Widely adopted in the United States, Canada, and many other countries, the Collaborative Process used in Illinois is a values-driven, private, out-of-court alternative to the traditional litigation model for divorce, often...more
One of the first options to consider when you start your divorce is whether you want to proceed through litigation, mediation, or arbitration. In general, at the outset of a divorce, one chooses amongst these paths. ...more
In most states, divorce and family law filings are public information unless specific actions are taken to protect the documents and hearing from the public eye. Whether an individual is a public figure, a celebrity, a...more
In divorce or family law matters, mediation is common. In some cases, the court will order that the parties go to mediation. After a case is over in a divorce or family law judgment, the court may even order the parties to...more
During the COVID-19 crisis, access to the courts is limited. Many courts were only hearing divorce and family law matters virtually. The lack of access to the courts caused many distress and concern. Many had immediate...more
In the collaborative process, parties are attempting to resolve their divorce or family law matter outside of court in an amicable manner. Parties enlist collaborative lawyers and professionals to assist them. In...more
Parties who settle their divorce or family law matter amicably often do not want to go to court. Not going to court is one of the bonuses of settling the case. Going to court can cause some parties with lots of stress....more
In collaborative practice, one goal of both parties ought to be a fair settlement. A fair settlement means that both parties generally believe that the settlement is fair and equitable for both parties. This is counter to...more
Children often get caught in the middle of their parents during divorce. The parents likely do not intend that this happen. But it can often be a natural consequence in traditional divorce litigation....more
In a collaborate divorce, many wonder about the role of the judge. In other words, when does the judge come into play? How important is the judge? Parties even wonder whether they will end up seeing the judge?...more
When parties are going through a divorce proceeding that is contested, the reality is court appearances are likely going to happen. For some parties, they might have to appear at a courthouse multiple times in a contested...more
When individuals are going through a divorce, most want to settle their case amicable short of a trial. Practically, this does not happen in every circumstance. In some cases, parties are just not able to settle their case....more
When an individual is going through a divorce, it can feel like their whole life is hanging in the balance. Many spend a lot of time worried about the future and what will happen with their life....more