How to Protect Your Assets in a Divorce

Divorce can be a complicated and emotionally taxing process, and one of the most pressing concerns is often how to protect your assets. From family homes and retirement accounts to businesses and personal property, safeguarding what you’ve worked hard to earn is crucial. In Illinois, divorce laws follow an “equitable distribution” approach, which means marital property is divided fairly, though not always equally. Understanding the basics of asset division, and working with an experienced family law attorney, can help you protect your financial future as you go through the divorce process. Understanding Marital vs. Non-Marital Property A key step in protecting your...

26 April

0 Comments

Sticky

Who Gets What? A Guide to Property Division in Illinois

Posted by Daniel Katzman

in Family Law & Divorce

Dividing a life’s worth of assets is often the most contentious part of a divorce. From the family home to retirement accounts, deciding how to split property requires a clear understanding of Illinois law. At Katzman & Sugden, LLC, our divorce attorneys in Belleville, IL navigate these disputes to ensure they walk away with their fair share and future financial stability. Step 1: Marital vs. Separate Property Before anything can be divided, the court must categorize every asset. Only marital property is subject to division. Separate Property: Anything owned by one spouse before the marriage, as well as personal gifts or inheritances received...

19 February

0 Comments

Sticky

Understanding Child Support in Illinois: It Covers More Than You Think

Posted by Daniel Katzman

in Family Law & Divorce

Going through a divorce means making tough decisions about property, custody, and finances. Even if you and your ex plan to share parenting time equally, you may still wonder why child support payments are necessary. The truth is, raising children is expensive, and child support covers far more than just food and shelter. At Katzman & Sugden, LLC in Belleville, IL, we help parents understand what these payments cover and how the court determines a fair amount. What Expenses Does Child Support Cover? While basic necessities are covered, Illinois child support payments are designed to ensure your children can truly thrive. Support is...

29 November

0 Comments

Sticky

When does child support payment end in Illinois?

Posted by Daniel Katzman

in Family Law & Divorce

Child support is always a difficult subject when it comes to divorce. Many spouses do not want their case to end with them getting minimal custody of their kid and having to pay for additional support without seeing them. Unfortunately, it is a common occurrence for many fathers in Illinois. Recent studies indicate that the average noncustodial parent in Illinois gets to spend 23.1 percent of the year with their kid, which is one of the worst percentages in the nation. After evaluating the incomes of each party, the respective living conditions and the amount of children they have, the court...

31 October

0 Comments

Sticky

Preparing a prenup: what every Illinois couple should know

Posted by Daniel Katzman

in Family Law & Divorce

Whether you are in your 20s and getting married for the first time or a little older and getting married for the second or third time, you may very well be considering your options for a prenuptial agreement. Regardless of your age and marital experiences, prenuptial agreements can be an attractive -- or necessary -- option. As such, you should understand some important facts about these legal documents so that you can make wise, informed decisions. They are not all enforceable Prenuptial agreements are legal documents and they must be valid to be enforceable. In accordance with Illinois laws, this means they must: ...

03 October

0 Comments

Sticky

How do Illinois courts decide if I will receive alimony?

Posted by Daniel Katzman

in Family Law & Divorce

If you are getting divorced, your post-divorce financial stability can be one of your biggest concerns. This can be especially true if your spouse was the primary earner in your family. In many cases, people in this position wonder about the availability of alimony, or maintenance, which allows a financially disadvantaged party to receive monetary support from a former spouse indefinitely or for a specific period of time. If you are in this position and wondering whether you might receive alimony, you should understand the factors that the courts use to make these decisions. Factors the courts consider When considering a petition for...

31 August

0 Comments

Sticky

Contested vs. Uncontested Divorce: Which Path is Right for You?

Posted by Daniel Katzman

in Family Law & Divorce

Deciding to end a marriage is never easy, and the legal process that follows can often feel like a maze. In Illinois, divorces generally fall into two categories: contested and uncontested. The path your divorce takes will depend on your ability to communicate with your spouse, the complexity of your finances, and the best interests of your children. At Katzman & Sugden, LLC, we help you navigate either path with the goal of protecting your rights and your future. The Contested Divorce: When Agreement Isn't Possible A contested divorce occurs when spouses cannot agree on one or more major issues. While "contested" sounds...