In this article our Peoria divorce lawyers explain the points of emphasis considered by the
courts when determining whether spousal maintenance, also known as alimony, is appropriate.  Maintenance can be paid in
different ways, such as paying by continuing payments on a temporary or
permanent basis, or paid through a lump sum.

The goal for divorce courts is to put the parties involved
in a situation where the standard of living for both parties is as close as possible to the standard of living during the marriage.  The courts consider factors such as the
earning capacity of each spouse, the duration of the marriage, and any type of
sacrifices one spouse made during the marriage for the other spouse’s career or
business. 

 Read the full article by our Peoria County family law attorneys regarding factors courts consider in determining maintenance. 

In this article, Illinois family law attorney Kevin O'Flaherty explains some alternatives to traditional divorce. Using both
Collaborative Law Divorce and Cooperative Divorce, parties involved work together to freely share information and negotiate the terms of a marital settlement agreement outside of court.  Collaborative
Divorce means that attorneys from both parties must withdraw if the negotiation
process is unsuccessful and litigation is necessary. In a Cooperative Divorce, that attorneys that represented the parties in the Cooperative Divorce can continue to represent the parties if the parties are unable to come to an agreement outside of court and litigation becomes necessary.  Collaborative Law
Divorce and Cooperative Divorce are both efficient options to make the divorce
process less stressful and less expensive. Our Illinois divorce lawyers explain the pros and cons of each, and in which situation traditional divorce may be a better option.

Read the full article by our Peoria County divorce attorneys on Collaborative Divorce and Cooperative Divorce. 

In this article, our Illinois family law attorneys explain some recent changes to divorce law in Illinois. In 2016 the Illinois Marriage and Defense of Marriage Act (the "IMDMA") saw several changes.  The intent of these changes was to reduce the likelihood of disputes and to bring the language of the Act in line with the modern realities and understanding of marriage, divorce, and parenting.  

Irreconcilable differences will now be the only grounds for divorce in Illinois.  Previously, parties could list irreconcilable differences or one of the several specific statutory grounds when filing for a divorce.  However, irreconcilable differences used to require a time of living separate and apart than specific grounds (2 years).  Now, the time of living separate and apart is 6 months and can be waived if both parties agree.  

Read the entire article by our Peoria County Divorce Attorneys