A good parent's worst nightmare might be dying and leaving the children to an absent, neglectful or even abusive parent. The saying goes, “You can lead a horse to water, but you cannot make it drink”. The same can be said of some parents. The biology of becoming a...
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Family Law
Changes to Illinois Divorce Law on Temporary Support
One of the first things that happen in divorces in which there is a disparity in income between the spouses is that the spouse with less income (or no income) files a petition for temporary support. The new revisions to the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of...
Get Help to Stop Domestic Violence
Violence is a problem in our society in spite of many years of concerted efforts to stop it. Most of the violence committed in our communities goes unseen. It happens in the home between members of the same family. Child abuse and spousal abuse in the home occur more...
New Divorce Law on College Expenses
Sweeping changes were made to Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act (“IMDMA”), including changes to Section 513, which is the new divorce law on college expenses in Illinois that regulates the allocation of post-secondary education expenses for non-minor...
Family Law: A Perspective on Divorce
Kevin G. Drendel Most people realize that “Family Law” is a misnomer. Most people associate “Family Law” with divorce, and rightly so. Attorneys who practice family law usually have a high volume of divorce cases and follow up “post judgment” litigation involving...
3 Ingredients for an Agreed, Uncontested Divorce
Most people have known someone who has been through a “nasty divorce”. It may seem like there is no other kind of divorce, but there is. An agreed, uncontested divorce can be accomplished in the right circumstances, with the right parties and the right attorney or...
Roman J. Seckel in the Spotlight
Roman Seckel does not seek attention or draw attention to himself. He quietly, confidently and competently goes about the business of being an advocate for others, which is what attorneys do. The ability to listen well to clients, understand their issues and...
The Initial Attorney/Client Meeting
In keeping with the previous blog about marriage, commitment, divorce and life after a divorce, taking a step back prior to proceeding with a divorce is often a wise course. Often times I, and other attorneys here, have often consulted with clients who want to get an...
Estate Planning for Second Marriages
When people are in love, they are not usually preoccupied with death; they are focused on living. Second marriage situations, however, present issues that should be discussed and addressed, especially when there are children from a first marriage. Whether the second...
Changes to Parenting in Divorce
We continue with our summaries of the changes to Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act (IMDMA) by focusing on the revisions to custody and visitation. Changes to parenting in divorce are, perhaps, the most significant of the changes that will take effect...