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Considerations for a Parent with Teenage Children Getting a Divorce

 Posted on April 19, 2023 in Divorce

arlington heights divorce lawyer Divorce is challenging for everyone involved, but it can be especially difficult for teenage children. The teenage years are a formative time, and the turbulence of a divorce can make these critical years even more complicated than they already are. As a result, many parents with teenage children are concerned with how the divorce will affect them.

What to Keep in Mind

Here are some considerations for parents with teenage children getting a divorce, including:

  • Keep communication channels open – Keeping lines of communication open with your teenage children during the divorce process is essential. Make sure they know that they can come to you with any questions or concerns, and be honest with them about the situation.

  • Avoid bad-mouthing the other parent – Speaking poorly of your soon-to-be ex-spouse can be emotionally traumatizing for teenage children, as they may see your words as a reflection of them. This can create feelings of tremendous guilt and sadness. Avoid this at all costs.

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Navigating a Divorce When One Spouse Suffers from a Serious Mental Illness

 Posted on April 17, 2023 in Divorce

arlington heights divorce lawyer Divorce is hard enough as it is, but it can become even more complicated if one spouse has a severe mental illness. There are many important things to consider as you begin the divorce process. If you are looking to divorce your spouse and are concerned with how their mental illness may play a role in proceedings, contact an experienced divorce attorney to ensure your rights are protected and you have access to the legal support you need.

Here is What to Keep in Mind

Keep in mind that in Illinois, mental illness is not a factor that can be considered when determining the grounds for divorce. Illinois is a "no-fault" state, which means that the grounds for divorce are irreconcilable differences. This can be a helpful factor in cases where mental illness is a factor, as it can help to remove any stigma or bias from the proceedings.

It is essential to be aware of the potential challenges that may arise during the divorce process. If your spouse has a severe mental illness, they may have difficulty understanding or participating in the divorce process. They may also struggle to make certain decisions, communicate effectively, or manage emotions. To complicate matters further, suffering from a mental illness may increase the likelihood that your spouse experiences financial difficulties, making the situation even more challenging. They may struggle to maintain employment, manage their money, or make financial decisions.

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Steps to Take as You Prepare for Mediation

 Posted on April 17, 2023 in Mediation

dupage county divorce mediation lawyer Divorce mediation is a process in which a third party assists divorcing couples in reaching a settlement agreement. Mediation is often a more cost-effective and less-adversarial way to resolve disputes during divorce. The alternative is the often highly unpleasant litigation process in court. If you are considering divorce mediation, it is essential to prepare for the process. Remember that while you prepare and throughout the actual process, it is wise to consult with a divorce attorney to ensure your rights remain protected and your best interests are advocated for.

Firstly, it is important to understand the mediation process. Mediation is a cooperative process where both parties work to reach a settlement agreement. The mediator is responsible for facilitating communication between the parties and helping them identify where they agree and disagree. The objective of mediation is to reach a mutually acceptable agreement that meets the needs of both parties.

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Parental Alienation: What Should I Do if My Spouse is Trying to Turn My Child Against Me? 

 Posted on April 14, 2023 in Child Custody

arlington heights custody lawyerOne of the most challenging aspects of divorce is the impact it can have on children. In some cases, one parent may try to turn the child against the other parent, which can cause emotional trauma and damage to the parent-child relationship. If you believe this is happening, it may be worth contacting an experienced family law attorney, who may have advice on how to navigate the situation best. In addition, a lawyer with experience has likely seen this situation before and may have insight on how to proceed.

Steps to Dealing with Parental Alienation

Here are some steps you should take if your spouse is attempting to sabotage the relationship between you and your child, including:

  • Document the behavior – If you believe your spouse is trying to turn your child against you, it is essential to document the behavior. For example, record conversations or interactions with your spouse or child that suggest parental alienation occurs.

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What You Need to Know Regarding Contested Wills

 Posted on April 07, 2023 in Wills and Trusts

arlington heights divorce lawyerA contested will can throw a family into turmoil, causing emotional distress and threatening the intended distribution of assets. Understanding the basics of contested wills and the grounds for contesting a will can help you navigate this challenging and delicate situation. Those going through a contested will process must be made aware of the reasons for contesting a will and the legal process involved.

What is a Contested Will?

A contested will arises when someone disputes the validity of a will or its provisions. This often happens when a family member or other interested party believes the will does not reflect the testator’s (the person who made the will) wishes or that the will was executed improperly.

Grounds for Contesting a Will

There are several grounds for contesting a will, including:

  • Lack of testamentary capacity – The testator must have the mental ability to understand the nature and extent of their assets, the beneficiaries, and the implications of their decisions when making a will. If the testator lacked this capacity, the will might be deemed invalid.

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What to Do if Your Spouse Threatened Violence After You Mentioned Getting a Divorce

 Posted on April 05, 2023 in Divorce

lombard divorce lawyerThere is no denying that discussing divorce with your spouse can be a high-stress and often contentious conversation. Unfortunately, in some cases, this discussion can escalate into threats of violence. If you find yourself in this situation, it is crucial to prioritize your safety and take appropriate legal action. Today, we will outline several steps if your spouse threatens violence after you mention divorce. As you navigate this emotional time, an experienced family law attorney can be highly beneficial as you work to ensure your safety while ensuring your rights are protected and that you understand your legal options moving forward.

Step #1 – Ensure Your Immediate Safety

If you are in immediate danger or fear for your safety, call 911. Law enforcement officers are trained to handle domestic violence situations and can help protect you from harm.

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I Am Afraid My Wife is Trying to Turn My Children Against Me. As a Father, What Should I Do? 

 Posted on March 30, 2023 in Divorce

schaumburg custody lawyer Divorce can be a tumultuous time for any family since, at the core of a divorce, it is a permanent change in a family dynamic. Unfortunately, some parents may attempt to use their children as pawns during a divorce. One such tactic is parental alienation, where one parent tries to turn the children against the other parent. If you are a father going through a divorce and you suspect your wife is trying to alienate your children from you, it is essential to take proactive steps to protect your relationship with your children. Consult with a family law attorney to protect your rights as you move through this challenging time.

Tips on What You Should Do to Counteract Your Spouse’s Attempt at Parental Alienation

Here are some considerations for what to do including:

  • Maintain open communication with your children – One of the most important things you can do to counteract parental alienation is to maintain open communication lines with your children. Stay involved in their lives, listen to their concerns, and address any negative information they may have heard about you. Reassure your children that you love them and will always be there for them, regardless of the divorce.

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My Elderly Loved One is Refusing to Create a Will. What Should I Do?

 Posted on March 30, 2023 in Estate Planning

lombard estate planning lawyerWe hear all the time how, regardless of your age, estate planning is essential for the future. At the foundation of many estate plans is a will. As a result, it can be highly distressing to learn that an elderly loved one does not have a will and is refusing even to make one. Today, we will discuss what you should do if your loved one refuses to make a will and some tips to approach this delicate situation. Remember, to start the estate planning process, contact an attorney to guide you through the process to ensure everything is done correctly.

Tips for Approaching the Situation

Consider these tips when approaching the situation, such as:

  • Understand their perspective – Before you can convince your loved one to create a will, it is essential to understand their perspective. For example, they may have fears or concerns about making a will, such as not wanting to face their mortality or not wanting to cause family conflict. By better understanding their perspective, you can address their concerns and find a way to move forward.

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I am Concerned About How My Spouse's Substance Abuse Problem May Affect Our Divorce. What Should I Do? 

 Posted on March 20, 2023 in Divorce

chicago divorce lawyerWhen one spouse has a substance abuse problem, it can complicate divorce in various ways. The spouse with the addiction may be less able to negotiate effectively, and their addiction may impact their ability to make sound decisions. Today, we will discuss what to remember as you approach the divorce process if you have a spouse with a substance abuse problem. Consider contacting an experienced divorce attorney to ensure your rights are protected and understand your legal options.

What to Do if the Spouse You Are Divorcing Has a Substance Abuse Problem

While all situations are different, here are some considerations as you move toward and through the divorce process, including:

  • Get help for your spouse – If your spouse is willing, encourage them to seek help for their addiction. This could include therapy, rehab, or support groups. Addressing the addiction can help your spouse to be in a better position to negotiate and make decisions about the divorce.

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What is Undue Influence, and How Does it Relate to Estate Planning? 

 Posted on March 17, 2023 in Family Law

lombard estate planning lawyer Estate planning is an important process involving various decisions about how a person’s assets will be distributed after death. However, there are situations where the estate planning process can be influenced by outside parties, which can lead to serious legal challenges. One such situation is undue influence. Today, we will discuss what precisely undue influence is and how it can affect estate planning. For any questions or concerns regarding estate planning, contact an estate planning attorney to ensure the process is followed lawfully.

So, What is Undue Influence, and What Factors Can Help Establish Its Existence?

Undue influence is a legal concept that refers to situations where a person is coerced or manipulated into making decisions that are not in their best interests. For example, in estate planning, undue influence can occur when someone uses their power or influence to pressure a person into making decisions about their assets that they would not have made otherwise.

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