Are you getting divorced and want to change a deed from both spouses names to just one spouse’s name? If so, then you need something called a “quit claim deed.” We wrote this FAQ on quit claim to help you from falling into the trap of ineffective settlement agreements on bogus online services.

Do you want to know how to get an Illinois uncontested divorce, with a lawyer, for a flat fee? I explain the process below in easy-to-understand steps. As an Illinois uncontested divorce lawyer, I know people are sometimes nervous about starting a divorce in Illinois, or they think a lawyer is going to rip them off. Hopefully this “how to” article will help. To skip reading and to start your uncontested divorce now, call or text 312-554-5433 or use our contact form.

You want to pay a flat fee for an uncontested divorce, but you don’t know where to start? You’ve come to the right place. You can text or call 312-554-5433 to get started now, or contact us here.

You can also check out this FAQ on flat fee uncontested divorce in Illinois.

If you are getting a divorce in Illinois, then you might run across the term “pretrial conference.” As an Illinois divorce lawyer, I often participate in pretrial conferences, and I know they can be somewhat confusing to people getting a divorce. Check out this FAQ on the subject of a “pretrial conference.”

Starting an uncontested divorce in Illinois can sometimes feel like a great weight was taken off your back. In fact, if you call or text us at 312-554-5433, or contact us online, you might have that feeling in a few minutes. But you might want to read this article for more info about a few “gotchas” you should watch out for when using any type of uncontested divorce service.

An uncontested divorce in Illinois should be fast, and affordable. It shouldn’t feel like beating your head into the wall. As a flat fee uncontested divorce lawyer in Illinois, My goal is to make divorce as easy as possible.

You can call or text us at 312-554-5433 to get started. Or read on.

Sometimes people can avoid feeling like they are beating their head against a wall by avoiding the blow mistakes.

Want to best divorce lawyer in Illinois? If you are like some people, then you will search for a lawyer that tells you what you want to hear. And you will most likely be very displeased with what happens in your case.

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If you have kids and want to get divorced, you’re probably concerned about child custody issues. as in Illinois child custody lawyer, I’ve written this article to answer frequently asked questions about child custody.

You can contact us online, or text or call 312-554-5433 to get started with your case.

Are you looking for the best Evanston divorce lawyer? If so, you probably live in Evanston, want a lawyer nearby, and want a lawyer to do a good job.

Check out this FAQ about finding the best divorce lawyer in Evanston. Or call or text 312-554-5433 to get started now. You can also checkout my Evanston Chamber of Commerce profile page.

Are you getting divorced in Illinois and have questions about completing a financial affidavit? If so, you’re not alone. As a divorce lawyer in Chicago and surrounding suburbs, I know questions about financial affidavits are common. That’s why you should read this FAQ about financial affidavits in Illinois divorce.

You might ask, “How do I gather evidence in a divorce?” As an Illinois divorce lawyer for wealthy families, I often run into people who have a critical need to collect evidence. It is often said that evidence wins cases. That is as true in an Illinois divorce as in any other type of case.

This article is about gathering evidence in a divorce.

Unfortunately, it is very common for a person to make a false allegation of domestic violence in order to get a leg up in an Illinois divorce. I’ve talked to many people who don’t think it will happen to them . . . until it does. If your relationship with your spouse is getting heated, then you need to read this article the educate yourself about orders of protection.

If your marriage is breaking down and you like seeing your kids, one of the worst thoughts is probably your kids being taken far away from you. What if your kids were taken from Illinois, to another state, or vice versa? And what if the other parent took your kids away using deception? If you want to avoid being fooled into the losing end of an interstate child custody dispute, you should read this article the discusses relocation by deception and the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act.

Want to know what to do when you get served with an order of protection? An experienced Illinois order of protection lawyer can help you win your case. There are important steps you should take . . .

Having an Illinois order of protection against you can be scary. That’s why you need an Illinois order of protection defense lawyer. Representing yourself is risky, and increases the chance that you will be stuck with an order or protection against you. Check out his FAQ about being served with an order of protection.

If you have a house and want to get divorce in Illinois, then you might have questions about what will happen with the house. Check out this FAQ about dealing with a house in a divorce.

Are you getting divorced and you suspect your husband or wife is hiding money? Then you are not alone. Many people think their spouse has secret accounts, cryptocurreny, or piles of case hidden under a mattress.

If you are worried about hidden money in an Illinois divorce, here are some questions you might ask.

Let’s say you’ve been been injured at work, or driving a car. If that’s the case, then you might sue someone for a personal injury, or maybe you have ea worker’s compensation case. If so, you might receive a large sum of money as damages. But will you have to split that with your spouse?

There are so many things to worry about if you have a UCCJEA case. The UCCJEA, or Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act, is the primary way that states of multiple courts determine in which state a child-related case should be heard.

If you have an Illinois UCCJEA case, make sure to . . .

Need an order of protection in Illinois? If you think you do, then you should realize a couple things about orders of protection (or as some call them, “restraining orders”).

Are you getting divorced and think you’re spouse might be spying on you? You might be right. As a divorce lawyer in Chicago, I see this all the time. I often tell my clients how to protect themselves. Sometimes they listen, sometimes they don’t. You might want to follow these tips if you think that your spouse is spying on you.

I’m a divorce lawyer in Illinois. Specifically, areas such as Chicago, Skokie, Evanston, and Wilmette, and the Counties of Lake and DuPage. If you want to start a contested or uncontested divorce, then you should consider these 5 tips for choosing the best divorce lawyer.  

Want an uncontested divorce in Illinois? Here are 5 tips that can help make it happen – or call 312-554-5433 to get started now. [continue reading…]

What is an actuary? And why would an actuary be involved in a divorce? As you may know, divorce sometimes involves complicated financial matters, such as splitting retirement accounts (see this article about that). Actuaries can help a great deal with splitting retirement accounts. This article explains a bit about why an actuary would be involved in a divorce. [continue reading…]

If you’ve already gotten divorced and now you are in a disagreement about how retirement should be divided, you’re probably annoyed your divorce is still impacting your life. But you can’t ignore post-decree retirement division disputes. That’s why I wrote this FAQ relating to retirement division litigation.   [continue reading…]

If you are dividing a pension, 401k, or 403b, or deferred compensation plan in your divorce, then you will need a qualified domestic relations order, or QDRO (pronounced “KWAH-dro”). But people have many questions about QDROS, and I hope to answer some of them in this article. [continue reading…]

If your are getting divorce with kids in Illinois, then you’re probably thinking about “child custody.” But as of 2017, that’s a term no longer used in Illinois. It’s now called “allocation of parental responsibilities.” Per the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act, there are various factors a judge is supposed to consider when making an “allocation” decision. As a divorce lawyer in Illinois, I’ve presented the factors in a FAQ format to help you better understand how a court will allocation parental responsibilities.

If you have been served an order of protection, you are probably worried, and maybe scared. You should be. If you are subject to an Illinois order of protection there can be serious consequences to your personal and professional lives. This is an FAQ on what to do if you have been served with an order or protection.

As a divorce lawyer in Illinois, I know that divorce stresses people out. Sometimes, getting more information can help reduce anxiety. I’ve written some articles about free consultations (like this one). And while I generally think free consultations are counter-productive, I do have an alternative

If you want to the best lawyer, maybe you should hire a fancy Loop lawyer that bills more than $500 an hour. You might get a great lawyer at that price. Or, you might hire a lawyer that I’ve thoroughly dismantled with superior strategy, legal argument, and litigation skills. [continue reading…]

It’s summertime again. And for an Illinois divorce lawyer, that means it’s time for fake vacations that lead to interestate custody battles.

What happens is that a parenting claims to be taking the kids on vacation to another state – then they don’t come back! It’s sick, but it happens more than you might expect. And that leads to an interstate child custody battle involving the Uniform Interstate Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act (the “UCCJEA”).

If this has happened to you, there are steps you need to take NOW. If you wait, you are risking time with your kids in involvement in their lives.

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If you are going to start a divorce in Illinois, and you expect there’s going to be some disagreement, you’re going to need to understand divorce dynamics to make the right decisions.

Divorce can evolve many trade-offs. Understanding them can help you make strategic decisions.

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If you think you need to prepare to start a divorce in Illinois, you’re probably right. As a divorce lawyer in Illinois, I know that people are often curious about preparing to start a divorce.

There are some things you’ve got to know before filing for divorce.

As an Illinois divorce lawyer, I get calls from people who want to start a divorce, people in the middle of a divorce, and people who cannot wait for their divorce to end. They want to call me and get some answers that could solve their problems. If you want to start an Illinois divorce, you should read this article.

As an Illinois divorce lawyer, sometimes help people get a prenuptial agreement. And unlike various garbage websites like LegalZoom and others, I actually consult with my client to create custom documents. Prenuptial agreements are very useful for some people. However, I noticed there are some common questions about prenuptial agreements in Illinois. So I wrote this FAQ about Illinois prenuptial agreements. [continue reading…]

If you are looking for a free divorce consultation, beware. You probably won’t get what you’re looking for – and if you do, you’re probably not looking for the right stuff.

As an Illinois divorce lawyer who handles uncontested and contested divorces, I get many calls from people asking for divorce consultations – and man people want a free consultation. That’s understandable. But some things that are understandable are still a bad idea.

Let me explain the myth of the free divorce consultation.

As an Illinois divorce lawyer, it’s important to take note of major changed in the law. Beginning January 1, 2016, there term “custody” will not a legal term so far as the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act (the “IMDMA”) is concerned.  In other words, there will be no more “joint legal custody” or “sole legal custody.” Instead, parents will be allocated various rights in regards to children.

The movement away from the use of “custody” as a legal term is just one change of many in the new law. That’s why I wrote this article – to help people understand Illinois’ new divorce law as it relates to kids. [continue reading…]

Are you divorced and have a problem with your QDRO or other retirement division issue? If so, read this article about problems that can happen after a divorce is finalized – the so called “post decree” time period.

If the other parent has run off with your kid, then you need to take action immediately. I have handled a number of these delicate child custody situations, and I treat them like a sting operation. If your child is taken by the other parent, there are some things you need to know.

When dealing with any Illinois child custody matter, emotions can run high. However, it’s necessary to play the long game, and to think strategically. Please check out the below article if your child has been take and you find yourself in an Illinois child custody emergency. [continue reading…]

Lately I’ve noticed many divorce mediators who seem to be masquerading as lawyers in Illinois. Sure, they don’t literally claim to be lawyers. And they claim they are not giving legal advice. But there is as very thin line that separates illegally practicing law without a license and what many mediators are doing.

Are you looking for an divorce mediator? Great – you found one! I’m even part of a website devoted to divorce mediation in Illinois [link]. And I’m a lawyer. But you don’t have me to mediate your divorce. But please, if you want to mediator your divorce, choose a mediator who is also a divorce lawyer in Illinois.

I wrote this article to help people understand what’s going on with non-lawyer mediators. [continue reading…]

When a divorce in Illinois is litigated, each side has the right to certain information. The process of acquiring that information is called “discovery.” Another way to put it is that discovery is the evidence-gathering process. In a litigated divorce in Illinois, each party has the right to engage in discovery. However, the process can be time consuming, and frustrating. I wrote the FAQ on divorce discovery to help people understand the process.

If you want to get divorced in Illinois, then you might be searching the internet for tips on getting divorced. Your divorce might involve child custody, division of assets, and spousal maintenance (alimony). And of course, you want a good lawyer. There are lots of articles out there about finding the best divorce lawyer.

But has anyone come right out and said you should hire a lawyer because the color of that lawyer’s skin? Probably not. Until now.

Read on to find out why I think there are some great benefits to hiring a black lawyer. [continue reading…]

If you are getting a divorce in Illinois, you don’t want a lawyer who is scared of trial. The concept seems funny, doesn’t it? But in Chicago, and other parts of Cook, Lake, and DuPage counties, many lawyers are scared of trial. Within the most recent two weeks, I’ve had several prospective clients want to hire me only a week before a trial – even thought they had other lawyers that have handled their cases for many months. That really go me thinking about how some Illinois divorce lawyers are scared of trial.

I wrote this article about the problems with Illinois divorce lawyers that are scared of a trial.

Why would a lawyer be scared of a trial?

As a divorce lawyer in Chicago and elsewhere in the counties of Cook, Lake, and DuPage, I’ve notice that many divorce lawyers are scared of conducting a trial. Here are some of the reasons they might be scared:

1. Getting paid: Trials can become expensive. So lawyers sometimes want to avoid trials because they are worried they won’t get paid for one.
2. Client expectations: Many times divorce lawyers in Illinois give false high expectations to clients to get their business, even though it’s fairly clear those expectations won’t be met. Or, a client might wrongly have expectations that cannot be met. So if either of those are the case, I lawyer might pressure a client to settle and avoid a trial.
3. Unprepared lawyer: Sometimes, lawyers are as prepared as they should be. No one’s perfect, right? But some lawyers got to court unprepared to make arguments. If your lawyer is like that, then you might wonder what the persuasive arguments are in your case. You shouldn’t have to wonder that. You’re lawyer should have told you.
4. Just bad at conducting trials: Some lawyers are not good at putting on a trial. Divorce trials can be very intense matters. In an Illinois divorce, there can be contested issues of property division, child custody, visitation, spousal maintenance, and child support.

How can I determine if a lawyer is scared of a trial?

I’ve noticed some common traits in lawyers that seem scared of having a trial. Here are some of them.

1. Invisible partner: Many times a client hires a firm based on speaking to a “name” partner – one of the divorce lawyers with his or her name on the door. And guess what – that partner becomes invisible. Instead of truly being represented by the partner that the client had faith in (for some likely-unsupported reason), the client will instead actually be represented by an associated who’s just taking orders. In my experience, partners who show up at the last minute before a trial are rather scared of going to trial – they were probably hoping all along they could simply settle the case while making boatloads of money of the associate trudging to court doing basically meaningless tasks.
2. Bumbling other hearings: Trials don’t happen at the beginning of a case. They happen at the end. Before a trial there have likely been other hearings – maybe on temporary custody, visitation, or child support. If a divorce lawyer seems to be unable to pull off one of those hearings, that same lawyer is probably scared of a trial.
3. Lack of passion: If you’re lawyer seems to lack passion for your case, there is a good chance he or she is scared of a trial. This can even be the case for good lawyers. To be frank, sometimes I have clients who think they have good cases, but don’t. I tell them. But if they want to go to trial instead of settle, that’s their choice.
4. No strategic explanation: Good divorce lawyers should be able to discuss strategy with you in regards to how a trial would be handle. What are the major issues, and how will they be approached? Is credibility an issue, and if show, how will the lawyer attack the credibility of the other side? If there is no discussion of this nature, than that divorce lawyer may very well be scared of trial.

How will I be harmed if my lawyer is scared of a trial?

I feel sorry for people who hired divorce lawyers in Illinois that are scared of a trial. In my opinion, clients of those lawyers are at risk of serious harm. Here’s how:

1. Pressure to take bad deals: I’ve noticed that lawyers who are scared of trial often pressure client to settle when they shouldn’t. That’s opposite behavior of what many clients think a lawyer will do. Many clients initially think lawyers just want to keep dragging a case on to bill more. Maybe they will – until a certain point. Then, they beg a client to settle because they are scared of having a trial.
2. High bills: If your lawyer is scared of having a trial, your case might actually end up costing more than if you had a trial. A trial (absent a later appeal), will put at end to a case. On the other hand, negotiations can drag on forever. I had several cases that were greatly sped up by my demand for a trial.
3. Endless cases: Lack of a trial date can cause a case to drag on for years – often when it doesn’t need to.
4. Stress: One good thing about a trial is that it should put an end to your case. The problem with endless negotiations is that they can drag on forever – and that can be more stressful than actually dealing with the consequences of a trial.

What lawyers aren’t scared of a trial?

As a divorce lawyer in Chicago and the Illinois counties of Cook, DuPage, and Lake, I’m not scared of going to trial. On one hand, I have many cases that settle quickly. On the other, if I think a trial will help my client, I’ll push for one.

If I cannot take your case, I can refer your case to numerous lawyers who I know are capable and willing to take cases to trial. In my opinion, if a lawyer is scared of trial your case will not end as well as it could – even if you settle.

If you want a fast and affordable uncontested divorce in Illinois, I’m an Illinois divorce lawyer who can help you out. Call me at 312-554-5433 if you want to get started now.

In many cases, you divorce can be done in about one month, for a flat fee. I do handle nasty litigated cases, but if you an manage it, an uncontested divorce in Illinois is the way to go.

I practice in the Illinois counties of Cook, DuPage, Kane, Kendall, Lake, McHenry, and Will.  I wrote this FAQ on uncontested divorce in Illinois to help you get the answers you need to get a quick and affordable divorce in Illinois. [continue reading…]

If your child has been taken from some other state to Illinois – without your permission – then you are likely experiencing a child custody emergency. That being the case, you will need a lawyer with expertise in the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act (the “UCCJEA”). The UCCJEA is a “uniform law” that has been adopted by nearly every state.

The problem is that most lawyers have little to no useful familiarity with the UCCJEA – let alone familiarity with using it within the context of an emergency. But I do. 

Furthermore, I was the winning appellant in my own UCCJEA case that was heard before the Michigan Supreme Court.

If you are involved in a divorce in Illinois, you might wonder, “What is a deposition?” Long story short, it’s an interview of a party or witness that can be used in court. But as a divorce lawyer in Illinois, I know that people actually have many more questions about depositions. That’s why I wrote this FAQ about depositions in a divorce in Illinois. [continue reading…]

As a divorce lawyer in Illinois, I often have to deal with dividing retirement accounts as part of a divorce. Here’s the deal with dividing 401ks, pensions, and the like – it’s complicated.  Splitting 401ks and pension plans requires a special court order, called a “qualified domestic relations order.” or QDRO. Most QDROS are prepared by specialists because of the technical knowledge required. If you need a QDRO, then you might want to hire the best QDRO lawyer in Illinois. If so, read on. [continue reading…]

As a divorce lawyer in Chicago Skokie and Evanston, people often ask me if they can keep their house after a divorce. The answer? It depends. If you want an answer to the question what happens to the house after divorce, read this article about dividing this important piece of property. It is often one of the most critical areas of a settlement or trial of a divorce in Illinois. [continue reading…]

If you need a QDRO lawyer, that means you need someone to draft a qualified domestic relations order – it’s what’s used to divide 401ks and pensions pursuant to a divorce in Illinois. You might be glad your divorce is over, but now you have to deal with the pain of figuring out what to do about your QDRO. It can be hard to get a QDRO drafted afer a divorce is complete, because many divorce lawyers do not draft QDROs themselves, so if a judgment for dissolution (the “order” that says you’re divorced).

I wrote this article about how to get your QDRO. [continue reading…]