Illinois Family Law Blog

Family law blog by Patrick Markey, Attorney at Law

Welcome to our divorce and family law blog, updating you on the law, trends and issues affecting relationships and families.

The Divorce Process Timeline in Cook County

Deciding to file for divorce is often only the beginning of the process. Many spouses want to know what happens after filing, how long the case may take, and what to expect before the marriage is officially ended. While every divorce is different, most cases follow a general [...]

What Happens to the Marital Home During an Illinois Divorce? Do You Have to Move Out?

One of the first questions many people ask after deciding to divorce is what will happen to the family home. Many spouses worry that filing for divorce means they will have to move out immediately or that leaving the home could affect their rights during the divorce. In [...]

What Is Discovery in an Illinois Divorce? Understanding the Documents You May Be Asked to Produce

Divorce involves many important decisions, including dividing property, determining support obligations, and creating arrangements for children. To make informed decisions, both spouses need a complete understanding of the family’s financial situation. The process of exchanging information and documents during a divorce is known as discovery. While gathering documents [...]

Can You Modify Child Support or Parenting Time Years After Your Divorce Is Final?

A divorce judgment may resolve child support and parenting time issues at one point in a family’s life, but circumstances can change significantly over time. Children grow older, parents’ financial situations change, work schedules shift, and parenting arrangements that once worked may no longer fit the family’s [...]

What Happens If Your Spouse Is Hiding Assets During a Divorce? Understanding Your Legal Options and Protecting Your Financial Interests

Dividing assets is one of the most important parts of the divorce process. To reach a fair resolution, both spouses must have an accurate understanding of the family’s finances, including income, property, accounts, and debts. Unfortunately, some divorces involve concerns that one spouse may be hiding assets [...]

When Can You Modify Spousal Maintenance After Divorce?

Divorce does not always mark the end of financial obligations between former spouses. In some cases, one spouse may be required to pay spousal maintenance (also known as alimony) to the other after the divorce is finalized. However, life circumstances can change over time. Income may increase [...]

How Divorce Affects Your Will, Trust, and Beneficiary Designations

After a divorce is finalized, many people focus on dividing assets, adjusting finances, and moving forward with their new lives. However, one important step that is often overlooked is reviewing and updating estate planning documents. A divorce can impact decisions about who controls your assets, who makes [...]

Can a Divorce Court Require Parents to Pay for College in Illinois Even After a Child Turns 18?

Many parents assume that their financial obligations automatically end when their child turns 18. However, in Illinois, divorce-related responsibilities may continue beyond a child’s legal adulthood, including potential contributions toward college expenses. Understanding how Illinois handles college expenses after divorce can help parents plan ahead and avoid [...]

Preparing for Life After High School: Co-Parenting Older Teens After Divorce

As children get older, the challenges of co-parenting after divorce often shift. While younger children may require detailed parenting schedules and frequent coordination between parents, older teens are preparing for major life changes, including college, employment, financial independence, and adulthood. For divorced parents, this stage can bring new [...]

Debts and Divorce: Understanding Your Liability for Credit Cards, Loans, and Tax Debt After the Split

When a divorce is finalized, many people focus on dividing assets and moving forward with their new lives. However, understanding how debts are handled after divorce is just as important. Credit card balances, loans, and tax obligations can continue to affect your financial future if they are [...]

Life After Divorce: A Legal Checklist for Updating Your Will, Beneficiaries, and Power of Attorney Documents

After a divorce is finalized, many people focus on moving forward emotionally and financially. However, one of the most important post-divorce steps is often overlooked: updating estate planning and legal documents. Without these updates, an ex-spouse may still remain listed in roles that control financial, medical, or [...]

Understanding the Costs of Divorce: Traditional Litigation vs. Collaborative Divorce

Divorce is often viewed as an emotional process, but it is also a financial one. One of the first questions many people ask is, “How much will this cost?” The answer depends largely on the path a couple takes to resolve. In Illinois, divorce can proceed through traditional [...]