On August 27, 2022, Maxine Weiss Kunz and Amanda Oliver were proud to be able to attend the annual Gala of the Illinois chapter of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML). The event took place on the Anita Dee II, which set sail from DuSable Harbor in Chicago around 7:30 p.m. The weather was perfect, and wonderful food was served, including a taco bar and vegetarian options. Since the event had not been held during the past two years due to the Covid pandemic, everyone aboard was glad to be able to mingle and network with each other, dance, and enjoy themselves.

The event had a great turnout, with the majority of judges from Cook County and DuPage County attending. Many judges from Lake County were also in attendance, as well as numerous other family law professionals, including 604.10 child custody evaluators. Judge Regina Scannicchio of Cook County's Domestic Relations division gave a wonderful speech. Attorney Steven Lake accepted the Samuel S. Berger Award on behalf of the late Alan Toback. When he spoke about his partner of more than 30 years, everyone in attendance was moved when he broke down and could not speak.

We were gratified to have the opportunity to connect with others in the Illinois legal community and demonstrate our commitment to the practice of family law. Being able to get together with others in person after the isolation so many of us have experienced over the past two years provided us with a great reminder of the importance of community and personal connections. We strive to provide our clients with the personal touch they deserve as they address complicated, emotional legal matters. Meeting with others who provide high-quality legal representation provides us with the encouragement to always strive for excellence as we advocate for our clients' rights and interests.

The “dream” divorce, if there is such a thing, is one in which both spouses are amicable with each other, still respect one another, and are willing to work together. While this may be a reality for a lucky few, the majority of divorces are going to involve some degree of animosity between the spouses. In some cases, the tension between the spouses can get so bad that a spouse will do anything in his or her power to keep their soon-to-be-ex from getting their fair share of marital assets. In these cases, the spouse may do what is considered marital asset dissipation.

What is Dissipation?

The Illinois Supreme Court defines dissipation as the “use of marital property for the sole benefit of one of the spouses for a purpose unrelated to the marriage at a time the marriage at a time the marriage is undergoing an irretrievable breakdown.” Dissipation can include intentional wasting, spending, destroying or otherwise squandering marital assets for the simple purpose of depriving the other spouse of the asset. Examples of dissipation can include: