Cook County Family Law Blog
Considerations in creating parenting plan
The divorce process is changing in Illinois. The state wants you and your child's other parent to work together, especially when it comes to making decisions about parenting. That is why the court refers to custody and visitation as parenting time. The idea is to...
When should I start thinking about writing my will?
Many Illinois residents may find it easier to put off their estate planning than to sit down and write their will. If you are one of them, you can hardly be blamed for not wanting to confront your own mortality. You may also feel that you have more important things to...
Sharing children during the holidays requires planning and tact
Sharing custody of the children can be challenging any time of year. At the law office of Di Giacomo & Somers L.L.C., we know that the holidays can be especially difficult for many single parents in Illinois. No matter how well you and your ex may get along, it...
Does mediation work for everyone?
Although it would be nice if it did, mediation is not always the best solution for all divorces. Sometimes, one person or a couple is so angry at one another that they can't talk to one another to resolve the divorce. Sometimes, one person is vindictive or wants to...
The rise of prenuptial agreements among millennials
Millennials, those people born between 1981 and 1996, are a group who are reaching new stages of adulthood. Many are buying homes and starting families. They're getting married -- and many are also thinking about how to protect themselves in the event of a divorce....
Yes, you may be entitled to spousal support
Spousal support can be a way to provide for yourself with payments from your spouse. This is an issue that must be decided during a divorce. Many people don't want to ask for spousal support because they don't want to continue relying on someone they're no...
Illinois divorce: Keep stress low and take one step at a time
When you met the person you wanted to marry, you likely had dreams and goals of how your future life would unfold. Perhaps those goals included having and raising a family together. Maybe you both have entrepreneurial spirits and dreamed of becoming business partners....
A post-divorce modification is possible with supporting evidence
After a divorce, there may be times when you need to address changes in your custody arrangements, alimony or other aspects of your divorce agreements. If that's the case, then you will need to ask for a post-decree modification. A post-decree modification asks a...
Why try a collaborative divorce?
Collaborative divorces are very popular because they save time and money while preventing serious conflict. A Collaborative divorce takes your divorce out of the traditional trial-based system and places into a setting where you're expected to negotiate to resolve...
Can’t decide on custody? Try mediation
In a divorce case that involves children, it is common for parents to struggle with the idea of spending less time with their kids. The reality is that there is no way to give both parents as much time as they want with their children. The time simply has to be...
