Divorce or child custody cases that involve multiple states can have an added layer of complexity, making it all the more important to handle such cases carefully.
Divorce
Money-Saving Tips for Those with Divorce or Child Custody Cases
A child custody or divorce case can be one of the most important events in a person’s life. It can also be one of the more expensive events too. However, there are things that a person can do to help minimize that expense while also seeking the best possible outcome for the case.
The Children in the Middle Class Requirement in Iowa Divorce and Custody Cases
Iowa law requires that the parents in a divorce or child custody case take a court-approved class. This class is called Children in the Middle in
What is a Motion?
Motions are a key part of just about every type of court case. This article discusses Motions in the Iowa and Illinois legal systems.
Why Everyone Needs an Attorney in Child Custody Cases
In a child custody case, those who try to represent themselves tend to run into significant problems. Every person who is facing a child custody case needs an attorney, for two main reasons:
New Custody (Parental Decision-Making) and Visitation (Parenting Time) Terminology in Illinois Divorce and Child Custody Cases
The new laws in Illinois that govern divorce and child custody cases took effect on January 1, 2016. These changes in terminology are a reflection of the goals of the court in custody and divorce case.
The New Irreconcilable Differences Standard for Divorce in Illinois
Effective January 1, 2016, Illinois did away with the “grounds” system for divorce that had existed for decades. Instead, now Illinois uses “irreconcilable differences” and can be thought of a as no-fault state for divorces.
Military Divorces in Illinois
In cases where a person or their spouse is a military service memver, there are special consideration when getting divorced in Illinois.
Military Divorces in Iowa
When a person or their spouse is in the military, there are special consideration for a divorce case in Iowa.
Interrogatories in Divorce and Custody Cases
In Divorce and child custody cases, Interrogatories are a common discovery tool. Interrogatories can help a party to obtain information that is needed to reach a favorable settlement, or to take the case to trial.
Summer Visitation
It is common in divorce and custody cases in Iowa and Illinois for the court to award a non-custodial parent (a parent who does not have primary physical care) an extended block of visitation in the summer months. Summer visitation is also commonly awarded to both parents so that each parent can have an opportunity to take a vacation or otherwise spend time with the child. Summer visitation can be a great opportunity for a parent to spend more time with a child, but it can also be a source of contention.
Requests for Production of Documents in Divorce and Custody Cases
In a divorce or custody case, Requests for Production of Documents is a commonly used discovery tool.
Depositions in Child Custody and Divorce Cases
Depositions can be useful tools in child custody and divorce cases in Iowa and Illinois.
Servicemembers Civil Relief Act
The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act, which is found at 50 U.S.C. sections 501-597b, was enacted to allow servicemembers to devote their energy to the defense needs of the nation and to provide for the temporary suspension of judicial and administrative proceedings, except criminal proceedings, that may adversely affect the civil rights of servicemembers during military service.
Complying with Discovery in Divorce and Custody Cases
In divorce and child custody cases in Illinois and Iowa, Discovery is an important part of the case. Discovery refers to the process through which each side in a divorce or custody case is entitled to gather information from the other side, for use in court later. It is important to comply with discovery, as a failure to do so can result in significant harm to a case.
Common Pitfalls for People Why Try to Represent Themselves in Divorce Cases
People will sometimes attempt to represent themselves in a divorce case. When a person acts as their own lawyer (pro se) in a divorce, there are often serious problems created, both in the short term and the long term. Anyone who is considering representing themselves should consider the possible ramifications before proceeding.
Military Orders and Domicile for Divorce Cases
The first step in the divorce process, is determining where exactly to file the divorce and begin court proceedings. This process is usually simple, but it can be difficult for military families. For a divorce judgment to be valid, one of the individuals usually must be domiciled in the State issuing the divorce decree.
How Long it Takes to Get Divorced
A common question in divorce cases is how long it will take for the divorce to be completed. The answer to that question depends upon many different factors that are unique to each case. Those factors include the following:
Filing Taxes (and Dividing a Tax Refund) During a Divorce Case
When a married couple is going through a divorce case, the issue of how to file taxes and what to do with a tax refund often arises. Properly handling such a tax situation is important.
What to Say and Not to Say to Children During a Divorce
During a divorce case, it is critical that both spouses carefully choose their words when discussing the situation with their children. This is important for both the mental wellbeing of the children, and each spouse’s legal interests in the case.