• Financial/property issues
• Legal issues

• Collaborative Family Law issues
• Emotional/Relationship issues

• "Can't we just take our own accounts and go our separate ways?"
  Evanston, Illinois CPA Linda Forman answers: "You could do that, but you'd run the risk of leaving a lot on the table..."
• "We aren't divorced yet, and my husband is insisting on our filing a joint income-tax return."
  Evanston, Illinois Certified Public Accountant Linda Forman answers: "Is your husband forcing you to file a return in which he's not reporting everything?..."
• "How do I figure out what my wife's investments are really worth?"
  Chicago CPA Linda Forman answers: "If your spouse bought stocks and bonds in the open market, there's no problem with valuing them..."
• "Can I, or should I, keep the house?"
  Chicago-area Certified Public Accountant Linda Forman answers: "There's nothing worse than feeling that you're house-poor..."
• "How can I tell what is a better deal, maintenance or child support?"
  Evanston, Illinois CPA Linda Forman answers: "Maintenance is for the spouse, and child support is for the children..."
• "Will my spouse be entitled to some of my pension after our divorce? If so, can I prevent this?"
  Chicago divorce lawyer Jay Frank answers: "The short answer to this question is: yes. A pension plan is like a bank account or any other marital asset..."
• "How is it determined which of our property is marital and which is separate?"
  Chicago divorce attorney Jay Frank answers: "Illinois divorce law divides all property into two categories: marital property and separate property..."
• "What are the most common misconceptions about property and divorce?"
  Oak Brook, Illinois divorce attorney Margaret Bennett answers: "If you are considering a divorce, you may be surprised by these common misconceptions..."
• "What are some of the pitfalls I should watch for on the financial side of the divorce process?"
  Evanston, Illinois CPA Linda Forman answers: "People in the midst of divorce are under stress and may not have perfect recall for one reason or another..."
• "Is it possible or even advisable to keep the family business going after we divorce? How should we proceed?"
  Evanston, Illinois Certified Public Accountant Linda Forman answers: "Here are some of the areas that should be covered with business professionals..."
• "What is one of the most common financial mistakes that people make in a divorce?"
  Chicago divorce lawyer and CPA Jeffrey Brend answers: "One of the most common mistakes is not taking full advantage of the federal income-tax code..."
• "If your ex-spouse fails to pay for debts he or she acquired while you were married, can his or her creditors come after you for payment?"
  Chicago divorce attorney Paul Feinstein answers: "If the debts were acquired jointly, the creditors are not bound by the divorce decree..."
• "If I file for divorce, how can I protect certain assets (family heirlooms, etc.) from my ex?"
  Chicago family lawyer Jay Frank answers: "Illinois divorce law divides property into two kinds: non-marital property and marital property..."
• "I want a divorce, but I don't think I can afford it. What do I do?"
  Evanston, Illinois CDFA Nancy Liebman answers: "Step one is to assemble the information necessary for a financial inventory..."
• "My husband and I own a small business. Who should value this asset, and how do I find them?"
  Chicago divorce attorney and CPA Jeffrey Brend answers: "Often, business-valuation issues arising in divorce relate to small family-operated business..."
• "I'm worried that my spouse will try to hide assets from me if I ask for a divorce. How can I be sure I get a fair share of his business and other assets?"
  Chicago, Illinois CDFA Bruce Richman answers: "Your spouse may try to hide assets, but most people usually leave trails that can be followed..."
• "How do I get my husband's pension?"
  Evanston, Illinois CPA Linda Forman answers: "These days, 'pension' is a generic term for a variety of plans that include..."
• "Is it better to take more marital property -- like the house -- instead of spousal support or a part of a pension?"
  Chicago family lawyer and Certified Public Accountant Jeffrey Brend answers: "This depends entirely on how averse to risk you are..."
• I'm transferring some of my interest in an IRA to my spouse in our divorce agreement. How should I go about doing this?"
  Chicago, Illinois CDFA Bruce Richman answers: "The IRS is very clear that an early distribution from an IRA is subject to a 10% penalty..."
• "Are alimony and child support taxable? If so, is there any way of structuring support payments to my ex to lower my taxes?"
  Chicago, Illinois CDFA Bruce Richman answers: "Spousal support and child support are two different types of payments and are taxed differently..."
• "How could my income taxes be affected by my divorce?"
  Naperville, Illinois CDFA Marcia Kraus answers: "First, your filing status will change to reflect your marital status on the last day of the year..."
• "I've never bought auto insurance before. Could you please give me some basic information to help me understand what I need in the way of coverage?"
  Answer Financial answers: "Auto insurance -- like all insurance -- is about risk. You buy auto insurance hoping an accident doesn’t happen to you..."
• "My ex-husband and I are selling our home and I'd like to make certain that we get the most we can for it. Any suggestions?"
  Illinois real-estate broker Georgia Pierini answers: "To maximize your potential, there are several things you can do..."
• "I'm thinking about getting a divorce. How can a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA) help me?"
  Illinois CDFA Connie Walsh answers: "CDFAs are specifically trained in the financial issues of divorce..."
• "Can my credit history affect the cost of my auto insurance?"
  Answer Financial answers: "An individual’s credit rating is a key factor that affects auto insurance rates..."
• "Is it better to receive one lump sum payment up front rather than monthly spousal support payments?"
  llinois CDFA Connie Walsh answers: "As always, be sure that you review any agreements with your divorce attorney and a financial specialist..."
• "I'm thinking of buying my first house. What are the steps I should take?"
  Illinois real-estate broker Georgia Pierini answers: "The first step is to locate and speak with an experienced mortgage banker or broker..."
• "How can I reduce the cost of my auto insurance?"
  Answer Financial answers: "Consumers are countering rising gas prices and other costs by capitalizing on lower auto insurance rates..."
• "I have received a large lump settlement from my divorce. How should I invest it?"
  lllinois CDFA Connie Walsh answers: "Even though your divorce settlement has been finalized, your work is not finished..."

Legal issues:

• "I'm pretty well off financially, so legal costs are of no concern to me. Will I get better service with a more expensive divorce attorney?"
  Chicago divorce lawyer and mediator Karen Covy answers: "When choosing a lawyer, it is important to consider not just the lawyer, but yourself..."
• "My spouse has had several affairs; it's one of the reasons we split up. Can I use this against him in the divorce proceedings?"
  Chicago, Illinois family-law attorney Jay Frank answers: "Under Illinois divorce law, you cannot use your husband's affairs for a more favorable divorce settlement..."
• "I'm just starting my divorce. What pitfalls should I watch out for in the process?"
  Hinsdale, Illinois divorce attorney Michael Schiffman answers: "Any legal proceedings can be daunting and confusing to one unfamiliar with the process..."
• "My ex-husband hasn’t paid the last two months of child support. I found out last night he took his new girlfriend to the Bahamas. I’m so angry. What can I do?"
  Chicago divorce attorney Jay Frank answers: "The terms which require your ex-husband to pay child support can be enforced under Illinois family law..."
• "Is there any legal reason why fathers should not be awarded custody of their children just as often as mothers?"
  Chicago, Illinois family lawyer and CPA Jeffrey Brend answers: "In the past, it was presumed that the mother would stay at home to take care of the children..."
• "How can I prepare myself for my day in court?"
  Hinsdale, Illinois divorce lawyer Michael Schiffman answers: "Appearing in court can be remarkably stressful. The courthouse seems like a foreign environment..."
• "My ex-wife recently married a very wealthy man. Can I now stop making child support payments?"
  Chicago, Illinois family lawyer Jay Frank answers: "Under Illinois divorce law, your obligation to pay child support only terminates if your child is emancipated..."
• "How do I find the right lawyer for me?"
  Chicago divorce lawyer Jay Frank answers: "Choosing the right divorce lawyer to represent you in your matrimonial case is important..."
• "Can one lawyer represent my spouse and me? I think it would save us both time and money."
  Chicago, Illinois family-law attorney Jay Frank answers: "A divorce attorney is required to use his best efforts to promote the interests of his client..."
• "What information do I need to bring to an initial consultation with my divorce lawyer?"
  Chicago, Illinois family-law attorney and CPA Jeffrey Brend answers: "During the interview, you should expect to be asked about the specifics of your case..."
• "If you live in a 'common-law marriage', are you entitled to same support and property division as if you were legally married?"
  Chicago divorce attorney Jay Frank answers: "Living together does not give one party any rights against the other..."
• "My wife and I are divorcing, and I'm concerned about protecting the interests of my children. What can I do?"
  Chicago, IL divorce lawyer and CPA Jeffrey Brend answers: "The legal community has become more sensitive to children's involvement in the legal system..."
• "My wife has been cheating on me. I want to leave her, but I'm worried I won't get custody of our kids. Are the courts still reluctant to grant custody to fathers?"
  Chicago divorce attorney and CPA Jeffrey Brend answers: "The court shall determine custody in accordance with the best interests of the child..."
• "Can I fire my divorce lawyer? How? Under what conditions?"
  Chicago divorce lawyer Joy Feinberg answers: "Ideally, you and your divorce attorney should work together to arrive at the best possible outcome..."
• "I'm attracted to my divorce lawyer. Is it OK for me to date or sleep with him? Should I wait until my divorce is final?"
  Chicago, Illinois family lawyer Jay Frank answers: "It's important to separate your professional relationship with your divorce lawyer from any personal relationship..."
• "Can I object to the amount of fees charged by my divorce lawyer? How?"
  Chicago, IL divorce lawyer Paul Feinstein answers: "It is recommended that there be a written fee contract with your divorce attorney..."
• "What can I do if my divorce lawyer doesn't return my calls?"
  Chicago, Illinois family lawyer Paul Feinstein answers: "I can't tell you how many cases I have picked up from divorce attorneys who do not adequately communicate..."
• "I don't feel like my divorce lawyer is answering my questions. What can I do to change this?"
  Chicago, IL divorce lawyer Jay Frank answers: "It is very important that your divorce attorney responds promptly and appropriately to your questions..."
• "Is divorce mediation for couples who want to reconcile?"
  Northfield, Illinois family lawyer and mediator Sandra Rosenbloom answers: "Divorce mediation provides the chance to resolve problems without destroying the family network..."
• "Can you modify a prenuptial, post-nuptial, or divorce agreement?"
  Chicago, Illinois family-law attorney Michael Chiero answers: "A prenup disposes of property belonging to either party and becomes effective upon marriage..."
• "Can I make modifications to my Divorce Decree? My circumstances have changed, and I'm going to need more support."
  Chicago, Illinois family-law attorney Jay Frank answers: "In Illinois, your spousal support can be changed if you can show 'a substantial change in circumstances'..."
• "I want to change my name back to my maiden name. How do I do it?"
  Chicago, Illinois family-law attorney Paul Feinstein answers: "If your divorce is not yet final, you can simply ask for it the day you are divorced..."
• "When does my Divorce Decree become effective? My fiancee and I are anxious to set a date for our wedding. And what happens after the Divorce Decree is entered?"
  Chicago divorce attorney Karen Bowes answers: "Illinois does not have a waiting period for the Judgment to become effective, as some other states do..."
• "If your spouse interferes with your visitation, are you entitled to withhold child support until you receive your court-ordered visitation?"
  Hinsdale, IL divorce attorney Paul Chawla answers: "Illinois family law, as well as that of other states, regards child support as a matter of public policy..."
• "How is marital property classified and characterized in Illinois?"
  Chicago, IL divorce lawyer Kimberly Anderson answers: "Marital property is property purchased during the marriage or in contemplation of marriage..."
• "I have committed adultery. Will my spouse get the lion's share of everything, including property and higher-than-usual support?"
  Chicago, Illinois family lawyer Beverly Pekala answers: "There are several ways in which adultery can become an issue in your divorce case..."
• "Is it true that going to court is the only way to ensure you'll get your fair share?"
  Chicago, IL divorce attorney-mediator Kathryn Somers answers: "A skillful divorce attorney or mediator can help you receive your fair share out of court..."
• "If a divorce involves complex issues, can you still use a divorce mediator?"
  Evanston, IL divorce attorney-mediator Jerald Kessler answers: "Divorce mediation is a process that lends itself to a reasoned opportunity to address complex cases..."
• "Does Illinois have alimony? How does it work?"
  Chicago, Illinois family lawyer Kimberly Anderson answers: "The court can grant a person temporary or permanent spousal support without regard to marital misconduct..."
• "I need to discuss certain aspects of my case. Can I call my spouse's divorce lawyer if mine is out of town?"
  Chicago divorce attorney Tina Abramovich answers: "Divorce lawyers are expected to act in accordance with various codes of ethics..."
• "If both divorce lawyers are settlement-minded, is there any point in spending more money on a mediator?"
  Chicago divorce lawyer and mediator Robin Hoberman answers: "There is no replacement for direct communication between two people..."
• "Is it true that you are automatically entitled to receive alimony for a percentage of the number of years you were married?"
  Chicago divorce lawyer Theodore Grippo answers: "Of all the financial matters settled in a divorce, spousal support often mystifies people the most..."
• "If your ex-spouse fails to pay for debts he or she acquired while you were married, can his or her creditors come after you for payment?"
  Chicago, Illinois family-law attorney Wes Cowell answers: "If you had nothing to do with the debt during the marriage, then the creditor won't be able to go after you..."
• "How can I make more effective use of my divorce attorney if I am mediating my divorce?"
  Evanston, Illinois divorce lawyer-mediator Jerald Kessler answers: "Properly trained mediators will insist that you each have a divorce attorney available..."
• "How can a father increase his chances of being awarded primary custody of his children?"
  Chicago divorce attorney Kimberly Anderson answers: "The court weighs many factors to reach that decision..."

Collaborative Family Law issues:

• "My husband says we'll save a lot of money using the collaborative approach because we will share a lawyer. Is that really how collaborative law works?"
  Northfield, Illinois divorce attorney-mediator Sandra Rosenbloom answers: "The collaborative approach can help keep your legal fees from skyrocketing out of control..."
• "What is 'collaborative family law'? How does it differ from divorce mediation or litigation?"
  Chicago divorce lawyer and mediator Kathryn Somers answers: "In collaborative family law, both parties sign a contract to resolve each issue in the divorce without litigating..."

Emotional/Relationship issues:

• "Should we stay together for the sake of the kids?"
  Chicago and Northbrook, IL divorce-recovery expert Rick Tivers answers: "Staying together for the kids sounds admirable but may, in fact, present other challenges..."
• "My marriage is in trouble. What steps can I take to save it?"
  Illinois social worker Karen Grais Meyer answers: "Many couples have devoted only a fraction of their time to working on their relationships..."
• "My spouse told me he/she wants a divorce. Is the marriage over?"
  Illinois divorce coach and marital therapist Wendy Wiles Kase answers: "Mentioning divorce does not mean the marriage is over, but threatening it can sound a death knell..."
• "How do I ask my spouse for a divorce?"
  Illinois social worker Karen Grais Meyer answers: "However you choose to tell your spouse of your decision, be certain that you do it in a safe way..."
• "They say I should start to date as soon as possible. Do I have to 'get right back on the horse' immediately, or will I be alone forever?"
  Skokie, IL social worker Jill Fein Baker answers: "You may believe that the divorce has given you new clarity to be able to pick a better partner..."