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Recent Blog Posts
When Should a Couple Consider a Prenuptial Agreement?
A prenuptial agreement, often referred to as a "prenup," is a contract that a couple may sign before getting married. It can determine how various financial matters will be addressed if the couple chooses to get a divorce or separation. While discussing and signing a prenup may not be the most romantic aspect of wedding planning, it can provide peace of mind, and it can protect both parties' interests.
There are numerous situations where a prenup may be beneficial, but it is important to make sure this type of agreement is drafted correctly, and both parties should fully understand the terms they are agreeing to. At Weiss-Kunz & Oliver, LLC, our experienced attorneys work with couples to address concerns about financial issues and create agreements that will benefit them. With proper planning, a prenup can strengthen a relationship, help a couple avoid divorce, and ensure that both parties will be protected financially. We work to make sure our clients have addressed these issues correctly, and we take steps to ensure that their agreements are valid and legally enforceable if divorce becomes an issue in the future.
5 New Year’s Resolutions for Parents Who Share Child Custody
As we come to the end of the year, many people take time to reflect on their lives and set goals for the future. For parents who share child custody, the new year may provide an opportunity to make resolutions that will improve their co-parenting relationships and ensure that they are providing for the well-being of their children. If you are currently going through a divorce, or if you have a child custody order in place, you may want to focus on how you can meet your children’s needs in the year to come.
At Weiss-Kunz & Oliver, LLC, our family law attorneys can help you address concerns related to your children. We can provide you with legal representation during a legal case involving child-related issues, ensuring that your parental rights will be protected. We can also help you address any concerns you may have about an existing child custody order, and we will advise you on the best steps you can take to protect your children’s best interests at all times. As you prepare for the new year, you may want to make resolutions such as:
Do Divorce Rates Increase During the Holidays?
For many people, the holiday season provides opportunities for joy, togetherness, and celebration. However, it can also be an incredibly stressful time for some couples and families. Financial strain, higher levels of stress, and unrealistic expectations can put a significant strain on relationships during this season. While divorce rates typically do not increase during the months of November and December, perhaps due to people being busy with holiday celebrations, the month of January often sees a spike in divorce cases. When a couple experiences relationship problems due to holiday-related stress, they may decide to end their marriage after things have calmed down in the new year.
At Weiss-Kunz & Oliver, LLC, we understand the stress that the holidays can often bring and the issues that can lead to the breakdown of a marriage. We know how difficult it can be to choose to end a relationship that is no longer working, and we are here to provide support and guidance during this difficult time. Our attorneys can help you understand the legal issues that you will need to address as you work to dissolve your marriage, and we are prepared to advocate for your interests and make sure you will be prepared for success as you move forward into the next chapter of your life.
How Is a Legal Separation Different From a Divorce?
There are many situations where marital relationships may break down. Even though a couple intended to remain together for the rest of their lives when they got married, they may experience changes over the course of their relationship, or they may find that they are no longer compatible. When a marriage begins experiencing problems, one or both spouses may begin considering whether getting a divorce is a good idea. However, if a couple is not yet ready to end their marriage, or if they wish to remain married even if they are no longer in a committed relationship, legal separation may be an alternative option.
In the realm of family law, legal separation is an alternative to divorce that offers couples the opportunity to live apart without terminating their marriage. While divorce permanently dissolves a marriage, legal separation allows spouses to separate their lives while still remaining legally married. There are a number of reasons why a couple may wish to use this option, and anyone who is considering making these types of changes to their life will want to consult with an attorney who can provide qualified legal guidance and advice on how to proceed.
4 Important Steps to Take When Preparing for Divorce
If your marriage has broken down, you may be considering divorce. While ending a long-term relationship can be difficult, this may be the best option for you, your children, or others who are involved in your life. Rather than continuing to live in an unhappy marriage and subjecting yourself and your children to tension, conflict, and stress, you can take steps to end your marriage and move on to a more positive situation.
While the divorce process can be difficult, being prepared can help make the transition smoother for you and your children. If you are considering a divorce in Illinois, it is important to understand the steps you should take to protect your rights and interests. By following these important steps, you can navigate the divorce process with confidence.
At Weiss-Kunz & Oliver, LLC, our attorneys can provide guidance on what you should consider as you prepare for your divorce. We have extensive experience representing clients in a wide variety of situations. Whether you expect high levels of conflict, need to address complex financial issues, or are prepared to work together with your spouse to negotiate a settlement that will be mutually beneficial, we can advise you on how to proceed and provide you with effective legal representation throughout the divorce process.
How to Uncover Wasted or Hidden Assets During the Divorce Process
Divorce can be a difficult process. During the end of your marriage, you may not only need to address the emotional and personal concerns that have led to the breakdown of your relationship, but you may also need to deal with a variety of complex financial issues. As you handle the legal aspects of your divorce, some of your most important concerns may be related to ensuring that all assets are properly identified and divided between you and your spouse. However, there are some factors that can complicate this process, including suspicions that your spouse has hidden assets from you or taken actions to waste or destroy marital property.
5 Complex Financial Issues to Address in a High Net Worth Divorce
Nearly every divorce will involve complicated issues. When ending a long-term relationship and dissolving their legal partnership, spouses may encounter disputes over how various issues will be handled, and they may need to address multiple types of financial concerns. However, a high net worth divorce can be significantly more complex than other types of divorce cases due to the substantial assets owned by a couple and the many financial factors that will need to be addressed. When couples with significant wealth decide to end their marriage, guidance and legal representation from an experienced attorney can be crucial.
At Weiss-Kunz & Oliver, LLC, we understand the unique financial issues that may play a role in a high net worth divorce. We work to ensure that our clients are prepared to approach the divorce process correctly, and we are prepared to advocate for your financial interests while negotiating settlements or arguing a case in the courtroom. With our experience handling complex financial matters and contentious disputes, we can make sure you will be able to achieve your goals and move on with your life after finalizing your divorce.
How Are Children’s Best Interests Determined in Family Law Cases?
In family law cases involving children, the court's primary concern is always the best interests of the child. When making decisions about the allocation of parental responsibilities and parenting time, judges may consider a variety of factors to ensure that the child's well-being and safety are prioritized. By understanding exactly what issues will be addressed in child custody cases and how they can protect their children’s best interests, parents can make sure they will be prepared to resolve disputes and create agreements that will allow them to meet their children’s needs.
At Weiss-Kunz & Oliver, LLC, we work with parents in divorce and family law cases to address and resolve child custody concerns. We provide guidance on how our clients can protect their parental rights, and we work to negotiate agreements that will allow them to meet their children’s needs going forward. If necessary, we can provide representation during litigation, but we strive to find peaceful resolutions to disputes whenever possible so that parents can focus on protecting their children’s well-being. Our attorneys are here to help with any child custody concerns that our clients may encounter.
Taking Care of Yourself Physically and Mentally During a Divorce
Getting a divorce is often considered one of the most stressful life events that a person can go through. Not only does the end of a marriage bring about significant emotional upheaval, but it can have physical effects on a person as well. If you are going through the divorce process, it is important to remember that during this challenging time, taking care of yourself both physically and mentally should be a priority.
One of the best things you can do to ensure that you will be able to address your physical and emotional needs during your divorce is to hire a skilled family law attorney. With a legal advocate on your side to help you address the various aspects of the divorce process, you will be able to focus on meeting your needs. At Weiss-Kunz & Oliver, LLC, we work to ensure that our clients will be fully prepared to handle all of their legal concerns, and we fight to protect their rights at all times. When you work with us, you can rest assured that your case is in professional hands, and you can begin taking steps to make the necessary changes in your life while ensuring that you will be able to thrive in the future.
Your Guide to Spousal Maintenance in Illinois Divorce Cases
There are a variety of issues that can complicate the divorce process, and many of these will be related to financial matters. There are multiple types of expenses that spouses will need to pay during a divorce, including legal fees and various costs related to changes in living situations. As spouses separate from each other, they may need to address moving expenses and other costs related to finding new housing. Each spouse will also need to determine how to pay ongoing expenses such as mortgage or rent payments, utility bills, groceries, transportation costs, and more.
While these issues can often be addressed by making adjustments to budgets, there are some situations where one spouse may be unable to fully support themselves on their own. In cases where a spouse will be at a financial disadvantage following their divorce, they may ask for support from their former partner.