of past holiday seasons. However, this does not mean that this year’s holidays cannot be enjoyable in a different way.
Approaching the Holidays as a Divorced Parent
As a parent, there are a few things you can do to help make the holidays less sad or stressful and more enjoyable after your divorce. Here are some suggestions to consider:
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Coordinate with your former spouse. One of the biggest sources of holiday stress is conflict with your ex regarding how your children will spend the holidays. Communication and planning can help to reduce this stress. The division of holiday parenting time can be established in your parenting plan during the divorce and may include an arrangement in which you alternate holidays or share time on each of the important holidays. That said, it is a good idea to stay in touch with the other parent to coordinate details like transportation and gift-giving, or how you will handle the unique challenges of the 2020 holiday season related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Estate Planning for Same-Sex Couples in Illinois
The 2015 landmark ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court in Obergefell v. Hodges was a game-changer of epic proportions. All couples—regardless of gender or sexual orientation—were given the right to marry in all 50 states. As such, they were afforded the very same rights as all married couples, including tax breaks and exemptions, ownership equality, and legal mechanisms that ensure survivorship and guardianship rights.
But, more than five years later, many couples are still facing legal challenges. Some are the same challenges experienced by all married couples. Others are completely unique to LGBTQ relationships. Regardless, couples should plan accordingly with an estate plan that reflects their needs and wishes in the event of an unexpected health complication or death.
Rights Under the Marriage Equality Law
Just like all other married couples, same-sex couples may file their taxes jointly, receive the same tax exemptions, have access to survivorship benefits under all pensions, insurance, and retirement benefits, give tax-free gifts to one another, and have spousal priority and identity in the event of their partner’s incapacitation or death. These provisions are guaranteed at both the state and federal levels and cannot, under any circumstances outside of divorce, be revoked by any government agency.
How Can Divorce Mediation Help With the Division of Assets?
Many divorcing couples try to avoid the time, cost, and stress of a trial by pursuing an uncontested divorce, in which they come to an agreement on many important decisions. However, this can be easier said than done, and in many cases, it helps to seek the assistance of a qualified divorce mediator. Mediation can be especially beneficial when attempting to resolve the often complicated matter of dividing marital assets, property, and debts.
What Is the Role of an Illinois Divorce Mediator?
Unlike a divorce attorney, whose role is to represent the interests of one of the parties, a mediator remains neutral and seeks to guide negotiations between spouses to allow both perspectives to be heard, minimize conflict, and identify opportunities for agreement on the way to a finalized resolution. While there is usually some financial cost for divorce mediation, it is often lower than the expenses that the two parties may face if the divorce goes to trial.
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