|
Prenuptial Agreements A prenuptial agreement is a frequently used tool in both divorce
planning and in estate planning. A carefully drafted prenuptial agreement can be the best way to protect pre-existing
assets of a person in the event of a divorce. it can also protect the inheritance rights of children from a previous
marriage by providing legally enforceable provisions to disallow spousal rights contained in our laws of inhertance.
Divorce The decision to divorce, painful as it may be, is only the first step.
You will need an experienced family law attorney to advise you through the process ahead. Your case may involve complex
financial and economic issues and may touch upon virtually every avenue of your life. Issues that are involved include
the division of property, the allocation of retirement funds and investment accounts, responsibility for family debts, including
medical bills and mortgages, and the continuation of health care coverage for the family. Other important issues that
must be determined are those related to both child support and spousal support.
Child Support The State of Illinois imposes an obligation on every parent to support
his or her child. That obligation usually lasts until the age of majority, an dmay continue to provide for a college
education or the financial costs of caring for a special needs adult child.
Custody Child custody and visitation arrangements are among the most heated
and emotional decisions involved in the dissolution of a marriage. In Illinois, a form of joint custody, which requires
joint major decision making between the parents, is often granted in cases where the parents are able to cooperatively work
together for the best interests of their children. For couples who have more difficulty communicating, a schedule of
sole custody and visitation with the non residential parent may be a more workable solution. The goal of the courts
is to seek an arrangement that will be respresent the interest of the children. That goal should also be your goal!
Non Traditional Family Agreements When unmarried people reside together, acquire property
together, and even form a family together, they have little protection under current Illinois law in circumstances when their
family unit breaks down, either due to death or other separation. People involved in a non traditional family relationship
should seriously consider family planning, asset planning, and estate planning with an experienced attorney in order to ensure
that they are adequately protected in all situations.
|
