Tag Archives: Divorce

The Multi-Disciplinary Nature of Family Law: Expecting the Unexpected

When people ask why I chose family law, I tell them that it’s one of the few areas of law where one not only deals at close range with clients, but one that touches on a plethora of areas of … Continue reading

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The Illinois Supreme Court Allows Guardians to File Petitions for Dissolution of Marriage on Behalf of Wards in Karbin v. Karbin

The population of the United States is getting older.  The most recent census, conducted in 2010, revealed not only that there are now more Americans age 65 and above than at any other time in U.S. history, but also that … Continue reading

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What is Collaborative Law?

When you hear the word “divorce,” you probably have an image of what the process will be like.  Perhaps you assume that each party will hire an attorney; take a polarized negotiation position; and repeatedly go to court to fight … Continue reading

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A Practical Guide to Navigating Visitation Disputes

All too often, litigants work tirelessly to finalize a comprehensive parenting order only to have disputes over parenting time after the order is entered.  The purpose of this article is to provide a few practical tips to deal with these … Continue reading

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Instant Replay Creates All Kinds of Issues

Article originally appeared in the November 27, 2012 issue of the Chicago Daily Law Bulletin written by Thomas F. Villanti and Evan D. Whitfield Major League Baseball (MLB) is deciding this off-season whether to extend instant replay to other areas … Continue reading

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A Joint Parenting Agreement is a Contract

When parties are negotiating terms of a Marital Settlement Agreement (MSA) or a Joint Parenting Agreement (JPA) at the eleventh hour, they might be inclined to make concessions for the sake of “getting it over with.”  Perhaps the parties are … Continue reading

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Holidays and Divorce – Tips for Enjoying the True Spirit of the Holidays

The holidays evoke universal feelings of peace, joy and hope.  Yet, for some individuals going through the difficult process of a divorce, the mere mention of the holiday season causes anxiety.   While it may seem impossible to enjoy yourself in … Continue reading

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Athletes Try to Keep Proceedings Quiet

Article originally appeared in the October 23, 2012 issue of the Chicago Daily Law Bulletin written by Thomas F. Villanti and Evan D. Whitfield The phrase “There’s no such thing as bad publicity” is most frequently linked to Oscar Wilde’s … Continue reading

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Top Ten Myths in Illinois Divorce Cases [Myth #10]

Myth: Permanent maintenance is forever. Not true. Permanent maintenance, also known as indefinite maintenance, is modifiable based upon a substantial change in circumstances.  Under Illinois law, permanent maintenance abates upon the remarriage, cohabitation, or death of the recipient.  It is … Continue reading

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Top Ten Myths in Illinois Divorce Cases [Myth #9]

Myth: If I don’t like the outcome of my divorce trial, I can always modify it. The answer is, generally not.  Once a judgment is entered as a  result of a contested trial, child support and maintenance are not modifiable … Continue reading

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