• Financial/Property issues
• Legal issues
• Mediation 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..."
• "I want a divorce, but I'm worried about how it will affect me financially -- especially in the current economic climate. Is it a bad idea to divorce in a recession like this?"
  Evanston, IL Financial Planner Nicole Brucker answers: "As in most things associated with divorce, the financial aspect is complicated..."
• "How much will my case cost?"
  Chicago divorce lawyer Bob Downs answers: "When the initial lawyer/client interview takes place, it covers a lot of ground, but sooner or later..."
• "I'm worried that this divorce is going to ruin me financially. Do you have any tips to prevent this?"
  Chicago divorce attorney-mediator Karen Covy answers: "Gather your financial information before you file for divorce, so your case doesn't drag on..."
• "Who should keep the house?"
  Evanston, Illinois Certified Financial Divorce Planner Nicole Brucker answers: "A complicated question. Many factors must be taken into consideration..."
• "Will a judge decide the amount of the child support or can my spouse and I decide on the amount? What about college expenses? Can I change the amount once the settlement is finalized?"
  Evanston, IL Financial Planner Nicole Brucker answers: "It is best to come to an agreement before you go before a judge, since..."
• "What if my spouse doesn't pay child support he or she has been ordered to pay?"
  Evanston, Illinois Divorce Financial Advisor Nicole Brucker answers: "If a spouse ordered to pay child support is not fulfilling his or her obligation..."
• "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 was just served with divorce papers. Can I try to talk my wife out of this or do I need to file something right away? What should I do?"
  Illinois lawyer at Janet Boyle & Associates, Ltd. (JBA) Firm Janet E. Boyle answers: "The Petition for Dissolution of Marriage is the opening volley in every divorce case...."
• "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 child custody to fathers?"
  Chicago CPA and family-law attorney practicing Jeffrey W. Brend answers: "The court shall determine custody in accordance with the best interests of the child..."
• "If I divorce, will my children be able to afford to go to college or university?"
  Chicago senior divorce practitioner Jay A. Frank answers: "Under the Divorce Act, the court can require parents to contribute to a college fund for their children..."
• "If a divorce involves complex issues, can you still use a mediator?"
  Chicago attorney and family-law mediator Karen A. Covy, J.D answers: "The first thing you need to do is to identify what kinds of issues you have..."
• "I have joint custody. What if I suspect that my ex-spouse is physically or emotionally abusing our child?"
  Chicago divorce attorney-mediator Karen Covy answers: "If you have good reason to believe your ex is physically abusing your child..."
• "I'm in the middle of a divorce but have already fallen in love with somebody else. Is it legal to get engaged before the divorce is final? If so, will it affect the divorce outcome?"
  Chicago, Illinois family lawyer-mediator Karen Covy answers: "Legally, you can't marry someone when you are still married to someone else, so..."
• "Under what circumstances can I annul my marriage, rather than get a divorce?"
  Chicago, Illinois family law attorney and mediator Karen Covy answers: "First, you have to understand whether you want a legal or a religious annulment..."
• "I've been ordered to pay an amount of support that I can't afford. What are my options?"
  Chicago divorce attorney and mediator Karen Covy answers: "Support orders are always modifiable. If your circumstances have changed..."
• "How long will my case take?"
  Chicago family law attorney Bob Downs answers: "Cases that start out simple can fall apart, and sometimes the most difficult matters get resolved quickly..."
• "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..."
• "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..."
• "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..."
• "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 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..."

Mediation issues:

• "How long does mediation usually take? Are there ways to speed up the process?"
  Evanston, Illinois divorce lawyer-mediator Jerald Kessler answers: "The key to the timing is to remember that mediation is a process..."
• "What if we try divorce mediation and it doesn’t work out? Do we have to go to court, or are there other options?"
  Chicago divorce lawyer and mediator Karen Covy answers: "With or without a mediator, you still need to go to court to get divorced..."
• "What is divorce mediation? Is a mediated agreement binding?"
  Chicago divorce mediator Brian James answers: "Divorce mediation is an efficient and inexpensive process designed to help people reach the best agreements..."
• "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..."
• "What training does someone need to become a divorce mediator? What should I know about a divorce mediator before choosing one?"
  Chicago, Illinois divorce mediator Brian James answers: "Most divorce and family mediators have completed a divorce and family-mediation training course..."
• "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..."
• "If I use divorce mediation, will I need to go to court? Will I need a divorce lawyer?"
  Chicago family mediator Brian James answers: "If you are using mediation in order to obtain a divorce, you will have to file in court for your divorce..."
• "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 long will divorce mediation take? How long are the sessions?"
  Chicago, IL divorce mediator Brian James answers: "Because each and every mediation is unique, it is hard to predict exactly how long your mediation will last..."
• "What information must I disclose to my spouse and to the mediator? What is discussed during divorce mediation?"
  Chicago, Illinois family mediator Brian James answers: "All financial information must be disclosed and verified as part of the mediation process..."
• "Will we meet weekly with the mediator? Who is present at the divorce mediation sessions?"
  Chicago, IL family mediator Brian James answers: "During the free initial consultation, you will identify the issues that need to be decided in the case of divorce..."
• "How much will divorce mediation cost?"
  Chicago, Illinois mediator Brian James answers: "Your mediation costs will be based on an hourly fee and initial retainer. These fees will be charged..."
• "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..."

Collaborative Family Law issues:

• "We have a lot of assets to divide. Is Collaborative Divorce appropriate -- or even wise?"
  Chicago divorce lawyer Sandra Crawford answers: "In addition to your collaborative attorneys, your Collaborative Divorce team typically will include..."
• "My wife is very controlling. Will Collaborative Divorce work for us?"
  Northfield, Illinois divorce lawyer and mediator Sandra Rosenbloom answers: "After participating in many Collaborative Divorce cases, I find that Collaborative Divorce is..."
• "I'd like to resolve my divorce as quickly and inexpensively as possible, but my wife and I just can't stop fighting. Is it still possible to use Collaborative Divorce?"
  Chicago, Illinois divorce attorney Sandra Crawford answers: "All separating couples are under the stress which triggers the basic "fight or flight" human response..."
• "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:

• "My ex-husband and I divorced five years ago, but we've recently started seeing each other again, and he wants us to remarry. Is this a good idea?"
  Chicago, Illinois divorce attorney-mediator Karen Covy answers: "Only you can decide what’s best for you. But be careful. Try to remember why..."
• "I've heard of people having 'divorce ceremonies'. What's that all about?"
  Charlotte Eulette, the North American Director of the Celebrant Foundation, answers: "In a ceremony of this kind, friends and family gather for their honored friend..."
• "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..."