Divorce & Family Law
What Role Do Divorce Lawyers Play In Mediation?
By Joshua E. Stern I’m a big believer in mediation for divorce and family law issues. When mediation works, the benefits are readily apparent. Mediation is confidential, non-evidentiary, and has the potential to reduce conflict in a divorce. It helps families transition into new relationships in a safe and collaborative…
Read More
Should I Return My Engagement Ring?
By Evan Compton Picture the movie breakup where the once soon-to-be-wife slowly and dramatically hands over the engagement ring, thus, dashing the dreams of happily-ever-after. Except we all know real life rarely reflects the movies. In real life, whether it’s yourself or your ex, no one may think about the…
Read More
How To Prepare For Divorce
By Joshua E. Stern Divorce is unique in that it is both a seismic life event and one that comes with few reference points. Many people do not personally know someone who has been divorced and never expected to be in the situation they now find themselves in. The internet…
Read More
Marital Property and Retirement Accounts
Dividing retirement accounts in a divorce can be contentious and somewhat tricky. The source of the contention is obvious. One spouse may feel like he or she made significant personal sacrifices to accrue his or her savings and that the other spouse did not participate or help. On the flip-side,…
Read More
Why Does Illinois Not Recognize Common Law Marriage?
If you live in Illinois state it is pretty likely you have no idea what a common law marriage is. Most states, including Illinois and except for 11 states give or take, don’t recognize common law marriage as legally binding in any form (with a few exceptions). So, what is…
Read More