Posts by Larry Manassa

The Pros and Cons of Separation vs. Divorce

The Pros and Cons of Separation vs. Divorce

Legal separation and divorce are two distinct legal processes under Illinois law. A legal separation keeps the marriage intact while spouses live apart under court orders; a divorce legally dissolves the marriage and brings finality. Each path carries real consequences for support, parenting, property, and benefits. We help Illinois spouses weigh the options and choose…

Collaborative Divorce vs. Litigation in Barrington, Illinois

Divorce and separation concept. Judge gavel with wedding rings and divorce decree.

Most people facing divorce in Barrington assume they have two choices: fight it out in court or try to handle everything alone. Illinois law actually offers a third option. The Illinois Collaborative Process Act (750 ILCS 90) gives couples a structured way to negotiate a settlement privately, with attorneys present, without ever stepping into a…

Is Collaborative Divorce Right for Me in Illinois?

Wooden toy family and and Judge's gavel. Child Custody Concept

Collaborative divorce sounds appealing on paper. You stay out of court, you keep things private, and you share the decision-making with your spouse. But the process only works when both people show up honestly, and not every marriage ends with that kind of cooperation. Entering a collaborative divorce that does not fit your situation wastes…

Income Disparity and Child Support in Illinois

Child Support

In Illinois, significant income disparity between parents is addressed through the Income Shares Model. Under the statute 750 ILCS 5/505, the court combines both parents’ net incomes to establish a total child support obligation. This amount is then prorated, meaning each parent is responsible for a percentage of the total based on their individual contribution…

How Is Child Custody Determined in Illinois?

Family figures and gavel. Concept of Child Custody Determination

In Illinois, what was once called child custody is now referred to as the allocation of parental responsibilities, and it is determined strictly by the best interests of the child standard. Essentially, a judge evaluates a specific set of statutory factors regarding the child’s physical, mental, and emotional needs. The court does not enter the…

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