Diversity and Inclusion: Professionalism at Work in the LawBy Marcus Dominguez & Judge Debra B. WalkerFamily Law, August 2020On February 25, 2020, Judge Debra B. Walker and Judge Diane M. Shelley led an open discussion with the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers centered around diversity and inclusion in the legal workplace.
Can I Date Without Losing My Maintenance?By Jordan Rosenberg, Shana Vitek, & James QuigleyFamily Law, June 2020The meaning of "cohabitation" under section 510 of the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act is not defined and, as a result, the concept has been frequently litigated and continues to change as the caselaw evolves.
Five Tax Concepts Family Law Attorneys Should KnowBy Kimberly S. Krieg & Stephanie L. TangYoung Lawyers Division, June 2020An analysis of the five tax concepts that all attorneys, in particular family law attorneys, should familiarize themselves with when negotiating cases.
Residential Parent Designation Ramifications Under the School CodeBy Fiona A. McCormick & Katherine A. McCollumFamily Law, June 2020Putting together an allocation of parental responsibilities judgment takes a lot of time and consideration on the part of the attorneys and the clients.
Challenging the Constitutionality of Ordering College ExpensesBy Ashley D. DavisGeneral Practice, Solo, and Small Firm, April 2020In Yakich v. Aulds, the Illinois Supreme Court was faced with the claim that section 513 of the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act violated the Equal Protection Clause of the U.S. Constitution.
RelocationBy Erin WilsonFamily Law, April 2020In In Re Marriage of Collingbourne, the Illinois Supreme Court further developed the five factors to balance in removal cases set forth in In re Marriage of Eckert.
Where’s the Equity?By Ron CohenFamily Law, April 2020A look at how Supreme Court Rule 13, 735 ILCS 5/2-1301, 735 ILCS 5/2-1302, 735 ILCS 5/2-1401, 750 ILCS 5/405, Supreme Court Rule 105, and the equitable powers inherent in all courts of general jurisdiction are used.
No DNA for You!By Jessica PatchikFamily Law, March 2020If a father has signed a voluntary acknowledgement, the Parentage Act does not give the court authority to order DNA testing after the fact.
DCFS Safety Plans: How Best to Represent Your Client When DCFS Proposes a Safety PlanBy Elizabeth ButlerFamily Law, December 2019Attorneys representing parents during Department of Child & Family Services investigations can offer valuable assistance in guiding the parents through the drafting and implementation of the safety plan to ensure the most successful and speedy resolution of the investigation.
Suggestions for Fair PlayBy Matthew A. KirshFamily Law, December 2019In family law, although judges are the ultimate decision makers, it often feels to our clients that we have turned their lives over to a guardian ad litem or a mental health professional who will render opinions and make recommendations.
Jurisdiction Under the Uniform Interstate Family Support ActBy Howard Feldman & John S. MorseFamily Law, October 2019Family law practitioners serving clients whose work takes them out of the state or country or who have relocated to Illinois from a foreign jurisdiction must be cognizant of the provisions of the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act and principles of civil procedure and jurisdiction not often front-of-mind in dissolution and support cases.
Tips from an international family lawyerBy David N. SchafferInternational and Immigration Law, July 2019Insights, protocols, and lessons learned from one attorney's international practice.
Another playing field to levelBy Kevin H. SavilleFamily Law, May 2019All family lawyers have receivables problems, and there can be a number of solutions if we think outside the box.
Tips from an international family lawyerBy David N. SchafferFamily Law, May 2019Insights, protocols, and lessons learned from one attorney's international practice.
Does the decree provide for long-term success and stability?By Rob ZuikerFamily Law, March 2019When you resolve a divorce for your client and the decree is finalized, are you confident that your client is now properly positioned for the next stage?
Is cryptocurrency the new Swiss bank account?By Janice L. Boback & Stephanie L. TangFamily Law, March 2019The basics of bitcoin trading and tips for lawyers to help protect and educate their clients.
Unintended consequencesBy William ScottFamily Law, March 2019Summaries of cases that demonstrate the problems that arise when a client does not remove their ex-spouse as the beneficiary.
Is it income? Depends who is countingBy Richard D. Felice & Joseph M. BeckFamily Law, February 2019After considering the new maintenance formula, the repeal of the Illinois deduction, and changes in section 505 of the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act, attorneys are now confronted with an ever-changing landscape as to what defines a party's income for child support and maintenance calculations.
