Sweeping changes were made to Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act (“IMDMA”), including changes to Section 513, which is the new divorce law on college expenses in Illinois that regulates the allocation of post-secondary education expenses for non-minor children. These changes go into effect January 1, 2016, and eliminate some confusion and room for disagreement that led…
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The Drendel & Jansons Law Group has had a great year and has gotten much recognition from peers, clients and the community, including more recognition for Mark D. Brent. We have just been informed that the American Institute of Family Law Attorneys has recognized Mark Brent as a top 10 family law attorneys in the area. According…
DetailsOne of the first things that happen in divorces in which there is a disparity in income between the spouses is that the spouse with less income (or no income) files a petition for temporary support. The new revisions to the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act (“IMDMA”) effective January 1, 2016, will drastically…
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One of the most significant changes to the practice of Illinois family law in recent years involved the revisions to Section 504 of the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act (“IMDMA”) regarding maintenance, effective January 1, 2015. Since that date, the award of maintenance has been governed by a formula for the first time in…
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Following successive major changes to Illinois marriage law in 2011 (civil unions), 2013 (same-sex marriage) and 2014 (spousal maintenance (alimony) provisions) the Illinois legislature has now passed, and the Governor has signed, a complete rewrite of the Illinois marriage and divorce law (Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act (IMDMA)). The last time the Marriage Act…
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As a husband and father of young children, I want to insure that my wife and children will be provided for if something happens to me. To provide for them, I have purchased life insurance, as many people in my position will do. I am occasionally surprised, though, that parties going through a divorce are…
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Custody and parenting time issues can be among the most difficult Family Law matters to resolve. Situations and issues involving children often increase the emotional in toil in the divorce process, sometimes escalating hostilities between the parties, and often prolonging the litigation. Children are often the only witnesses to the acts, good or bad, of…
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Please forgive us this opportunity to boast a little bit. In addition to being considered one of Top 100 Family Lawyers in Illinois by the American Academy of Legal Advocates, Carolyn D. Jansons has been tapped for her knowledge in family law to author a chapter on practical instruction to attorneys in the Inside the Minds…
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One common concern I repeatedly hear from people is whether a variation in overtime (or income generally) will impact child support. When the parent who owes child support regularly works overtime, receives bonuses or works on commission, and the income varies, these factors can make child support more difficult to calculate. This short article addresses three…
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I read an article the other day indicating that children who come from divorced homes ingest more sugary drinks than children who come from intact families. It led me to wonder how many other habits leading to potentially lifelong consequences are impacted by the break-up of a family. It also led me to wonder about…
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