Support Awards for Adult Disabled Children in IllinoisBy Jennifer Wood, Kathleen Roseborough, and Molshree SharmaDecember 2012Article, Page 656A look at the factors that affect support awards under 750 ILCS 5/513, along with national trends in this area.
Marriage and Divorce at Midlife and BeyondBy Ross S. Levey and Kelley L. MenzanoOctober 2012Article, Page 544As the 45-and-older population continues to grow, family law practitioners are faced with an array of issues unique to the "gray divorce revolution."
Is a family-law overhaul on the way?By Adam W. LaskerSeptember 2012Lawpulse, Page 458No more grounds for divorce? Divorce judgments within 90 days or else? These are just two of the family-law reforms proposed by a bipartisan legislative study group.
Advising Family BusinessesBy Christine OrganJuly 2012Article, Page 372Family businesses are the backbone of today's corporate world, but lawyers who counsel them must deal with some very "noncorporate" emotional and psychological issues.
A Checklist for Building or Defending Against A Maintenance CaseBy Thomas J. KasperMay 2012Article, Page 256The IMDMA's 12 factors for calculating maintenance amount to a checklist for both sides in a divorce where maintenance is an issue. This article discusses each factor.
Absolute immunity for child repsBy Helen W. GunnarssonOctober 2011Lawpulse, Page 490Immunity from liability is absolute for child representatives working within the scope of their court-appointed duties.
Court affirms award of attorney's fees in dissolution of marriage caseOctober 2011Illinois Law Update, Page 496The court found that, despite Petitioner Kristina Baniak's claims, the lower court had subject matter jurisdiction to hear the case regarding attorney's fees and that Baniak had waived all other issues raised in her appeal.
A Judge's Obligation to Learn the LawBy H. Joseph GitlinOctober 2011Column, Page 537Judicial discretion gives judges tremendous power - and a heavy responsibility.
Adoption law pointersBy Helen W. GunnarssonSeptember 2011Lawpulse, Page 434The August Child Law Section newsletter includes an adoption law legislation roundup and helps lawyers help clients find birth parents and readopt after surrendering parental rights.
A Divorce Lawyer's Guide to the Illinois Fraudulent Transfer ActBy Andrew R. Schwartz, Thomas J. Kanyock, and Karen JeffreysSeptember 2011Article, Page 462Sometimes a dissipation-of-assets claim under the IMDMA isn't enough when a recalcitrant spouse hides assets. Never fear - the Illinois Uniform Fraudulent Transfer Act is here.
Marital Property: Making the Pie LargerBy Professor H. Joseph GitlinJuly 2011Column, Page 367Employer-based health insurance should be treated as marital property.
"This is why we become lawyers": the Watkins counsel speakBy Helen W. GunnarssonJune 2011Lawpulse, Page 280Lawyers talk about the challenges and rewards of representing parties to the highly charged, nationally publicized Watkins visitation case.
A Guide to the New Illinois Civil Union LawBy Richard A. WilsonMay 2011Article, Page 232Beginning June 1, Illinois' civil union law confers most of the rights of marriage on parties to a civil union. But federal prohibitions impose important limits. Find out how the new law works.
Court-ordered mental health reports not confidential under IMDMABy Helen W. GunnarssonApril 2011Lawpulse, Page 174Unlike those issued by treating caregivers, mental-health reports ordered by the court under the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act are not confidential, the supreme court rules.
Don'ts for Divorcing ParentsBy H. Joseph GitlinApril 2011Column, Page 210Lawyers should help clients keep children beyond the fray.
Maintenance, Support, and Underemployed PayorsBy Burton S. Hochberg and Kimberly A. CookJanuary 2011Article, Page 24Is your client's ex unwilling to get work or deliberately taking a lesser-paying job to avoid paying support or maintenance?
Here are resources and remedies you need to know about.
ABCs for GALsBy Helen W. GunnarssonNovember 2010Article, Page 572You'd like to serve as a GAL, child rep, or attorney for the child - how do you play this important but challenging role? Seasoned lawyers offer dos, don'ts, and tips.
Family law software: not exempt from the rules of evidenceBy Helen W. GunnarssonAugust 2010Lawpulse, Page 394Make sure you understand how support calculators work before relying on their results, and don't forget to lay a foundation for the report if you seek to enter it into evidence.
Taking Charge in Matrimonial CasesBy H. Joseph GitlinApril 2010Column, Page 216The winning lawyer is usually the one who takes the initiative.
New statute clarifies family law attorney-fee provisionsBy Helen W. GunnarssonOctober 2009Lawpulse, Page 490A new law drafted by ISBA’s Family Law Section Council should bring some order to Illinois’s confusing, inconsistent scheme for awarding attorney fees in family law cases.
Urban Legends About Family LawBy H. Joseph GitlinOctober 2009Column, Page 528Think men don't get custody or maintenance? Think again.
