Multi-State Divorce & Family Law Blog by Stange Law Firm, PC

“Anchorman” actor David Koechner files for divorce On behalf of Stange Law Firm, PC posted in Divorce on Friday, January 17, 2020. Illinois movie fans might be interested to learn that “Anchorman” actor David Koechner is ending his nearly 22-year marriage to self-help podcaster Leigh Koechner. The couple, who have five children together, were married in 1998 after meeting on a plane. According to media reports, the 57-year-old actor filed a petition to dissolve a marriage involving minor children on Jan. 14 in California. The documents failed to disclose a reason for the divorce. The couple appeared happy in a

Does Illinois favor the mother or father in custody decisions? On behalf of Stange Law Firm, PC posted in Fathers’ Rights on Friday, January 3, 2020. While there is no cut-and-dry answer to this question, one report in 2018 showed that our state’s fathers are typically awarded 32 percent less parenting time than mothers. Research, across the board, shows that states lack sufficient laws to support, or to entice court decisions for equal shared parenting time. There is no doubt that, when both parties are fit to be parents, a child will benefit from spending time and building bonds with

What to know about pursuing alimony during a divorce On behalf of Stange Law Firm, PC posted in Divorce on Thursday, December 19, 2019. Securing alimony, also called spousal maintenance or support, can be an important part of getting through a divorce with one’s financial security intact. In order to understand how to pursue alimony, an Illinois resident should be aware of the many factors that courts may look at in order to decide if spousal support is appropriate. This post will discuss some of those factors but may not be comprehensive. Readers are always encouraged to talk to their

What is a child support modification? On behalf of Stange Law Firm, PC posted in family law on Thursday, December 5, 2019. Child support is the payment of money from one co-parent to the other for the benefit of their shared child or children. It may be used to cover a range of costs that are related to raising a child in Illinois, such as buying the child food or clothing, paying rent so that the child has a home, and covering the costs of their education. Child support is generally mandated during divorce proceedings or may be agreed to

Understanding child custody during the holiday season On behalf of Stange Law Firm, PC posted in Child Custody on Thursday, November 21, 2019. As winter approaches, families throughout Illinois may be planning their holiday celebrations and the travel they will undertake to visit with family members and friends. While the holidays can be a wonderful time of year for parents and children alike, it can also be a very difficult time for families that are split due to divorce. Parents can find themselves struggling to work with their co-parents when they cannot agree about how and where they will each

What is a premarital agreement? On behalf of Stange Law Firm, PC posted in Divorce on Friday, November 8, 2019. Marriage is both an emotional and legal undertaking. While an Illinois resident may initially find themselves drawn to another person on an emotional level, they must formalize their relationship through the legal process of marriage in order to be recognized by the state and thereby qualify for marriage-related benefits. Choosing to marry is thus a big decision. Those who decide to pursue marriage can and should speak with their prospective partners about whether they will enter into a premarital agreement.

What penalties can be assessed for failing to pay child support? On behalf of Stange Law Firm, PC posted in family law on Thursday, October 10, 2019. Child support in Illinois is a significant financial responsibility. Based on an agreement between a child’s parents or an order from their family law court, a person may be required to provide their child with money until that child becomes an adult or is otherwise self-sufficient. A child who does not have the financial support that they need may struggle to attain their most basic needs, and because children should not be made

Working a child’s best interests into their custody plan On behalf of Stange Law Firm, PC posted in Child Custody on Thursday, September 26, 2019. Every child is a unique individual with their own special needs, preferences, and expectations. Illinois parents who have more than one child may recognize the diverse talents, emotions, and requirements possessed by each child. When children are affected by the divorces of their parents it can be difficult for adults and the courts to establish custody and support plans that will meet all of their needs and further their best interests. When children are involved

Spousal support can be a critical component of a divorce On behalf of Stange Law Firm, PC posted in family law on Thursday, September 12, 2019. Money is sometimes the reason that Illinois residents decide to end their marriages in divorce. When the partners to marital couples cannot agree on how to spend and save their money, they may find that unhealable wounds are created in their relationships. While money is not the key to happiness it certainly is an important part of supporting a growing family. Similarly, money is an important component in the divorce process as well. When

What is a post-divorce modification? On behalf of Stange Law Firm, PC posted in family law on Thursday, August 29, 2019. It can take months for an Illinois couple to work out the details of their divorce. If they have children and share significant wealth, there may be many unsettled issues that they must process through in order to ensure that all of the members to the dissolving family will be provided for once the divorce is complete. When a court agrees that the parties to a divorce have resolved all of their outstanding issues it will issue a decree

Considerations for military members going through divorce On behalf of Stange Law Firm, PC posted in military family law on Thursday, August 15, 2019. The divorce process is hard on everyone, even when the partners to the ending marriage are willing and able to work together. However, individuals who serve our country as a member of the military can run into extra challenges when they decide that they want to get a divorce. In Illinois and other states throughout the nation, military members must consider residency, benefits, and other factors when they wish to end their relationships with their spouses.