Today marks the beginning of National Pro Bono Week. “Pro bono publico” means for the public good and is usually shortened to “pro bono” (Wikipedia), which is often interpreted to mean “for free”. The term, “pro bono” has specific application to attorneys, and for good reason. While many people volunteer their time for charitable causes,…
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As October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, we continue our focus on the subject of domestic violence with a look at the four remedies against domestic violence available under Illinois law. Victims of domestic violence need the support of friends, family, churches and the community, but they also have legal remedies available to use against domestic violence.…
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“Cases of Hope Solo, Ray Rice spotlight domestic violence stereotypes” reads the headline. “Domestic Violence and Celebrities -It Affects All of Us” reads another headline. Domestic violence is not just a problem in the NFL or for high profile celebrities. The problem of domestic violence problem is societal. If you are a victim of domestic…
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Roughly half of all marriages end in divorce. If divorce seems like a real possibility for your marriage, for whatever reason, do some research and ready yourself by learning what to expect. Find an attorney who is experienced and is a “good fit” for you. In the meantime, here are ten quick tips about divorce in…
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Divorce is a difficult experience. It is most difficult when minor children are involved and custody is disputed. If the parents cannot find a way to reach an agreement on the terms of custody and visitation, going to court is the only way to a resolution. In a previous blog article explaining the potential players…
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On August 15, 2014, Governor Quinn signed into law new spousal maintenance (alimony) rules that drastically change how maintenance (formerly known as alimony) is determined in Illinois. While the new law first becomes effective January 1, 2015, the changes will need to be addressed immediately in pending divorce and post-divorce cases across the state. The…
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When people are in love, they are not usually preoccupied with death; they are focused on living. Second marriage situations, however, present issues that should be discussed and addressed, especially when there are children from a first marriage. Whether the second marriage follows a divorce or the death of a spouse, careful consideration of estate…
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Anyone facing the prospect of divorce with minor children involved should understand the landscape before venturing forth. Unless divorcing parents can work out the details of child custody and visitation together amicably by agreement, child custody litigation is the only way to a resolution. Child custody litigation involves more people than you might realize. Following is the line…
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Most people have known someone who has been through a “nasty divorce”. It may seem like there is no other kind of divorce, but there is. An agreed, uncontested divorce can be accomplished in the right circumstances, with the right parties and the right attorney or attorneys. If you or someone you know is facing…
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Violence is a problem in our society in spite of many years of concerted efforts to stop it. Most of the violence committed in our communities goes unseen. It happens in the home between members of the same family. Child abuse and spousal abuse in the home occur more frequently than the average person knows. Victims…
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