The decision to divorce can be difficult for any couple in Illinois, but depending on a number of factors such as the length of marriage, amount of assets and age of any children, the divorce process itself can be a challenge - even if those divorcing are willing to work with each other. Property division in particular can be a challenge with consequences that go beyond just the ex-spouses.
Illinois lawmakers propose major new divorce law
When lawmakers in Illinois lawmakers propose a bill that would have a big effect on certain married couples, it is important that those couples not only understand how they could be affected but also how they can voice their opinions about those changes. Changes to Illinois divorce law will not only affect those seeking to dissolve their marriage but could also impact the steps couples take before they get married.
Bill addressing child support and paternity clears committee
The issue of child support can be emotionally charged, even in the best of circumstances. This is true whether the child's parents are undergoing a divorce, or whether the parents were never married. Oftentimes, the first step a court takes in making a child support determination is establishing paternity. However, a bill recently passed by an Illinois Senate committee may change the way child support is handled for a father who is not the biological parent.
Divorce can have an impact on taxes
Divorce usually has financial implications for both parties, not the least of which is the impact on a party's personal tax situation. If someone has recently undergone a divorce in Illinois, there are a few things he or she should keep in mind in order to avoid paying more taxes than absolutely necessary.
Divorce rate among those over 50 rises significantly
A new study has shown that divorces among couples aged 50 and over dramatically increased between 1990 and 2010. In 1990, only 10 percent of all divorces were among people over 50. In 2010 that number had risen to 25 percent of all divorces. In contrast, the under-50 divorce rate grew only marginally.
February is one of the most common times for divorce
People who live in Illinois know that winter can sometimes be a dreary time. And, sometimes, these cold months can have effects on relationships. Some people say that divorce is most prevalent during January or February. There seems to be a consensus, however, that more divorces take place after the start of the new year than at any other time during the year.
Ashley Judd and Dario Franchitti to divorce after 11 years
Movie actress Ashley Judd and racecar driver Dario Franchitti have decided to end their 11 year marriage, the two recently announced. The two were married in 1999 after a two-year engagement, but do not have any children.
Kardashian pregnant with Kanye, wants to divorce Humphries
Ending a marriage can be a long and lengthy process. Just ask Kim Kardashian. She has been trying to divorce her estranged basketball player husband, Kris Humphries, since 2011. This is despite the fact that she called it quits after only 72 days of matrimony. No matter how long or short of a duration one is happily married, the same legal issues tend to arise once the breakup begins.
Many women lose healthcare post-divorce
Married couples enjoy many cost-efficiencies. A shared residence, buying food in bulk and tax breaks, for example. But when a married couple divorces, the efficiencies evaporate, meaning each spouse's cost-of-living will escalate. When developing a support plan, these couples need to consider the economic consequences that come from the end of these efficiencies.
Man divorced wife years before his death without her knowledge
A widow recently learned that her husband divorced her in secret 10 years ago without ever having told her. The couple had lived together for over 30 years until the husband's death at age 65. The 75-year-old widow found the divorce documents while going through the belongings of her deceased husband. The documents were dated eight years before his death.
