Illinois Child Support Services: Why They Exist and How They Can Help

 Posted on December 00, 0000 in Child Support

The Illinois Child Support Service division reports that almost half a million children in the state receive public assistance. Taxpayers are responsible for the non-payment of child support, picking up the slack for parents who do not hold themselves accountable financially for the care of their children. While this statistic is sad and unfortunate, the state thankfully has an organized, efficient system in place to address the needs of children and families who struggle with such circumstances.

The Purpose of State Child Support Programs

Due to the overwhelming need of single parents raising children with no support from the other parent, child support programs are utilized to ease the burden and ensure that children are properly cared for, safe and protected. Since the Illinois program began in 1976, the department has successfully collected more than 3 billion dollars for children in need.

Continue Reading ››

What Happens During the Post-Bankruptcy Debtor Education Course

 Posted on December 00, 0000 in Bankruptcy

Bankruptcy gives you the chance at a fresh, new start, but it is up to you to ensure you make the most of that start. This means you have to do things different and ensure you protect yourself from unnecessary or excessive debt in the weeks, months, and years to follow. Bankruptcy counseling, which is required before and after bankruptcy, can help you obtain the skills and knowledge you will need to restart your credit and maintain it, long into the future.

Why Do I Need Bankruptcy Debtor Education?

The U.S. Bankruptcy Code mandates that you receive two types of bankruptcy counseling: credit counseling before you file, and debtor education after. Although they sound similar, they are actually quite different. Credit counseling examines your financial situation before bankruptcy to determine if a budget or repayment plan can help you avoid filing. Debtor education, done after you file, is designed to help you focus on building credit and healthy debt management practices. Failure to comply and complete either course could result in a denial of your bankruptcy discharge.

Continue Reading ››

Legal Separation or Divorce – Which One is Right for Your Case?

 Posted on December 00, 0000 in Legal Separation

Every marriage is unique. Every couple’s beliefs, goals, and concerns are different. So, really, it only makes sense that, when suffering from irreconcilable differences, some will choose legal separation over the traditional divorce. This is not a “wrong” path. It is just different than divorce. Unfortunately, many couples are confused about those differences and are uncertain when it comes to deciding which option is most appropriate for their situation. The following information can help clarify the difference between legal separation and divorce, and may even give you some insight as to which path is right for you.

Legal Separation

Less extreme, and ultimately less permanent, a legal separation does not dissolve the marriage. It does offer certain benefits, however. For example, during a legal separation, couples can pursue a court order for child support, spousal support, and a determination of parenting time and allocation of parental responsibilities. In addition, legal separation can give couples time apart to decide whether or not they truly want to proceed with a divorce. Some find, after time apart, that their differences were merely situational. Others do eventually decide to move forward with a legal divorce. In either case, the parties are able to walk away, certain that they did everything they could to resolve the issues in their marriage.

Continue Reading ››

Residential Custody: Your Child’s Right to Choose

 Posted on December 00, 0000 in Divorce

Determining child custody in a divorce can be a lengthy and emotionally taxing process. In Illinois, the judge will consider many factors, including the testimonies of each parent, as well as the physical and mental health of the child and parents, when awarding custody.

However, your children will not be voiceless throughout this process. As outlined in the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act, the judge may take into consideration the child’s wishes.

Children ages 14 or older may choose which parent to live with, but a judge can overrule this decision if he or she decides the child’s choice is not in their best interest. There are a few questions that judges may consider when adjudicating a case where a child has strong preferences toward a particular parent:

Continue Reading ››

Coping with Divorce during the Holiday Season

 Posted on December 00, 0000 in Divorce

Divorce is a difficult process any time of the year, but the holidays can be especially challenging. Many experience loneliness and depression. Others feel more overwhelmed than usual and may be more prone to mood swings. Whatever the situation, however you are feeling, know that there are ways to cope. The following information may be able to help.

Surround Yourself with Friends and Family The holidays are a time when people are used to being surrounded by friends and family, so reach out to those that you love. If your circle has become significantly smaller, try and make some new friends. Support groups, colleagues at work, and even your neighbor are all great places to look. Some might even surprise you – that person you might have overlooked at the office who went through a divorce last year, or the single mom a few doors down that you might not have even noticed. Go to holiday parties, even if you do not feel like it. Whatever you decide to do, try to surround yourself with people and try to immerse yourself in holiday cheer. Give Back to Your Community If meeting new people seems too exhausting, maybe some charity work can help to put you in the holiday spirit and heal your soul a little. After all, there is little that can lift the spirit like feeding the homeless, volunteering at a domestic violence shelter, reading to kids in a hospital, or playing board games with someone in a nursing home. Not sure where to look? Try your local church, bulletin boards, or newspaper. If you cannot find anything there, try talking to friends or just pick up a phone and call your local shelters to ask if they could use some help. Be Gentle with Yourself and Practice Self-Care Surrounding yourself with people and giving back are all great ways to cope with divorce during the holidays, but probably the most beneficial thing you can do is to be gentle with yourself and to practice self-care. If you find yourself crying a lot, that is okay. Your grief and sadness are normal. If you do not feel like putting up your tree or lights, try purchasing just a small live one that does not take as much effort – and do not let yourself feel guilty for doing so. Keep the decorations put up if you like, soak in warm baths, make hot chocolate or tea, read a book, or buy a box of candy canes and a present for yourself. In short, do what makes you happiest this holiday season. Seek Assistance with Your Divorce If you are filing for divorce but have not obtained legal assistance, now might be the time to reconsider. Not only can a divorce attorney help to ensure you avoid unnecessary mistakes, they can handle the legal details so that you have the time and energy to grieve and care for yourself. You also have an increased chance of receiving a fair settlement in your case if you have an attorney on your side. At the Thomas Law Office, we offer compassionate and personalized services to suit your needs. Dedicated and experienced, our McHenry County family law attorney can protect your rights and will always make your best interest our top priority. Schedule your consultation to ask how we can help with your case. Call us at 847-426-7990 today. Sources:

http://www.fox2detroit.com/good-day/weekend/218714775-story

Continue Reading ››

Protecting Your Business During the Divorce Process

 Posted on December 00, 0000 in Divorce

Divorce is not something that most people plan for, but it is a process that thousands of couples go through each year. Emotionally and financially complex, it can be especially difficult for those who own a business. Learn how to protect yours with help from the following information.

When Divorce and Businesses Mix Business owners must understand the risks that they face in divorce. Not only is there the potential for financial depletion, the company itself could be liquidated to settle the marital estate. Thankfully, some can be saved. It takes ingenuity, strategy, and decisiveness. It also requires you to seek assistance from those that are experienced in handling complex divorces. Protecting Your Company While prenuptial and postnuptial agreements are the most effective way to protect a business and its intellectual property, not all business owners have one. In their absence, other strategies must be used. For example, couples can use mediation and arbitration to work through a settlement that preserves the business and meets the needs and interests of all parties. Accurate valuation of the business is also critical in the divorce process. You should be certain you maintain and provide clear and concise records, including those pertaining to income, debt, and expenditures. Provide all documentation to your attorney in a timely manner so they can plan your strategy appropriately and well in advance. Examining Your Options Some business owners may choose to liquidate their company, using the funds from it to settle their marital estate. Others may decide to “buy out” their spouse - or give up assets that are equal to that of the business to ensure they can preserve the company. Still others may attempt to run it together by defining new terms and roles. Each has its own potential benefits and disadvantages, but only you really know which option is right for you. A divorce lawyer can ensure you have the knowledge you need to make sound decisions about your business. Contact Our Experienced McHenry County Divorce Lawyers If you are planning for divorce, contact the Thomas Law Office for assistance. Dedicated and experienced, we will fight to protect your business, and your rights, every step of the way. Serving the greater McHenry County and DuPage County areas, our Illinois divorce lawyer offers personalized consultations to suit your needs. Call 847-426-7990 to schedule yours today. Source:

https://www.theguardian.com/small-business-network/jan/divorce-day-business-protected-spouse-marriage-breakdown

Continue Reading ››

Financial Stress During Illness May Negatively Impact Health

 Posted on December 00, 0000 in Bankruptcy

The cost of medical treatment is one of the most common reasons that Americans file for bankruptcy. Considering the declining health of many Americans, and the lack of access to quality health care for many, this is not a surprising statistic. What is concerning is how researchers have connected poorer outcomes for those who struggle with their finances while seriously ill. If you or someone you love is up against such an issue, the following may be able to mitigate the risks.

Lack of Care Often Responsible for Poorer Health Outcomes Published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, the recent study on health outcomes and financial strain examined the financial status and mortality rate of over 230,000 cancer patients. More than 4,700 of those patients filed for bankruptcy at some point in their treatment. Researchers associated this filing with a significantly higher rate of mortality - in some cases, as much as 80 percent higher. Why the link? Experts believe much of the risk is due to a lack of treatment - a problem that starts and is perpetuated by financial strain and the inability to cover treatment ad medication costs. Interestingly enough, this same issue may be experienced by those with other serious illnesses, such as heart disease, diabetes, or obesity. Stress of Financial Strain Also Thought to Be a Factor Stress has long been associated with poor health outcomes - even for healthy individuals. In fact, many patients with heart conditions and blood pressure issues are encouraged to reduce their stress levels. Unfortunately, financial troubles also happen to be one of the leading causes of stress. As such, patients experiencing financial struggles while trying to seek treatment for a serious illness may ultimately exasperate their condition. This is why it is critical patients understand how to mitigate the risks. Mitigating the Risks When you are up against financial strain and a life-threatening illness, you have to choose which thing you want to fight. Do you want to fight the illness, or your financial problems? If you choose the former, then let go of your worries about the latter. Pursue bankruptcy sooner, rather than later, and reduce your stress levels. Seek guided and experienced assistance to ensure you approach the process effectively, and continue your treatment to the best of your abilities. Contact Our Illinois Bankruptcy Lawyer Bankruptcy may be a complex legal procedure, but it does not have to be an unnerving situation. Let the Thomas Law Office guide you through the process. Compassionate and experienced, we will work to resolve your bankruptcy case quickly and we will fight to ensure you have a smooth transition. Schedule a consultation with our McHenry County bankruptcy lawyer to learn more. Call 847-426-7990 today. Source:

https://consumer.healthday.com/cancer-information-5/mis-cancer-news-102/cancer-s-financial-burden-tied-to-poorer-survival-study-finds-707415.html

Continue Reading ››

Reducing Costs During Your Divorce

 Posted on December 00, 0000 in Divorce

Divorce is one of the biggest financial transactions in a couple’s life. Knowing this, many attempt to take shortcuts that end up costing them more in the end. Avoid this risk by examining how you can reduce cost, without compromising the outcome of your case, with help from the following information.

Never Skip the Attorney There are many ways to cut the cost of divorce, but removing the attorney out of the process should never be one of them. An attorney can do more than just file your paperwork; they can help reduce the risk of financial mistakes. Your attorney can also work as the communication hub between you and your spouse to reduce contention, and they assist with any parenting time or allocation of parental responsibility issues that might arise in your case. Educate Yourself on Your Financial Situation Whether you are in a marriage with a high net worth, middle-class, or nearing retirement, it is crucial that you fully understand your financial situation before the divorce. Budgets to determine your cost of living, statements that give a clear picture of your debts and assets, and an idea of what your living expenses might be after the divorce are all financial matters to consider. If you are in the dark on your financial situation, you may need to do some investigative work. Remember that an attorney can help with this, and should be your first point of contact once you have decided to move forward with your case. Consider Settling Outside of Court While not all cases are eligible for mediation, the process does offer some cost-saving potential to divorcing couples. In fact, it is the court process that often eats up a lot of the marital assets. By opting out of this contentious situation, you and your spouse can work toward a settlement that can hopefully satisfy both parties. Keep in mind that you should still have an attorney at your side to protect your interests and assist with the process. Remember the True Nature of Divorce Although divorce is, undoubtedly, an emotional process, the legal process is more like a business transaction. If you can remove the emotion from the actual process and cope with it outside of the mediation room or courtroom, you can reduce your risk of elevated divorce costs. Support, counseling, and other coping strategies can all be beneficial in helping you accomplish this difficult feat. Contact Our McHenry County Divorce Attorney At the Thomas Law Office, we understand the difficulties that divorcing couples face. That is why we take a personalized approach to each and every case. Learn more about how our dedicated McHenry County divorce lawyer can assist you. Call 847-426-7990 and schedule your consultation with us today. Source:

http://www.ctvnews.ca/5things/tips-on-how-to-save-money-if-divorce-is-the-only-option-1.3329365

Continue Reading ››

Bankruptcy Basics: Understanding the Discharge Process

 Posted on December 00, 0000 in Bankruptcy

Warning: stripos(): Offset not contained in string in /home/ocvaws/public_html/system-joomla-shared-core/components/com_easyblog/easyblog.php on line 18

Continue Reading ››

Appellate Court in St. Louis Grants Couple “Joint Custody” of Their Frozen Embryos

 Posted on December 00, 0000 in Divorce

Technology and medicine have made massive advancements over the last several years. In fact, things have progressed so quickly that the law has fallen behind. Consider, for example, the numerous cases involving frozen embryos, many with different outcomes. One of the most recent cases involves the awarding of “joint custody” to a divorcing couple in Missouri. Learn more about this recent case, some of the previous rulings, and how all this could impact your divorce case if there are frozen embryos involved.

St. Louis Appellate Court’s Recent Ruling The problem with embryos is that they are not, under most laws, considered human. They are not property either though – not really. They do not have monetary value. They cannot be split. Instead, the couple must attempt to come to an agreement about the fate of the embryos. When unable to do so, the court is forced to make sense of this confusing but unique legal situation. Historically, courts have ruled that embryos must be thawed and destroyed. However, there have been some rulings that granted “custody” of the embryo to one spouse or the other. Generally speaking, such rulings have only taken place in marriages where one spouse may have been deemed infertile, and the only chance to conceive is held within the embryos. Of course, this creates a sticky situation: a person who no longer wants to have a child with their ex-spouse is essentially forced to do so against their will if the embryos are granted to a party that wants to conceive. This is exactly what originally happened in the St. Louis case. According to the St. Louis Dispatch, the wife had originally been given “custody” of the embryos, but her husband appealed the divorce court’s decision. He did not feel comfortable with the idea of having a child with his ex-spouse. The appellate court saw where he was coming from and decided to grant the couple “joint custody” of the embryos. They will not be destroyed. They will continue to be stored. However, neither can use the embryos without the other’s permission. Unfortunately, gaining consent may not be easy for the would-be mother. Facing an Embryo Dispute? Contact Our McHenry County Divorce Lawyer Embryos in divorce are a complex matter that can easily lead to contention. The Thomas Law Office may be able to help. Dedicated and experienced, our McHenry County divorce lawyer can work with you to devise a creative solution that can hopefully satisfy all involved parties. In every situation, we pursue the most favorable outcome. Call 847-426-7990 and schedule your personalized consultation with us today. Sources:

http://www.stltoday.com/news/local/metro/divorced-st-louis-county-couple-s-frozen-embryos-are-property/article_396ca794-e3d3-5166-9e29-485feff8e6d4.html

Continue Reading ››