Posts by Larry Manassa
How Is Property Divided in an Illinois Divorce?
Quick Answer Do Illinois Courts Split Property 50/50 in a Divorce? No. Illinois follows equitable distribution, which means courts divide marital property fairly based on statutory factors rather than automatically splitting everything in half. The court first classifies each asset as marital or non-marital before deciding how to divide the marital estate. Understanding how property…
Read MoreWhat Is a Parenting Plan in Illinois?
Quick Answer Do Illinois Parents Need a Parenting Plan? Yes. Illinois law requires parents in most custody cases to submit a parenting plan that covers parenting time, decision-making responsibilities, and other key arrangements. If parents cannot agree, the court creates a plan based on the child’s best interests. A parenting plan in Illinois is a…
Read MoreGray Divorce in Illinois: What Couples Over 50 Need to Know
Quick Answer What Should You Know About Gray Divorce in Illinois? Gray divorce in Illinois involves financial stakes that differ significantly from divorce at younger ages. Retirement accounts, pensions, Social Security, healthcare coverage, and long-term maintenance all carry greater weight after decades of marriage. Consulting an attorney before making major financial moves helps protect long-term…
Read MoreHow Can I Stop Paying Child Support?
Quick Answer Is There a Legal Way to Stop Paying Child Support in Illinois? No, a parent generally cannot stop paying child support without a legal basis under Illinois law or a court order ending the obligation. Child support ends when the child reaches the applicable age, becomes emancipated, or another qualifying event occurs. Simply…
Read MoreGuardian ad Litem & Child Representative Attorney in Illinois
A guardian ad litem or child representative is a court-appointed professional who investigates or advocates for your child’s interests, and attorney Deborah Reece serves in both roles across Illinois custody cases. When a judge makes that appointment, it changes the shape of everything that follows, since a third professional now has access to your home,…
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