Kane County Divorce Attorney

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Divorce and Minor Children: Illinois Statute for Requesting an Out of State Change of Address

Posted on February 08, 2014 in Child Custody and Support

modify your child custody / relocation IMAGE The divorce has been finalized, marital assets distributed, continual support negotiated and custody and visitation terms reached. You have adjusted. You may find yourself at ease and looking forward to writing the next chapter. Perhaps you are even considering a change of scenery to turn over a new leaf.

It may not be that easy. With your divorce decree terms already finalized, the court will determine if you and the kids can start packing.

For those residing in Illinois, Section 609(a) of the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act (750 ILCS 5), requires petitioning the court for any modification of the original terms of a custody agreement.

While you believe a fresh start will benefit you and the kids, your ex-spouse still retains his or her legal rights when it comes to a new zip code. As the petitioner, you should be aware that:

Tips for Online Dating

Posted on February 04, 2014 in Divorce

With the Internet becoming a huge part of our everyday lives, it’s no wonder that the popularity of online dating has increased dramatically over the past few years, especially for those people who have just gone through a divorce and are trying to “get back out there.” While some people may jump at the idea of meeting someone via the Internet, others may feel a bit apprehensive about not going with the old-fashioned way. However, there are many ways you can make your online dating experience stress-free and, hopefully, successful.

When you get started with an online dating website, take the time to make sure your profile is as detailed and representative as it can be. Let people know who you are, while making sure to only give out information you’re comfortable with floating around on the Internet. The most important part of creating your profile is to be yourself. Choose a good photo as your profile picture. Avoid photos that have been excessively edited, and try to find one that’s well-lit, in-focus, and illustrates who you really are. It’s not a bad idea to use a photo of you doing something you love.

Life after Divorce

Posted on January 31, 2014 in Divorce

The divorce rate in the United States is growing, and with it, the need to know how to get your life back together after going through the stressful process. While it may seem an ominous feat at the time, getting back on your feet after divorce can be made very simple by following a few simple steps.

To get started, you must face reality: your marriage has ended and it is time for you to start a life for yourself. Complete all of the necessary paperwork quickly so as to finalize the process as soon as possible. Facing reality is the most important step when getting back on your feet. Don’t waste time doubting yourself either. Ask yourself if you were only hanging on to your marriage out of fear. Questions like these can make you face the truth and have an easier time coming to terms with reality.

Emotional Abuse as Grounds for Illinois Fault Divorce: Taking it One Step at A Time

Posted on January 27, 2014 in Divorce

Domestic violence often leaves evidence of physical trauma, but yet another form of abuse can cut even deeper. If left unchecked, long-term emotional abuse can lead to feelings of diminished self-worth and loss of independence for the victimized spouse. By achieving these results, the abusive spouse exercises abnormal control.The cycle begins with a simple criticism and then builds. Often the abuser will break the cycle with what appears to be a sincere apology, but both partners soon find themselves caught up in the cycle of verbal abuse once again.

Denial can also be an underlying factor of years of abuse. If you can truthfully answer yes to any of the following questions, you may have already taken the first step in breaking the cycle of abuse. Be honest, take a few minutes on each question, write down your answers as they pertain to your situation, you may be surprised at your answers.

Right of First Refusal – What You Need to Know

Posted on January 23, 2014 in Child Custody and Support

A change to the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act may mean a big change in child-care options for divorced parents who share joint custody of their children. For some, this change in Illinois family law may mean a significant change in way they schedule their errand days or vacations.

According to Illinois HB 2992, next year parents who are in a joint-custody relationship must notify the other parent of their plans for a day or night out, and offer them the opportunity to care for the child temporarily before seeking third-party care from grandparents, babysitters, or daycare centers. This applies even if the other parent lives farther away than other relatives or babysitters, so long as the distance is not considered impractical. Additionally, should the co-parent choose to accept the additional parenting time, they must provide any necessary transportation, unless other arrangements are agreed upon.

The Benefits of Prenuptial Agreements

Posted on January 18, 2014 in Prenuptial and Postnuptial Agreements

Before entering marriage, some couples choose to establish prenuptial agreements. These agreements are written contracts that set out the terms of possession of assets, treatment of future earnings, control of the property of each, and potential division if the marriage later fails. Prenuptial agreements are generally common amongst couples in which both parties have substantial assets, children from a prior marriage, potential inheritances, or high incomes. While not for everybody, prenuptial agreements do offer some potential benefits that are worth taking a look at.

Some of the most basic advantages of prenuptial agreements can include the following:

Attorney Warlick Awarded by Geneva Lions Club

Posted on January 17, 2014 in In the News

Attorney Douglas B. Warlick, who is also immediate past president of the Geneva Lions Club was awarded a crystal pin Service Award by the Lions Club International for his “World of Service”.

The World of Service Awards recognize Lions who represent our world of service. Projects and activities that are submitted should exemplify the objects of the association.

Douglas also received a 2nd award on January 13, from the Lions of Illinois Foundation for his achievements in growing the Geneva Lions Club which added 11 new members during his reign as President of the Club.

For more information on Attorney Douglas, call The Law Offices of Douglas B. Warlick & Associates at 630-232-9700.

What are the Different Types of Spousal Support?

Posted on January 15, 2014 in Spousal Maintenance

Spousal support, also referred to as alimony or spousal maintenance, refers to a person’s right to financial support from his or her spouse after a divorce. This support can exist in the form of money or assets. If you and your spouse are going through a divorce and considering spousal support, it’s important to be familiar with the different types of maintenance so you can determine what will best fit your situation.

In some cases, the court may award permanent maintenance. This is sometimes awarded when the marriage was fairly lengthy or one spouse is unable to support themselves. Essentially, under this type of agreement, maintenance is received until one of the parties dies. However, the arrangement can still be altered and reviewed by the court for example, in the event that the recipient spouse gets remarried.

Divorce and the Middle Child: Tips for Parents

Posted on January 11, 2014 in Divorce

Divorce is change, plain and simple. As the family dynamic evolves, a child’s birth order can play a significant role on how a pending divorce is handled by both parent and child.

For families already dealing with a child experiencing Middle Child Syndrome, divorce may only complicate already existing issues.

Middle Child Syndrome, defined by Alfred Adler ,a Freudian-age theorist who believed that birth order strongly influences personality traits, remains a psychological topic today.

For these children, already living with mixed emotions about his/her position in the family, dealing with a pending divorce may heighten existing behaviors and emotions. To keep your child on an even keel perhaps understanding what makes the middle child tick and solidifying your support can alleviate any additional problems.

The Adoption Option

Posted on January 07, 2014 in Family Law

Adopting a child can be an extremely joyous time. The thoughts of caring for a child and providing them a loving and permanent home are usually all the parents-to-be are considering. One avenue for adoption is to utilize the Department of Children and Family Services (“DCFS”) to assist you in your search. Yet another avenue is to utilize an adoption agency or to even adopt from a parent who has signed a specific consent. Whichever avenue you choose, consider seeking the counsel of an experienced adoption attorney to guide you through the exciting yet often difficult process, and to ensure that your interests as well as the interests of the child are protected.

The Law Offices of Douglas B. Warlick & Associates can assist you in navigating 750 ILCS 50, more commonly known as the “Adoption Act,” which will help to ensure that your adoption goes smoothly and you face none of the pitfalls that occasionally arise when individuals attempt to adopt. The Act can be very overwhelming, and the forms required to adopt are numerous and often voluminous, although a legal professional can help you along the way.