Some readers from the Chicago area may be interested in learning more about collaborative divorce. About one out of every two marriages ends in divorce, and the ratio may increase with each subsequent marriage after the first. Though many divorces tend to be emotional and highly contentious affairs, it is possible for clients to achieve legal separation without the need for adversarial litigation.
Overview of paternity and why it is important
When a child is conceived and born while a woman is married, Illinois law presumes that her spouse is the paternal father. However, if the woman is not married, the man is the alleged father and has to legally establish paternity. This can be done in three ways in Illinois. The woman and man can sign a Voluntary Acknowledgment of Paternity, Child Support Services can enter an administrative order or a judge can submit an Order of Paternity.
How does collaborative divorce work?
As many Illinois residents may already know, when a couple brings their divorce before a judge, the outcome will be based on standard formulas and may not accurately reflect an individual family's needs and wishes. In rare cases, couples may be able to agree on all the terms of their divorce and may only require help with their paperwork. In others, couples cannot agree on a single issue and will need to have the case litigated to settle their divorce.
Illinois county gets more money to enforce child support orders
St. Clair County is receiving an increase in funds to help with child support compliance for the first time in seven years. The Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services is increasing the amount that it is giving the county to $667,000 a year from the $617,000 that it had been receiving in previous years.
Collaboration may make divorce easier
Illinois residents who may be contemplating divorce know that this process is not always smooth. The transition from marriage to separation requires making many important and often difficult decisions. Sometimes the divorce process is amicable, with both spouses working toward a fair dissolution, and other times the process is anything but friendly.
