Posted on February 19, 2025 in Divorce

If you have decided to file for divorce, you are likely facing many questions about the process. In Illinois, divorce is governed by the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act, which outlines how property is divided, how child custody is determined, and whether spousal maintenance may apply.

Taking steps to prepare before filing can help you protect your financial interests, understand your rights, and reduce unnecessary stress, and you do not have to do it all alone. An Illinois divorce attorney with Andrew Cores Family Law Group is here to help.

Get Your Financial Documents Organized

One of the most important steps in preparing for divorce is having all the financial records you need. Illinois follows equitable distribution laws, meaning that marital property is divided fairly, though not always equally. Having clear financial records will help ensure a fair division of assets and debts.

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 Posted on February 13, 2025 in Collaborative Law

Many parents worry about how divorce will affect their kids, ranging from the emotional difficulty of processing the split to the changes the kids will have to make in their daily lives. While no divorce is completely stress-free, collaborative divorce can make the process much smoother for children by reducing conflict, encouraging teamwork, and keeping their well-being at the center of every decision.

If you are considering divorce, our Illinois divorce attorneys are well-versed in the collaborative approach and can help protect your child’s emotional and mental health.

How Collaborative Divorce Puts Kids First

Unlike a traditional divorce, which often involves court battles and legal disputes, collaborative divorce focuses on problem-solving instead of fighting. Parents work with a team of professionals to create a plan that benefits everyone, especially their children. Instead of leaving decisions to a judge, parents stay in control and work together to find solutions that work best for their families.

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 Posted on February 10, 2025 in Alimony/Spousal Support

If you are paying alimony and suspect your ex-wife is living with a new partner, you may be able to stop making payments. Under Illinois law, spousal support, also called spousal maintenance, can end if the receiving spouse starts living with a new romantic partner in a way that resembles marriage. 

However, proving this is not always easy and the burden of proof is on you. If you believe your ex is cohabiting with someone, an Illinois divorce lawyer can help you gather the right evidence and bring your case to court.

What Is Considered "Cohabitation" for Ending Alimony in Illinois?

Illinois courts do not automatically end spousal support just because your ex is dating someone. To stop paying, you must prove that she is living with her partner on a continuing basis and that their relationship is similar to a marriage. The court will look at several factors, including whether they share a home, combine finances, and present themselves as a couple. If they are simply spending time together without fully merging their lives, the court may not consider this cohabitation.

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 Posted on February 05, 2025 in Divorce

Divorce can create complicated family situations, especially when it affects relationships between grandparents and their grandchildren. Many grandparents worry about losing contact with their grandchildren after a divorce, particularly if one parent restricts or denies visits.

Illinois law does allow grandparents to request court-ordered visitation in some cases, but the law generally favors parents' rights to decide who can see their children. Unless a parent is unfit, absent, or incarcerated, a parent’s decision to limit or deny grandparent visitation usually stands. However, in specific situations, a court may grant visitation rights if it is in the child's best interests. An Illinois family lawyer can help grandparents understand their legal options and advocate for their rights.

When Can Grandparents Get Court-Ordered Visitation?

Under Illinois law, grandparents cannot automatically demand visitation rights. However, the court may grant visitation if the grandparents can prove one of the following: 

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 Posted on January 31, 2025 in Divorce

When spouses cannot agree on key aspects of their divorce and the case is litigated in court, expert witnesses may be brought in to provide professional opinions about disputed matters. These experts offer valuable insight on issues such as property valuation, child custody, and financial analysis. If you are wondering whether an expert witness could benefit your case, our Illinois divorce attorneys can determine whether expert testimony may strengthen your case and help secure a fair outcome.

What Is an Expert Witness?

An expert witness is a professional with specialized knowledge in a particular field who provides an unbiased opinion in legal proceedings. Unlike fact witnesses, who testify about what they have personally observed, expert witnesses rely on education, training, and experience to analyze information and explain complex issues to the court. Their testimony can be crucial in divorce litigation, especially when financial assets or child custody arrangements are contested.

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 Posted on January 28, 2025 in Divorce

When you are facing the end of your marriage, it is natural to wonder how the process will unfold. One of the most common questions people ask is, "Will my divorce go to court?" The good news is that most divorces settle out of court, meaning the majority of couples reach an agreement on the terms of their divorce without the need for a full trial. However, some cases do require litigation, particularly when disputes cannot be resolved through negotiation or mediation.

If you are going through a divorce, it is important to understand the process and know your options. Working with an experienced Illinois divorce attorney can help you navigate the legal steps involved and ensure your rights are protected, whether your case settles or goes to court.

The Divorce Process From Filing to Settlement

Most divorces follow a similar process meant to help couples resolve their differences and finalize the terms of their divorce. Here is an overview of the typical steps:

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 Posted on January 21, 2025 in Divorce

One of the most common questions people ask when considering divorce is, "Should I file first?" As with most matters in divorce, the answer depends on your specific situation. While there can be strategic advantages to filing first in some cases, in others, it may not make a difference. 

What matters most is having an Illinois divorce attorney who will focus on a strategy that serves your best interests — not the attorney’s own. At Andrew Cores Family Law Group, head attorney Andrew Cores is a Fellow for the Collaborative Law Institute of Illinois and tailors his approach to meet the unique needs of every client. Whether collaboration, negotiation, or litigation is the right strategy for you, we will help you make informed decisions at every step. 

When Filing First Might Be a Smart Move

Filing first can be beneficial under certain circumstances. Here are a few examples:

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 Posted on January 15, 2025 in Child Custody

In Illinois, child custody — now referred to as "allocation of parental responsibilities" — is decided based on the best interests of the child. Many parents going through a divorce or custody dispute wonder whether their older children will have a say in which parent they live with. Many older kids wonder about this, too. 

While Illinois law does consider a child’s wishes as part of the decision-making process, their preferences are just one factor among many. The final decision rests with the court, which tries to create a parenting plan that best supports the child’s well-being.

If you are facing a custody dispute and want to better understand how your child’s preferences may impact the outcome, an Illinois family law attorney with many years of experience can provide advice tailored to your situation.

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 Posted on January 09, 2025 in Divorce

Although many people go through divorce, and although many of them share similar feelings and experiences, divorce is a complicated process and can go many different ways. It may be tempting to assume that just because a friend of yours had a bitter, angry divorce that dragged on for years, you may be facing a similar process. Likewise, the fact that a favorite celebrity was able to negotiate a mindful separation from their spouse and that approach makes sense to you does not mean your spouse will necessarily agree. 

The truth is that it is almost impossible to know what your divorce will look like before having careful conversations with your spouse and with your attorney. Some spouses make these conversations easier, while others make them impossible. Rest assured that whatever your situation may be, there is a path towards ending your marriage. At Andrew Cores Family Law Group, our Illinois divorce lawyers will help you understand the factors that could affect your divorce. 

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 Posted on January 06, 2025 in Divorce

When married couples fight or bicker constantly and their loving relationship is gone, getting a divorce might be a no-brainer, especially if abuse is involved. Many other couples, however, find themselves sliding slowly into something far more easy-going but sometimes just as lonely. 

If you are not fighting with your spouse, however, do you have the justification you need to get divorced? Many couples grapple with this decision, especially when children are involved. While divorce can offer a path to a healthier, more fulfilling future for some, staying together may provide benefits for families, particularly for young children. An experienced Illinois family law attorney can help you understand your options and the potential outcomes of either choice.

Considering the Impact of Divorce on Young Children

One of the most significant factors for many parents is how their decision will affect their children. Research suggests that young children benefit from the stability of a two-parent household. Here are some reasons why staying together in an amicable marriage might be better for young children:

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