Older Entries

December 30, 2016

New Illinois Law Aims To Help Victims of Domestic Abuse

One in three women and one in seven men will experience violence at the hands of a partner during their lifetime. To combat the literal epidemic of domestic violence and sexual abuse, Illinois will soon enact a new law requiring salon professionals – who frequently have a close and confidential relationship with their clients – […]

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Divorce Filing in the New Year

For better or worse, most couples in unhappy relationships hold off separating or divorcing until after the New Year. Capitalizing on the momentum that the New Year brings and the chance for a new beginning can bring new energy for people who want to improve their lives. If your marriage is broken beyond repair, why […]

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September 18, 2016

Digital Privacy Clauses on the Rise

Celebrities and power couples increasingly want digital privacy clauses and protection in their prenups and postnups, but perhaps everyone ought to think more about them. What exactly is a digital privacy clause? It is an agreement that one spouse cannot use or reveal in divorce court the other’s personal information that has been transmitted digitally […]

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August 9, 2016

The Financial Realities of Divorce

August 2016 Separating the emotional aspects of divorce from the financial realities is critical. Gemma Allen writes about the issue in a blog post on Chicago Woman.

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July 5, 2016

Brexit’s Effect on your Finances

July 2016 Britain’s exit from the European Union could have an impact on your finances both as a couple and individually. Gemma Allen explains how in her blog post on Chicago Woman.

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June 15, 2016

Prenups Are about Love

August 2016 Prenups are about making a love commitment, according to Gemma Allen, who explains why she believes that is true in this post on Chicago Woman.

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March 18, 2016

Keys to a Good Divorce

No one at the altar expects to face a spouse in the courtroom but it happens. In so many of today’s marriages, divorce will be the best solution to what has become an unfixable relationship. What makes divorce complex is the legal process and psychological pain which are playing out simultaneously. It is a difficult journey, yet […]

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January 5, 2016

Overview of Changes to Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act

Changing divorce laws are part of a national trend toward re-examining our consciousness and conscience in divorce and children. In Illinois, a new groundbreaking law effective January 1, 2016, makes significant changes to the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act with the hope of improving the divorce process for all involved. Here is a […]

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September 17, 2015

How Older Couples Can Avoid Divorce

Couples age 50 and over are divorcing in record numbers, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Just 50 years ago, fewer than 3 percent of couples over 50 were divorced. In 2011, some 15 percent were divorced and another 2 percent were separated. Perhaps surprisingly, women are often the initiators of today’s splits. The impulse […]

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September 11, 2015

For the Love of Money

For couples about to get married, or those who are moving in together, having an agreement about how you’ll handle finances is critical. Your new love deal is absolutely about financial planning, and being honest and forthright about spending. When one person hides a bad-credit history or a buy-and-hide spending habit, the risk of relationship […]

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September 9, 2015

What the Changing Statics about Families Tell Us

The changing statistics of American families are startling. They tell us a lot about ourselves as a nation. We are marrying later in life – but still marrying. The average age for men is now 29 and for women, 27. About half the population is married, and those who aren’t expect to marry and are […]

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August 22, 2015

Pro Athletes Must Play by Rules To Avoid Personal Scandal

The sports scandals these days are public and sad. Patrick Kane, right winger for the Chicago Blackhawks, is being investigated by the Hamburg, New York police on charges of sexual impropriety. Ray McDonald, formerly of the San Francisco 49ers, was fired by the Chicago Bears after his arrest on charges of domestic violence and child […]

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July 1, 2015

Just Say No to Digital Media Use Before, During and After Your Divorce

In the digital age, anything you do, say or post online can and may be used against you in a court of law. In several types of litigation, particularly criminal, personal injury and employment-related matters, social media is routinely sought as evidence. Digital media evidence, including words and images, is also routinely sought and used […]

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December 20, 2014

No Holiday for Domestic Violence

The holidays are a time for love, laughter and reuniting and celebrating with family and friends. But for many people, it’s also a time of tension – tension can lead to incidents of domestic violence. Domestic violence spikes during the holidays for many reasons. Financial pressures associated with gift-buying, entertaining and travel can intensify. Alcohol […]

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June 15, 2014

The Dollars and Sense of Legal Marriage Status

This month, as Illinois became the 19th state to allow same-gender couples to marry, couples happily lined up to take their vows. The reason they – and any couple – tie the knot is about love and commitment. What often goes unmentioned are the significant legal rights and benefits – 1,400 of them in fact […]

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