When people think about hiring a divorce lawyer, they want to hire the best lawyer for their case. Sometimes people think best means someone who is aggressive, relentless, and ready to battle in court. But the qualities that truly set the best divorce lawyers apart go far beyond courtroom theatrics. Let’s explore the traits of […]
Category Archives: Collaborative Divorce
A process in which both spouses and their attorneys commit to resolving disputes through cooperative negotiation rather than litigation, often involving financial and child‐focused specialists.
09
May
May
While some divorce costs are inevitable, there are clear ways to save money throughout the process. Here are 4 easy tips to keep the cost of a divorce down. 1. Get Organized with Your Financial Documents One of the most effective ways to cut costs is by organizing your financial documents ahead of time. You […]
25
Mar
Mar
For anyone going through a divorce, taxes are not the first thing on your mind. However, overlooking tax consequences can lead to costly mistakes. Taxes are embedded in many aspects of property division, retirement accounts, investments, and even real estate. Failure to consider tax implications can result in an unfair settlement and unexpected liabilities. Let’s […]
04
Mar
Mar
When couples walk into my office, they cite various reasons for the breakdown of their marriage—infidelity, financial struggles, or irreconcilable differences. However, at the core of almost every divorce case lies what I believe to be one fundamental issue: communication failure. The Communication Breakdown Poor communication seeps into every aspect of a relationship. Whether it’s […]
Collaborative Divorce, Divorce
The Respectful Divorce Podcast Features Illinois Attorney Patrick Markey
19
Feb
Feb
Patrick Markey was recently a guest on The Respectful Divorce podcast highlighting Collaborative Divorce and Divorce With Respect Week®. Markey is a Chicago divorce attorney and president of Collaborative Divorce Illinois. “What I hear when I talk to someone about divorce is that they just don’t know how to get started,” said Markey. “Most people […]
03
Jan
Jan
Choosing the right path for your divorce can make all the difference in the end-result of your divorce. Mediation offers many advantages for resolving conflicts efficiently, collaboratively, and cost-effectively. Here are 7 reasons why Mediation is a better option than going to court. 1. Active Participation and Swift Resolution Mediation involves the active participation of […]
09
Dec
Dec
The divorce process can seem like it will never end and there are some divorces that can even stretch out for several years. Why does this happen? The answer lies in a mix of human factors, legal system dynamics, and the approach chosen to resolve disputes. The Human Factor: Divorce Moves at the Pace of […]
28
Oct
Oct
Property division is often one of the most challenging issues to resolve in a divorce. In Illinois, this division is guided by the principle of “equitable distribution,” a term that doesn’t necessarily mean a strict 50/50 split of marital assets. Instead, equitable distribution refers to a fair allocation of the family’s assets, which may or […]
30
Aug
Aug
An important, yet overlooked, aspect of a divorce is how to handle health insurance for both the divorcing spouses and their children. During the divorce process, you will need to make decisions about how you, your spouse and your children will continue to be covered by a health insurance plan. Understanding the options that are […]
29
Jul
Jul
One of the benefits of a no-fault divorce is that it simplifies the legal process. Prior to no-fault divorce becoming the law, there was a requirement that for a divorce to be granted that fault had to be assigned to you or to your spouse. Which is to say that one party had to prove […]