Posted on October 25, 2023 in Divorce

In a nutshell, the discovery process is the investigation phase that follows the filing of divorce or allocation of parental responsibilities. It provides both parties with full transparency of information that neither side may be privy to. Both parties must exchange information about finances, asset values, debts, and other important aspects of the case. A battle-hardened attorney with experience in contested divorce cases is a strong weapon to wield in these situations.

5 Methods of Discovery

The discovery process uncovers evidence and proof for divorcing couples to use in contested issues. There are five methods that an attorney can use for discovery:

• Request for Admissions
• Subpoena Duces Tecum

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 Posted on October 10, 2023 in Divorce

It is illegal to hide assets when initiating a marriage and during the divorce process. Thankfully, there are many things you can do to sniff out hidden assets and ensure that you receive a fair settlement. You should take quick action to protect your financial interests following a divorce. The best course of action is to talk to an experienced divorce attorney. One who can help you develop a plan to find potential hidden assets and provide evidence of your findings to the court.

What are Hidden Assets?

The simple answer would be that hidden assets are any possessions, money, or other financial benefits that one spouse tries to hide from the other.

When divorcing couples cannot agree on how to divide their assets, the court steps in and decides based on different factors. But some people try to hide or get rid of their assets so their soon-to-be ex-spouse cannot get them in the division. These hidden assets can have a significant impact on how the property is split relatively in the divorce.

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 Posted on September 27, 2023 in Uncategorized

Social media can be a great way to stay connected with friends and family, but it can also be a source of conflict during a divorce. For example, if you and your spouse are still friends on social media, you may see posts that make you feel jealous, angry, or hurt. This can make it difficult to move on from the divorce and start to heal.

For anyone concerned about how social media may affect your pending divorce, it is important to speak with an experienced divorce attorney. They can help you understand your rights and options, and they can advise you on how to use social media responsibly throughout the divorce process.

How Can Social Media Be Used Negatively?

Divorce attorneys often search social media for evidence that can be used in court. So if your spouse is posting pictures of themselves on vacation with a new partner, this could be used as evidence of asset dissipation. Or, if your spouse is posting about their new job and salary, this could be used to calculate alimony payments.

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 Posted on September 11, 2023 in Divorce

When a couple gets divorced, one of the most important issues to address is the division of property. The court will consider several factors when making this determination, including:

• The length of the marriage

• The contributions of each spouse to the acquisition, maintenance, and improvement of the property

• The earning capacities of the spouses

• The needs of any dependent children

• The age and health of the spouses

• The wasteful or extravagant dissipation of marital property by either spouse

• Any other factors that the court deems relevant

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 Posted on August 28, 2023 in Family Law

Technology and social media have significantly impacted entertainment, with content creation focusing on family life and children. However, scandals and lawsuits have led to a new law in Illinois requiring parents to compensate their children for their roles on family vlogging channels or other forms of social media. This occurrence raises questions about family law, child labor, and the ethics of family vlogging.

To navigate the unchartered waters of social media and child influencers, a family law attorney can help draft formal agreements regarding pay and keep you informed as this law changes over time.

Is It Worth It to Have Your Child on Social Media?

Social media is an impactful career with a lot of buzz. Children and parents often see the glitz and glamor but not the trouble and major impact behind the scenes. Children have a lot to worry about already, like the following: 

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 Posted on August 17, 2023 in Divorce

Divorce is a complex process, and navigating it is never simple. But luckily, there are a few common errors that you can avoid to make things much easier. Knowing and preventing these mistakes can significantly benefit you.

Not Preparing

One of the biggest mistakes in the divorce process is failing to prepare appropriately. Researching and gathering all the necessary documents allows you to build a solid plan. Here are some steps you can take to solidify that plan: 

• Collect financial records

• Make a list of all property, assets, and liabilities 

• Understand your financial situation 

Following these steps can help you avoid the following: 

• Unequal property distribution

• Inadequate spousal support

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 Posted on July 31, 2023 in Family Law

A prenuptial agreement, which is commonly referred to as a prenup, is a legal contract that will be signed before a couple gets married, and it can provide protection to a spouse who is entering a marriage with significant assets. Similarly, a postnuptial agreement, also called a postnup, may be created at any point during a couple’s marriage, and it may be used to protect the interests of both spouses following changes in a couple’s financial situation. These agreements can specify how a couple’s assets and debts will be divided between the parties in the event of divorce or a spouse’s death. They may also address other financial issues, such as whether either party will receive spousal support following a divorce or separation and how ownership of property will be handled during a couple’s marriage.

The Importance of an Enforceable Marital Agreement

It is crucial to ensure that prenups or postnups will be enforceable, since this will help couples avoid potential disputes during a divorce. To make sure your agreement stands up in court if challenged, there are several key factors to consider:

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 Posted on July 13, 2023 in Family Law

Members of the military often face special challenges when they are involved in a family law case like a divorce or child custody case. They may not be able to be present in court if they are deployed or stationed far away. The SCRA was developed to protect military members from the disadvantages they face in civil court actions. As the act applies in all civil cases, family law proceedings can be impacted by the rules it establishes. Military members may need to be accommodated by the court so that they can participate in any hearings held and be a part of the decision-making process. Without this act, the parent or spouse who does not serve in the military would have a substantial and unfair advantage. If you are in the military and are involved in a family law case in the state of Illinois, The Law Office of George J. Skuros can help ensure that you receive the full protections available under the act. 

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 Posted on June 30, 2023 in Family Law

It is not uncommon for there to be some acrimonious feelings parents may have towards each other as they are going through a divorce. However, it is critical for the sake of their children that the parents quickly work through these emotions in order to minimize the impact they can have on how well the children adjust. Unfortunately, there are some cases where one of the parents is unable to work through these feelings and they can intensify to the point where they do everything they can to turn the children against the other parent. This is referred to as parental alienation syndrome (PAS).

What Is Parental Alienation Syndrome?

PAS is a complex and distressing phenomenon where one parent manipulates a child's feelings, perceptions, and behaviors toward the targeted parent. It involves a systematic and intentional effort to undermine the child's relationship with the targeted parent, often resulting in emotional estrangement and, in severe cases, complete rejection.

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 Posted on June 12, 2023 in Family Law

Paternity is the legal recognition of the father-child relationship. Establishing paternity is essential for determining the rights and responsibilities of both the father and the child. Paternity can have significant implications in various aspects of family law, including the allocation of parental responsibilities, parenting time, and child support.

How to Legally Establish Paternity 

If a married couple has a child, the husband is presumed to be the child's father, and paternity is established automatically. However, for unmarried couples, paternity must be established in one of several ways. Establishing paternity has significant benefits for the father, the mother, and the child.

Voluntary Acknowledgement of Paternity in Illinois

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