Blog Posts in December, 2014

Escaping an Abusive Relationship

Domestic abuse is a serious issue that many people in relationships face throughout the United States. In fact, one website notes that every nine seconds a woman in the United States is assaulted or beaten. What is even more alarming is that approximately 10 million children witness some form of domestic violence every year. Although victims of domestic abuse may feel stuck in their current ...

The Importance of Saving For Retirement

With the year coming to an end, many people look forward to taking time off during the holiday season and for their highly anticipated year-end bonuses. Although it may be tempting to use some of the money received as a year-end bonus to splurge on material items such as cars, electronics or even a relaxing trip, it may not be a bad idea to start thinking of retirement. In fact, according to the ...

Dealing With Divorce and Children During The Holidays

The holidays are a time to come together with family and to spend extra time with loved ones. Although meant to be a light and joyous time, for couples going through a divorce the holidays can actually be very stressful. In fact, according to a poll conducted by Match.com, 76 percent of the singles surveyed reported that they had experienced a break up either before, during, or after the holidays. ...

Emancipation: When Is It Time To Grow Up?

There comes a time in every adolescent's life when he or she becomes an adult and takes on new responsibilities. It is an exciting, turbulent, and sometimes uneasy stage. And for most young adults, it results in the freedom of independence and self-determination. For parents, however, it can be bittersweet. When your child grows older, and no longer needs your constant supervision, he or she will ...

Money Arguments: Ways Avoid a Financial Wedge In a Marriage

Money and finances can be a contentious topic when not handled with care. How one spends, saves, and invests money can be a very personal decision. Additionally, it can become increasingly complex when money is drawn from a joint account, but a couple has completely different ideas about how finances should be dispersed. Money Arguments Are Top Predictor of Divorce In a recent study by Kansas ...

The Importance of Adequate Visitation With Both Parents

It is not uncommon to get very angry and spiteful towards an ex-spouse while going through a divorce. Although sometimes necessary, divorce can be tough on all of the parties involved. Even when couples attempt to spare their children from having to experience some of the negative feelings that a divorce can cause, children can be quite perceptive and realize what is going on. Thus, it is very ...

Increased Child Support for Children With Disabilities

Before, during, and after a divorce, both parents are legally obligated to financially support their minor children. In Illinois, the parents’ obligation to their child continues until the child turns 18, or 19 if the child is still attending high school. But what happens if a child is not capable of becoming financially independent as a result of a mental or physical disability? While normally a ...

Understanding Domestic Partnerships in Illinois

Although highly glorified, the truth is that marriage is not right for everyone. Increasingly, people are choosing to share their lives with a loved one without officially tying the knot. In fact, according to Pew Research , the number of American adults who have never been married is currently at an all time high. Researchers speculate that this is due to a variety of reasons: people are marrying ...