Blog
The “Dos and Don’ts” of Wealth Transfer
The transfer of wealth to your children or grandchildren is a complicated subject that undoubtedly requires the advice of various professions including estate planners and accountants. It is also important to be aware of some of the “dos and don’ts” when transferring assets in connection with a future divorce of a child to whom… Read More »
Intent or Biology Artificial insemination complicates parentage case
Is the nonbiological parent in a same-sex marriage legally the parent of the child conceived through artificial insemination? Recently, the case of In re Marriage of Dee J and Ashlie J, 2018 Ill.App.(2d) 170532, provided a good analysis of this issue. Ultimately, the appellate court affirmed the trial court, finding that the nonbiological parent… Read More »
Extending the Obligation When a Five-Year Agreement Doesn’t End
When should a former spouse file for an extension of maintenance? Recently, in the 1st District Appellate Court opinion on Wojcik , 2018 Ill.App.1st 170625, the court attempted to answer that question. The parties’ settlement agreement provided that the ex-husband pay financial support to the ex-wife for five years. The ex-wife brought her extend… Read More »
It’s Complicated When is a Social Media Post Evidence in Domestic Relations?
We have all heard of preservation orders that require a litigant to preserve certain evidence during the pendency of some sort of civil litigation. That evidence in today’s technology age also includes not only emails, voicemails, etc., but all social media content—the biggies being Facebook and Instagram. Again, these orders are less prevalent in… Read More »
ALL IN THE FAMILY When Statutes Change… When is child support modifiable?
By DAN STEFANI Dan Stefani is a principal at Katz & Stefani. The firm’s practice is limited to family law matters. His work on behalf of mainly high net-worth clients, as well as spouses of high net-worth individuals, involves valuations of closely held corporations, partnerships and other entities, detailed analysis of complex financial transactions,… Read More »
ALL IN THE FAMILY Who’s Your Daddy? When you find out it’s not yours
By DAN STEFANI Dan Stefani is a principal at Katz & Stefani. The firm’s practice is limited to family law matters. His work on behalf of mainly high net-worth clients, as well as spouses of high net-worth individuals, involves valuations of closely held corporations, partnerships and other entities, detailed analysis of complex financial transactions,… Read More »
How a recent job loss impacts child support and spousal support?
Lost your job or primary income source due to the coronavirus crisis? You’re not alone. More than 20 million jobs have been lost and most of the country remains under stay-at-home orders. With household finances reeling and business shutdowns mounting, many people are concerned about keeping up with their child support and spousal support… Read More »
Potential Changes to the Maintenance Statute in Illinois
Illinois House Bill 4759 (“Bill”) was recently introduced suggesting changes to the maintenance statute under the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act. The proposed change to the statute presents a major shift in considering a spouse’s fault when setting maintenance or alimony. For well over 40 years, the statute has directed courts to… Read More »
Its Raining Cats and Dogs and…
A recent October 9, 2019 New York Times article by Steven Petrow asks “After a Divorce, Who Gets the Dog?” The author tells the story of how he was offered a dog in exchange for $16,000 during his divorce proceedings. There, because his spouse had the dog before the marriage it was treated as… Read More »
Remember to do These 10 Things After Your Divorce is Finalized
After your divorce is finalized, you may find yourself burying your head in the sand and not wanting to take care of important follow-up tasks. After all, you just went through an emotionally and financially challenging time, and you probably need a break! While being sure to take care of yourself physically and mentally… Read More »