Courts in Illinois must focus on the child’s best interest when allocating decision-making responsibilities between parents or guardians. Under 750 ILCS 5/602.5(a)[1], judges are not required to equally allocate decision-making responsibilities to each parent; so in a...
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Anne Prenner Schmidt, Esq., Master of Laws
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Mediation
Anne Prenner Schmidt, Esq., Master of Laws
Mediation
College Expenses: One More Reason to Mediate, Not Litigate
Unlike many other states which refuse to opine on college costs of emancipated children, Illinois is one of the few states that has jurisdiction over divorcing/divorced parents (or parents who have never been married with college age children) and that can order them...
Why Offsetting Pensions in Divorce Might Not Be the Unicorn Solution You Are Hoping For…Using Present Value of a Future Pension as an Offset for a Current Marital Asset in Divorce
Our firm is often approached by parties and counsel to determine the present value of a future pension. The goal being to assign an exact dollar amount to a future payout in order to offset an asset currently held in the marital estate. Red flags immediately are...
The benefits of mediation
If you are looking to settle your divorce in an amicable fashion, it may be in your best interest to work with a mediator. A mediator is an impartial individual who seeks to facilitate a productive dialogue between yourself and your spouse. Let's take a look at some...
What issues can be resolved in mediation?
No matter your feelings toward your spouse, you may hope to avoid an acrimonious and costly divorce. You two might have agreed that litigating your split is unnecessary and are considering mediation. Yet, you may wonder whether you can resolve all your disputes...
Is divorce mediation beneficial for the children?
A divorce can take many forms. From a contentious, emotionally charged process to the two parties genuinely working together to find a mutually beneficial compromise, numerous factors can influence how the process unfolds. Divorce mediation, however, favors the latter...
7 myths about mediation
While the most common way to end a marriage is litigation, mediation can be an excellent alternative. This method for divorce is gaining popularity because it is perceived as healthier and more peaceful. As the couple makes decisions on all matters of the divorce...