Posted on January 30, 2015 in Child Custody

While divorce is difficult for all people involved, child custody can be even harder, especially on the children. Often times, parents find themselves making assumptions on what to expect from their child custody hearing, which can cause a potential rift in the process, making things even more emotional. Here are several myths when it comes to child custody:

Mothers are more likely to be awarded custody. Since times have changed, most judges are favoring joint custody, or whatever is in the best interest of the child or children involved, which means that if this with the father, then the father will most likely receive full custody.

Children can decide who they want to have custody. While the judge may listen to and take into consideration what an older child’s wishes may be, he or she will not base their ruling on the child’s choice. It is important to not press the judge to make their decision based on your child’s wishes, since this will not make a very good impression on you or for your case.

Continue Reading ››

 Posted on January 14, 2015 in Alimony

Divorce can bring on a variety or negative and emotional issues. While it is not an easy thing to cope with, there are several things you can do to handle the stress related to a divorce.

Manage your emotional needs. It is important to talk to someone who understands what you are going through. Often times, a support group is a good place to find the support you may need, with the ability to share your feeling with people who can relate. It may also be to your advantage to seek the help from a counselor. They too can help to give you the emotional support you may need.

Do not worry about things that are out of your control. By dwelling on things that you cannot control, you are only increasing your stress and anxiety levels. By letting these things go, you can focus on moving on.

Think through any decisions you need to make. While there may be times after a divorce that may need immediate decisions, it is important to think any of these decisions through, weighing all options and consequences, as well as avoiding making any unnecessary or rash decisions.

Continue Reading ››

 Posted on January 13, 2015 in Alimony

Divorce can be a very difficult and trying time for all parties involved. Often times, this plays a key role in determining what type of divorce each person would like to pursue.

While it is not often that both parties are in total agreement when it comes to their divorce conditions, child custody, and division of assets, these issues may need to be resolved by mediation or with a contested court hearing.

However, there are situations in which both parties are in full agreement, and do not want to put themselves through the emotional and physical toll a contested divorce can cause. With an uncontested divorce, this can be achieved.

Here are some of the benefits of an uncontested divorce:

• An uncontested divorce involves less paperwork, since both parties are essentially agreeing to the terms of the divorce.
• An uncontested divorce involves less time and can be completed without the need of divorce proceedings and court hearings.

Continue Reading ››

 Posted on December 22, 2014 in Uncategorized

Social media has become a huge part daily life for millions of Americans. People go to social media outlets such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram & more to tell others about what is going on in their lives, and do it without thinking the potential consequences. Many people who find themselves going through a divorce, find that social media activity might affect the outcome of the case.

With all of out divorce clients, we try to educate them on how their Internet postings might affect  things such as child custody to property division to child support. Then, depending on each client case, we are able to present social media evidence that is favorable to our client and defend against such evidence when it is presented by his or her spouse.

In some situations postings can contain words that can be interpreted as threats of domestic violence. In other situations, someone who has been arguing that he or she cannot afford to pay child support or alimony suddenly posts pictures of himself or herself on vacation, a large expenditure that shows the person is far from broke.

Continue Reading ››

 Posted on December 18, 2014 in Aggravated DUI

The holidays are rapidly approaching, and with it come plenty of opportunities to celebrate with good cheer. However, this is the time of year when most DUI’s will occur. In efforts to help you avoid a DUI during the holidays, be sure to follow your common sense, and keep these things in mind:

• Do not drink and drive. It’s as simple as this. However, if you do feel the need to have a drink, be sure to be smart about your consumption and use common sense. If you have too much to drink, call a cab, stay the night, or have a designated driver take you home.
• Do not rely on alcohol detection devices. Technology such as portable breath testing devices (PBT) and evidential breath testers (EBT) are not a reliable way to determine you intoxication level since they are all flawed in some way.
• Do not go by the “one drink an hour” rule. Not everyone can tolerate alcohol the same way. One’s alcohol metabolism depends on variables such as body weight, food content, hydration level, and gender, which is different for everyone.

Continue Reading ››

 Posted on December 17, 2014 in Alimony

The holidays are right around the corner, which can be special time of year. However, there are many families that have a difficult time during this special time of year, especially when they are in a new position, as they may be with a divorce or separation.

Here are some tips for parents on how to handle the holidays, making it more enjoyable for you and your children:

• Avoid arguments. Whether it may be about with whom you child is spending the holidays, or an argument for any other reason, it is critical to ensure that you are avoiding these arguments at all costs. This will help to keep your child at ease and decrease any tensions that there may be.
• Be flexible. Things don’t always happen the way we want them to, especially during the holidays. If plans do change, be sure to be open to these changes and be accommodating to your child’s needs.
• Keep your child informed. One of the best ways to communicate with your child is by keeping open line of communication. Keep them involved and informed in your, and their plans.

Continue Reading ››

 Posted on December 04, 2014 in Criminal Defense

This time of year often brings home many college students, as well as lots of holiday parties. With this brings more opportunities for young adults to fall victim to underage DUI’s.

With the legal drinking age being 21 in the state of Illinois, any person who consumes alcohol under the age of 21 is illegal. However, in the state of Illinois, there are exceptions to this rule. These exceptions are: if alcohol is being consumed for religious reasons, and if alcohol is being consumed on private property and under the consent of a legal guardian.

Since Illinois is a zero tolerance state, if an individual that is underage is determined to have a Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) level of 0.00% or higher, then they will be charged with driving under the influence (DUI).

Below are the penalties that you may face if you are charged with an underage DUI:

1^st Conviction

• If BAC is between 0.00% and 0.08%, there is a 3-month suspension of your driver’s license.

Continue Reading ››

 Posted on November 24, 2014 in Alimony

Divorce…it’s a word that is typically associated with pain and duress. However, this view has become a common misconception. With divorce becoming more and more common, many couples are deciding to take a more amicable approach. This is only one common misconception out of many.

Divorce is harmful to children. While it is true that no divorce or break-up is easy, divorce does not have to be harmful to anyone, especially the children. It is key, however, in order for this to remain true, both parents must maintain respect and communication, as well as support for each other and their children.

Divorce is the only answer. Many couples think that divorce is the only answer. While this may be true in certain situations, divorce may not be the right answer for all. If there is any chance of a reconciliation, it always best to consider a less permanent resolution, such as legal separation.

Continue Reading ››

 Posted on November 14, 2014 in Alimony

When it comes to needing to make a change in your marriage, many couples consider divorce their only option. However, there are other options out there, such as legal separation.

Since divorce results in the finality of a marriage, it is critical to ensure that a couple wishes to end their marriage. Often times, legal separation may be the better option, especially if there may be a chance for reconciliation in the future.

There are several other reasons a couple may wish to pursue a legal separation versus a divorce, such as:

•  The opposition of divorce due to religious reasons.
• The eligibility of a spouse’s benefits, including Social Security and other government benefits.
• The eligibility of health insurance or other benefits from spouse’s employer.
• The eligibility of tax benefits if stating legally married.
• There is less stress related to filing a separation agreement versus a divorce agreement.

Continue Reading ››

 Posted on November 07, 2014 in Commercial Drivers License

Traffic tickets can be an expensive, and occasionally, serious issues. Whether you were speeding, performed illegal lane usage, forgetting to use your turn signal, texting while driving, or speeding in a construction zone, it is important to consider the benefits of fighting your traffic citation.

The benefits of contesting your traffic ticket:

• The potential for the charges to be dropped, which will prevent you from having to pay hefty fines, instead allowing you the ability to keep your driving record clean.
• In the event that you reach a plea bargain agreement, the likeliness of reduced charges increases.
• The possibility of maintaining your driving privileges. In repeat offender cases, by contesting your charges, you are more likely to keep your driver’s license.
• By contesting your traffic tickets, you may also be able to save yourself from potentially harmful consequences when it comes to things such as your job and schooling. This will especially ring true for commercial drivers with a CDL.

Continue Reading ››