Happy Wife, Happy Life: University of Chicago Study Begs to Differ

 Posted on March 27, 2014 in Divorce

A new research study released by the University of Chicago appears to have upset the proverbial marital apple cart as compiled data indicates that the husband is the key player in maintaining a happy marriage and avoiding divorce court.

The recent study, published to the Journal of Marriage and Family supports that husbands maintaining a positive outlook reported lower levels of conflict in the marriage while the wife's outlook on life had very little impact on the union. Wives reported increased conflict issues when their husband or partner is in poor health but data suggests that when the wife is experiencing health issues there is little to no change in the quality of the marriage.

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Step into Spring without Stepping on New Mom's Toes: Questions to Avoid Regarding Adoption

 Posted on March 24, 2014 in Adoption

Winter has broken and Spring has sprung. It is so nice out that you decide to pack up your two year old and head to the neighborhood park. It seems as if everyone had the same idea. The park is packed and you recognize your neighbor Lindsay with a toddler within watchful reach. You vaguely remember that Lindsay and Jack were considering adoption last Fall and it appears that the adoption process went well.

 You would like to approach her so your toddlers can enjoy the sunshine together but a little trepidation of how to approach the situation is holding you back. Contemplating on how to initiate the conversation crosses your mind as Lindsay waves a hello in your direction.

As you stroll over, toddler in tow, you are still wondering how to bring up such a personal choice as adoption without appearing intrusive. Luckily for others, Parents Magazine recently published an article on adoption etiquette by Wesley C. Davidson from American Baby. Davidson suggests the following questions and remarks should not find their way into the conversation.

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Quick Tips to Improve & Reclaim Your Relationship

 Posted on March 20, 2014 in Divorce

The kids, the housework, the job, the bills, the never-ending schedule, the dog, the cat, the spouse.

Sometimes it can become, plain and simple, overwhelming. So much so that you have given a thought or two about resigning from your marriage. But then you remember your vows and retract your resignation. You pick up the pace to avoid becoming a member of the divorce club that still affects 40 to 50 percent of all Americans today.

You may take a personal inventory and ask yourself how you can change the daily routine and banish the rut you and your spouse have recently accepted as the norm. You decide to give it another shot and get your house in order. However, if that does not work, you can always contact an experienced divorce attorney to start reconfiguring the jigsaw puzzle that is your life.

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What Are the Types of Orders of Protection for Domestic Violence?

 Posted on March 18, 2014 in Domestic Violence

Domestic violence is a large problem in our society today. According to Illinois State Police, a woman in the United States is beaten every 15 seconds. Victims of domestic abuse sometimes feel that there is no hope for their situations, but that is not the case. Fortunately, there are ways to end the destructive cycle of domestic violence, the most effective being an Order of Protection.

An Order of Protection is a legal order from a judge that contains ‘remedies” that order an abuser to take certain actions or prohibit an abuser from taking certain actions. If the abuser fails to follow the remedies, or carries out a prohibited act, he or she may be arrested.

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Finding Middle Ground: The Debate Over Same-Sex Marriage Laws

 Posted on March 14, 2014 in Divorce

In November 2013, the Illinois House of Representatives approved same-sex marriage legislation by a narrow vote of 61 to 54 with the Illinois Senate following suit with a vote of 32 to 51. As Governor Pat Quinn placed pen to paper, Illinois became the 16th state to recognize same sex marriage effective June 1, 2014.

For the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community, this has been a welcomed victory, but one Illinois business owner will not join in the celebration.

According to a recent article by the Huffington Post, Jim Walder, owner of the TimberCreek Bed and Breakfast located near Paxton, Illinois strongly stated he will not be advertising  destination wedding packages to the members of the LGBT community.

Walder who identifies himself as a Christian has not been shy when speaking out against same-sex marriage. In 2011, Todd and Mark Wathen filed a civil complaint against Walder and TimberCreek after Walden refused to host a civil union ceremony at the bed and breakfast. The outcome of the civil case is still pending.

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Divorce, Delinquency and an Experienced Illinois Family Law Attorney

 Posted on March 12, 2014 in Divorce

Today's pace wreaks havoc on our already overloaded schedules. We work, we shop, we cook, we carpool, we do homework, we do housework, we shuttle our kids to sport practices we do, we do, the list goes on and on and on.

We rely on the trusty refrigerator calendar to keep track of every appointment. We do our best to keep close tabs on our children, especially our teenagers. This can be especially difficult if we're co-parenting after  a divorce.

For those families residing in Illinois, juvenile curfew laws remain on the books. The Illinois Child Curfew Act (720 ILCS 555) mandates that any juvenile (17 years and under) must return to their residence before the end of the specified curfew hour. Reinforce with your teen that taking a slight detour or briefly stopping by a friend's house is an excuse that probably will not satisfy the local authorities. The Act further states that once the juvenile returns home they must remain at their residence until the end of the specified curfew. Sneaking out the bedroom window for a rendezvous with friends is not a viable option.

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Preparing for the Main Event: Tips for Hiring an Illinois Divorce Attorney

 Posted on March 10, 2014 in Divorce

It is over. You and your spouse have decided to throw in the towel. At this point you have both realized that your marriage is on the ropes and soon to be down for the count. As you are lacing up your gloves in anticipation, it is time to retain an experienced trainer, in this case, an experienced Illinois divorce attorney. Lets get ready to rumble…

Seriously researching and retaining your divorce attorney is an important decision. You need to feel comfortable and confident in the one person who will be your strongest ally and advocate. When researching family law attorneys in your area, keep these tips in mind:

Do your homework. Investigate the internet, check with friends and even contact your local bar association for referrals.

You are seeking a service and it is quite common to openly discuss fee schedules up front to  ward off any surprises. Attorney fees can realistically range anywhere from $100 to over $500 per hour. The outcome of your divorce will define your future. Choosing an attorney based on cost alone is not the best strategy.

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How to Choose the Right Divorce Attorney for You

 Posted on February 28, 2014 in Divorce

Although all of us hope for our “happily ever after,” it cannot be ignored that many marriages end in divorce. If you and your spouse have decided that you must, unfortunately, file for divorce, it is important to take the time to search for the best divorce attorney for you and your family to assist you with the process.

 To get started with your search, gather the names of a few different divorce attorneys in your area so that you can compare and contrast them.

It is a wise idea to research each of these candidates, as well as conduct interviews with each-if you feel an interview is necessary. Talk to friends who have recently gone through the divorce process to see if they have any recommendations, or if they can give you a couple of names you should avoid at all costs. While getting started with your search, take a look at ratings, fees, years in practice, etc.

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The Science of Marital Compromise: Tips for Avoiding Marital Discord

 Posted on February 25, 2014 in Divorce

All relationships take work and your marriage is likely one of the most important relationships in your life. So important that you should not expect it to coast on autopilot for the next 40 or 50 years believing that all will be fine as you approach your marital golden years.

 The Gottman Institute agrees. Co-founded by Dr. John Gottman and Dr. Julie Schwartz Gottman, the team applies scientific concepts to the art of marriage. Headquartered in Seattle, Washington, the Gottman's assist couples and health care professionals by applying intensive, detailed and long-term scientific theories as to why marriages succeed or fail.

The Institute offers in-depth counseling and training rooted in scientific research to enhance communication between couples. The Gottman’s strongly believe that if communication breaks down, couples may find themselves contacting an experienced divorce attorney.

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Illinois Adoption: Opening Your Home and Heart to An Older Child

 Posted on February 22, 2014 in Adoption

According to babycenter.com, approximately 10 percent of all couples in the United States have difficulty conceiving. Research reports that women and men equally share the burden of infertility at 30 percent respectfully. The remaining 40 percent of fertility issues are unexplainable or a combination of multiple factors involving both partners.

Perhaps following acceptance of the medical diagnosis and having dealt with the gamut of emotions, you and your spouse have decided to begin the adoption process. Surprisingly, you have both decided to open your home and hearts to an older child who has been patiently waiting in the wings.

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