Posted on October 09, 2020 in Family Law

If you and your soon-to-be-spouse are thinking about creating a prenuptial agreement or “prenup,” there are several things you should keep in mind. Prenuptial agreements, when formed correctly, are legally binding contracts. These documents can address issues such as spousal maintenance or alimony, property rights, division of property and debt, and several other issues that will arise if the marriage ends in divorce. Prenuptial agreements are especially beneficial in situations involving individuals on their second marriages, blended families, or spouses with a large discrepancy in wealth. However, if a prenuptial agreement does not meet certain criteria or contains mistakes, it may not be legally enforceable.

Problems That Can Invalidate a Prenuptial Agreement

A prenuptial agreement that is executed correctly is a contract that spouses are bound to by law. However, some mistakes can render a prenup virtually useless. Some of the issues that lead to a prenuptial agreement being invalid include:

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 Posted on October 08, 2020 in Estate Planning

There is nothing wrong with a little do-it-yourself (DIY) work. In fact, there are few things that are quite as satisfying as a job that you have done well. However, there are times when a particular job is best left to the professionals. You would not try to completely rewire your house if you had no experience in electrical work. Similarly, estate planning should be done with the help of someone with working knowledge and experience in the industry. Granted, an estate plan gone wrong may not pose the same physical threat as an electrical DIY project, but there are still dangers that can and should be avoided.

The Importance of a Clear and Valid Estate Plan

When it comes to mistakes in estate planning, the future of your loved ones may be placed at risk. Efforts to save money in the short-term-such as using commercially available kits or DIY programs to create your estate plan-could end up costing your heirs more down the road. Unclear or improperly executed estate plans can take months, if not years, to hash out in probate court. All the while, your estate dwindles as a result of attorneys’ fees, taxes, court costs, and other administrative expenses. In some cases, this could take a sizable chunk out of your estate, which means you will be leaving behind a lot less than you had intended.

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 Posted on September 28, 2020 in Divorce

Divorce may be difficult for children of any age, but it can be especially confusing for toddlers who cannot fully understand their parents’ separation and the reasons for the change in their routine. If you decide to get a divorce while your children are still very young, you should be aware of the effects it may have on them and do everything you can to make the transition easier for them and continue providing them with a happy and healthy life.

Effects of Divorce on Young Children

Due to the stresses placed on your toddler both during and after your divorce, you may see some concerning changes in his or her behavior, including:

• More frequent crying

• Aggressive or defiant behavior

• Confusion

• Increased dependence

• Separation anxiety

• Trouble sleeping

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 Posted on September 24, 2020 in Estate Planning

You do not have to be materialistic to become sentimental about a loved one’s possessions or to feel slighted by the contents of his or her will or estate plan. In fact, even the most down-to-earth people may feel a sense of injustice when a will or trust appears to have been altered, coerced, or otherwise manipulated. The good news is that if you have the right information and the right resources, you may be able to contest the will and put things right again.

Grounds for Contesting a Will

While any "interested party" may contest a will (siblings, children, spouses, etc.), the contesting party must have valid grounds for doing so. In other words, you cannot simply challenge a will because you feel like it was unfair, insulting, or mean-spirited. You can, however, contest a will if you believe one of the following is true:

• The will was not executed in accordance with all applicable laws.

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 Posted on September 24, 2020 in Family Law

A divorce may require that child support payments continue for years after a married couple separates, and the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS), Division of Child Support Services (DCSS) has the power to modify child support orders so that they reflect any changes in Illinois law and personal circumstances. Although divorce settlements may require a spouse to pay both spousal support and child support, any modification passed by the DCSS does not apply to spousal support orders.

Spousal support may also be eligible for modification, but you would have to bring that up with a different department. Navigating the complexities of the Illinois family court system can be challenging, so do not hesitate to reach out to a family law attorney with plenty of experience helping clients modify child support orders.

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 Posted on September 24, 2020 in Estate Planning

When a married person decides to develop an estate plan, the person’s spouse will almost always be involved in the process. But, what happens if you are ready to start making a plan for the future and your spouse is not? You know your spouse better than just about anyone else does, so you probably realize that nagging him or her about it will probably not work. Begging or threatening is not likely to be successful either. There are, however, some things you can do to start the estate planning process despite your spouse’s reluctance. In doing so, you might just be able to convince your spouse that there is no time like the present to plan for what lies ahead.

Start On Your Own

Obviously, it would be best for everyone involved if your spouse decided to get on board before you start your estate plan, but if he or she continues to refuse, you should look for the things that you can do by yourself. For example, you can draft a will that addresses the assets that you own and specifies what will happen to them upon your death. If your solely owned assets are substantial, you might consider working with an attorney to create various types of trusts as well. Additionally, you can appoint a power of attorney for health care or property without your spouse’s input.
At this stage, you should also compile a list of your joint accounts and investments. If you outlive your spouse, there is a good chance that you will be responsible for these assets-especially if your partner never makes an estate plan. This will also be helpful to your heirs and loved ones if you and your spouse were to both die within a short period of time.

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 Posted on September 23, 2020 in Family Law

Before your marriage, you and your partner may have given significant time and consideration to the creation of a prenuptial agreement that clarifies each of your interests in and control over marital and non-marital properties. A thoughtful prenuptial agreement can be useful not only to smooth the process of a possible divorce but also to reduce uncertainty and increase comfort throughout your marriage. However, you may find in the years following your marriage that your original prenuptial agreement is insufficient or no longer relevant to your current situation. In this case, you may want to consider legally amending it.

Reasons to Amend Your Prenuptial Agreement in Illinois

As long as you and your spouse agree on the need to amend your prenuptial agreement, you can do so at any time. It is often a good idea to revisit your prenuptial agreement whenever there has been a significant change in your financial or family circumstances, such as:

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 Posted on September 17, 2020 in Estate Planning

Many people assume that estate planning is for the rich or for those nearing the end of their life. Is this really true, though? Does everyone need to create an estate plan, or is it just for certain people? Is there a correct time to start? Or are these just common misconceptions that get in the way of planning for the future? At our firm, we are here to help you better understand the purpose, intent, and timing of estate planning, and why you should consider creating one, regardless of your income level.

Not Just for the Rich

Despite the misconception surrounding estate planning, the process is not just for those that have a lot of money, property, or assets to leave behind. In fact, even those with relatively few assets can benefit from estate planning. There may be family heirlooms or sentimental items that your children or other heirs want. You may have final expenses, and you will almost certainly need someone you trust to close out your bank accounts, social media accounts, or other personal accounts. Additionally, if you have young children, it is important that you name a guardian for them to ensure they are raised by someone you trust.

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 Posted on September 16, 2020 in Guardianships

When a child’s biological parents are unable or unwilling to care for him or her, it is important to make other arrangements to provide for the child’s basic needs and well-being. In some cases, it is necessary for the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) to become a child’s legal guardian, at least for a time. However, most children benefit from a more permanent arrangement in a home with parents or guardians who love and care for them. Depending on the situation, this can be accomplished through adoption or guardianship, and there are some important differences between the two that you should understand if you are looking to become a child’s legal guardian.

Adoption Versus Guardianship in Illinois

Guardianship and adoption arrangements can both be made directly with the child’s biological parents or through DCFS. In both adoptions and guardianships, the parent or guardian assumes the responsibility to care for the child and provide for basic needs, and may assume the right to make important decisions on the child’s behalf, including education, medical treatment, and use of assets, provided that these decisions are in the child’s best interest. However, adoption and guardianship are different in a few key ways.

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 Posted on September 10, 2020 in Wills and Trusts

There is no question that every American adult should put some kind of estate plan in place to protect themselves in the event of the unexpected. Even a basic will could offer a level of direction and security for surviving family members and loved ones if a tragedy were to occur. Unfortunately, over half of all adults in the United States do not have any type of estate plan, including a simple will.

Many possible reasons exist as to why a person might not have an estate plan, but procrastination is certainly among the most common. Nearly everyone realizes that having an estate plan is probably better than not having one, but relatively few make estate planning a priority. Sadly, those who drag their feet often become the unknowing targets of scams run by individuals and entities looking to profit from the uncertainty and fears of those who are simply seeking the peace of mind that comes with having an estate plan.

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