There are many situations where marital relationships may break down. Even though a couple intended to remain together for the rest of their lives when they got married, they may experience changes over the course of their relationship, or they may find that they are no longer compatible. When a marriage begins experiencing problems, one or both spouses may begin considering whether getting a divorce is a good idea. However, if a couple is not yet ready to end their marriage, or if they wish to remain married even if they are no longer in a committed relationship, legal separation may be an alternative option.

In the realm of family law, legal separation is an alternative to divorce that offers couples the opportunity to live apart without terminating their marriage. While divorce permanently dissolves a marriage, legal separation allows spouses to separate their lives while still remaining legally married. There are a number of reasons why a couple may wish to use this option, and anyone who is considering making these types of changes to their life will want to consult with an attorney who can provide qualified legal guidance and advice on how to proceed.

The attorneys of Weiss-Kunz & Oliver, LLC provide representation in a wide range of family law matters, including both divorce and legal separation cases. We can help you understand whether legal separation may be a good idea or whether divorce may be preferable. We will provide you with representation as you negotiate agreements with your spouse, ensuring that your rights and interests will be protected as you make changes to your life and in the years to come.

If your marriage has broken down, you may be considering divorce. While ending a long-term relationship can be difficult, this may be the best option for you, your children, or others who are involved in your life. Rather than continuing to live in an unhappy marriage and subjecting yourself and your children to tension, conflict, and stress, you can take steps to end your marriage and move on to a more positive situation. 

While the divorce process can be difficult, being prepared can help make the transition smoother for you and your children. If you are considering a divorce in Illinois, it is important to understand the steps you should take to protect your rights and interests. By following these important steps, you can navigate the divorce process with confidence.

At Weiss-Kunz & Oliver, LLC, our attorneys can provide guidance on what you should consider as you prepare for your divorce. We have extensive experience representing clients in a wide variety of situations. Whether you expect high levels of conflict, need to address complex financial issues, or are prepared to work together with your spouse to negotiate a settlement that will be mutually beneficial, we can advise you on how to proceed and provide you with effective legal representation throughout the divorce process.

Divorce can be a difficult process. During the end of your marriage, you may not only need to address the emotional and personal concerns that have led to the breakdown of your relationship, but you may also need to deal with a variety of complex financial issues. As you handle the legal aspects of your divorce, some of your most important concerns may be related to ensuring that all assets are properly identified and divided between you and your spouse. However, there are some factors that can complicate this process, including suspicions that your spouse has hidden assets from you or taken actions to waste or destroy marital property.

Attempts to hide or waste assets in order to prevent them from being included in the division of property can have serious consequences for both parties. If you suspect that your spouse has engaged in this type of behavior, you will need to understand the steps you can take to address your concerns and protect your financial interests. At Weiss-Kunz & Oliver, LLC, our attorneys understand the methods that may be used to uncover financial deception by divorcing spouses, and we work to ensure that assets are divided correctly. We can provide guidance on the best ways to handle financial concerns, and we will advocate on your behalf as you seek to resolve disputes during your divorce.

The Importance of Full Financial Disclosure

During a divorce, both spouses are required by law to provide each other with a full disclosure of all relevant financial information. This means that each party must disclose all sources of income, expenses that need to be paid, debts that are owed, and all assets they own, including both marital assets and separately-owned property. Unfortunately, not everyone adheres to this requirement willingly. To gain a complete understanding of the financial concerns that must be addressed during your divorce, you will need to complete discovery.

Nearly every divorce will involve complicated issues. When ending a long-term relationship and dissolving their legal partnership, spouses may encounter disputes over how various issues will be handled, and they may need to address multiple types of financial concerns. However, a high net worth divorce can be significantly more complex than other types of divorce cases due to the substantial assets owned by a couple and the many financial factors that will need to be addressed. When couples with significant wealth decide to end their marriage, guidance and legal representation from an experienced attorney can be crucial.

At Weiss-Kunz & Oliver, LLC, we understand the unique financial issues that may play a role in a high net worth divorce. We work to ensure that our clients are prepared to approach the divorce process correctly, and we are prepared to advocate for your financial interests while negotiating settlements or arguing a case in the courtroom. With our experience handling complex financial matters and contentious disputes, we can make sure you will be able to achieve your goals and move on with your life after finalizing your divorce.

Property Division

Many of the most critical aspects of a high net worth divorce will be related to the property and assets a couple owns. During the process of dividing marital property, spouses will need to consider all of the assets they have acquired during their marriage, as well as any debts accrued during this time. In Illinois, marital property is subject to equitable distribution, and assets and debts may be divided fairly but not necessarily equally between spouses. 

In family law cases involving children, the court's primary concern is always the best interests of the child. When making decisions about the allocation of parental responsibilities and parenting time, judges may consider a variety of factors to ensure that the child's well-being and safety are prioritized. By understanding exactly what issues will be addressed in child custody cases and how they can protect their children’s best interests, parents can make sure they will be prepared to resolve disputes and create agreements that will allow them to meet their children’s needs.

At Weiss-Kunz & Oliver, LLC, we work with parents in divorce and family law cases to address and resolve child custody concerns. We provide guidance on how our clients can protect their parental rights, and we work to negotiate agreements that will allow them to meet their children’s needs going forward. If necessary, we can provide representation during litigation, but we strive to find peaceful resolutions to disputes whenever possible so that parents can focus on protecting their children’s well-being. Our attorneys are here to help with any child custody concerns that our clients may encounter.

Issues Addressed in Child Custody Cases

During family law cases, parents will need to address multiple legal concerns related to their children. These are generally grouped into two categories, which are commonly referred to as legal custody and physical custody.