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How Does Relocation After Divorce Affect Kids?

Moving the primary residence of children after a divorce can increase feelings of instability and loss, but it can also provide a chance for new beginnings and opportunities. If you are planning to relocate with your children, you must follow certain requirements in Illinois law for relocating a child’s home any significant distance. A Springfield modification attorney can review your custody arrangement and parenting plan and determine your options for relocation within state law requirements. Divorce affects everyone in a family, and it is especially difficult for children. Every child reacts to divorce differently, and it can affect their friendships,

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Understanding Annulment in Springfield

It is common for people to misunderstand what an annulment is. A civil annulment cannot be obtained in any circumstance, and any kind of annulment has unique requirements that must be met. Many people want to secure an annulment rather than a divorce, as a divorce is known for being long and difficult. If you are unsure whether your marriage can be annulled or not, talk with a skilled Springfield, IL, family lawyer. An annulment is a legal action to void a marriage, stating that it never existed. This is different from a divorce, which recognizes the existence of the

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What Are the Benefits of Prenuptial and Postnuptial Agreements?

Prenuptial and postnuptial agreements are types of marital agreements that are created either before or during a couple’s marriage. These agreements are much more frequent than they used to be, and much of the stigma around them has dissolved. These agreements provide significant benefits for couples regardless of wealth and do not indicate an oncoming divorce. To ensure you get the most benefits from drafting a prenuptial or postnuptial agreement, you need a skilled Springfield attorney. A marital agreement allows couples to discuss important financial issues, decide their rights and responsibilities to certain property during marriage, and if they separate,

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Updating Your Estate Plan in Springfield, IL

Estate planning is important, but it’s important not to make the plan and then move on. Your estate plan can provide you with many benefits, but those benefits only exist if the plan reflects your wishes, your current life situation, and any new laws. A Springfield estate planning attorney can help you ensure that your estate plan is enforceable. They can also let you know what changes may be applicable based on the passage of time or changes in your life. Financial and estate planning professionals tend to recommend that you review your estate plan every three to five years.

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Third-Party Custody in Springfield

Illinois courts make all decisions regarding children based on the child’s interests, including decisions about custody and child support. Typically, it is considered in the child’s interests to be cared for, raised, and financially supported by both parents, whether or not those parents are separated. Unfortunately, there are some cases where this is not in a child’s interests. If you need help petitioning the court for custody rights, you need a Springfield child custody attorney. The courts may award sole or joint legal and physical custody of a child to either parent, depending on a family’s unique circumstances and the

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Simplifying the Divorce Process in Springfield

Not all divorces are handled through a contentious court battle — in fact, most aren’t. Many couples settle their divorce outside of court through alternative dispute resolution (ADR) methods, such as collaborative divorce and divorce mediation. With the help of a Springfield divorce attorney, couples can negotiate a separation agreement that they then present to the court for approval. This is a much simpler form of divorce that many couples prefer. Divorces are either contested or uncontested. When a divorce is contested, spouses either disagree on what the terms of a separation agreement should be or that they should be

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Modifying Court Orders After Divorce

After a divorce or parental separation, parties may create several court-approved or court-ordered legal guidelines, including the division of property, spousal support assignments, custody of children, and other parenting plan determinations. These orders must be followed. However, life can be unpredictable, and court orders can be modified to reflect changes in your circumstances. A Springfield modification attorney can help you determine if you can request modification. When a couple’s divorce or separation is litigated, these orders are made and enforced by the court. When a couple uses mediation, they must submit the agreement through the court, making them court orders

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What Are the Essential Documents in a Comprehensive Estate Plan?

A comprehensive estate plan can be made of multiple documents, which can be tailored to meet your individual needs and the needs of your family. If you are new to planning your estate, it can be difficult to know what your goals are to protect and distribute your assets. A Springfield estate planning attorney can help you determine your goals and effectively protect any size of estate that you have. Last Will and Testament A will is one of the most basic documents in an estate plan, and it is typically what individuals will create without a comprehensive estate plan.

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Understanding the Basics of the Adoption Process in Springfield, Illinois

Adoption is the legal process of an individual or couple expanding their family or bringing it closer together. Adoption can allow a person or persons to adopt a new child, adopt an adult, or have legal parental rights and responsibilities for a step-child. Adoption can be immensely expensive and difficult, but a Springfield adoption attorney can also make things more straightforward. Adoption can be beneficial and exciting and give you the same legal protections and responsibilities as a biological parent. Unfortunately, it can also be an overwhelming and complex process. When you understand the requirements to adopt in Springfield, it

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Signs That You May Want to Avoid Agreeing to a Prenuptial Agreement

Marital agreements, including postnuptial and prenuptial agreements, are tools used by many engaged and married couples. These agreements have become more common and are not only used by couples with significant wealth. They can benefit any marriage, particularly marriages where one spouse has to provide for an ex-spouse or children from a prior marriage, marriages where spouses co-own or one spouse owns a business, and marriages where one spouse earns significantly more than the other. Marital agreements can determine each spouse’s shared and separate rights and responsibilities to assets during their marriage. These legally binding agreements can also outline how

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What Makes a High-Asset Divorce Different Than Other Divorces?

A high-asset divorce has the potential to be much lengthier and more complex than other divorces. Though any divorce can become contentious, more complex divorces, like high-net-worth divorces, are more likely to have raised emotions. High-asset divorces have to go through all the same negotiations or litigation to determine how assets are split, whether spousal maintenance is awarded, and the custody and support of children. The additional complications of high-asset divorces can make each of these decisions even harder. Both spouses have the potential to lose a lot, and this can make them more combative. If you’re a spouse who

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