Illinois Attorneys | Kane County Lawyers | Mirabella, Kincaid, Frederick & Mirabella, LLC

What Is Collaborative Divorce and How Can it Benefit Me?

Posted on September 16, 2020

St. Charles collaborative divorce attorney

Disputes regarding the division of marital assets and debts, allocation of parental responsibilities and parenting time, child support, spousal maintenance, and other divorce issues can be legally complicated and emotionally exhausting. If you are ready to end your marriage, you may wonder how you can resolve these issues without your divorce case going to trial. Alternative dispute resolution (ADR) methods have helped countless divorcing couples reach an agreement about the terms of their divorce outside of the courtroom. One such ADR that may be beneficial to you is collaborative divorce.

Resolving Divorce Issues Using Collaborative Law

If you are like most individuals facing divorce, you probably want the divorce process to be as amicable as possible. Collaborative divorce is a process during which divorcing spouses and their respective attorneys work together instead of against each other to negotiate divorce issues and reach solutions. Every individual participating in the collaborative process signs a Participation Agreement or Collaborative Agreement in which they promise to openly share relevant information and negotiate in good faith. Participants also promise not to take the divorce case to litigation. If the case does end up going to trial, the attorneys must withdraw from the case and the spouses must hire new attorneys. This ensures that everyone is fully motivated to reach a resolution through the collaborative process.

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How Can I Reduce My Child Support Obligation in Illinois?

Posted on August 27, 2020

Kane County divorce attorney child support

When a couple gets divorced, there are many issues that need to be addressed. The amount of child support a parent pays is calculated using the “Income Shares” model in Illinois. Both parents’ net incomes are used to determine a child support payment amount that is reasonably affordable yet still provides the recipient parent with the financial support he or she needs. However, when the parents’ circumstances change, the child support order may no longer be appropriate. If you are interested in modifying the amount you pay in child support, you will need to show that a child support modification is warranted.

Modifying an Illinois Child Support Order

In order to qualify for a modification, you will need to show that there has been a “substantial change in circumstances” that justifies the change or that the current order does not adequately address the child’s health care needs. You may also be granted a modification if the child support obligation significantly differs from the statutory guidelines in the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act.

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How Do Spouses Hide Assets During an Illinois Divorce?

Posted on August 17, 2020

St. Charles divorce attorney hidden assets

During an Illinois divorce, spouses are asked to disclose detailed information about their assets, income, and debts. This information is needed to make informed decisions about property division, child support, spousal maintenance, and other concerns. Some spouses attempt to hide assets, underreport income, or otherwise falsify financial information in order to manipulate the divorce settlement in their favor. Uncovering financial fraud during divorce is often challenging and complicated – especially if a spouse owns complex assets such as stock options, real estate, trusts, or a business. In many cases, a forensic accountant may work with a divorce lawyer to investigate a spouse’s finances and reveal any deception.

Common Ways Divorcing Spouses Falsify Financial Information

Whether a divorce is settled out of court or through litigation, the terms of the divorce should be based upon accurate, complete financial information. Unfortunately, some spouses try to gain an advantage by misrepresenting their financial situation. Some of the most common ways that spouses hide assets during divorce include:

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How Will Getting Divorced Affect My Retirement Accounts in Illinois?

Posted on July 27, 2020

St. Charles divorce attorney division of assets

You may be surprised to find out that one in four divorces involve spouses who are over age 50. Increasingly, couples are getting divorced later in life. This so-called “gray divorce” often comes with unique challenges and complications. If you are considering divorce, one concern you may have is how the divorce will affect your retirement plans. You may question how much of the retirement account will be awarded to your spouse or worry about whether you will have the funds necessary to support yourself after you stop working.

Is My Spouse Entitled to a Portion of My Retirement Fund?

While some states divide marital property 50/50 during divorce, Illinois courts take a more nuanced approach to the division of assets. Illinois follows a legal doctrine called “equitable division,” which means that marital property is divided equitably based on each spouse’s financial circumstances, health, and needs. Only marital property, or all property acquired during the marriage, is divided during a divorce. The nonmarital property, or property accumulated before the marriage, is assigned to the original owner. Typically, the portion of a retirement account that was acquired during the marriage is subject to division while the portion of the retirement account that a spouse earned before getting married is not subject to division.

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How Can Family Law Mediation Help Resolve Issues During My Divorce?

Posted on July 24, 2020

St. Charles divorce attorney mediation

Before you and your spouse are granted a divorce you will need to try and reach an agreement about the division of marital assets, allocation of parenting time, spousal maintenance, and other divorce matters. Resolving these issues can be a very difficult process – especially if you and your spouse do not see eye to eye. If you cannot reach an agreement about these issues on your own, one option that may help is family law mediation. The mediation process has helped countless divorcing spouses settle divorce issues so they can avoid courtroom litigation.

What Does Divorce Mediation Entail?

Understandably, many spouses struggle to discuss divorce issues without letting emotions get in the way. Having a neutral third party who is trained in conflict resolution present throughout the process can be a huge benefit. During divorce mediation, a divorcing couple meets with a specially trained mediator to discuss and negotiate unresolved divorce issues. The mediator’s job is to facilitate productive conversations so spouses can find solutions that work for both of them.

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