The Law Offices of Robert F. Kramer, Ltd. Illinois Legal Blog
What you should know about stepparent adoptions
In Illinois, it is possible for stepparents to adopt their stepchildren under some circumstances. Doing so may be beneficial because it provides familial stability and makes sure that the stepchildren will remain with the stepparent in the case of their biological...
I’m broke, so why do I need a will?
When you think about estate planning, do you imagine people with wealth distributing their property? You might think that it’s only those who are well-off who need to plan for their incapacitation or death, but the reality is that everyone 18 and older, regardless of...
Set Up a Will or Trust From Home
While courts in Illinois remain closed for most matters, Illinois has permitted remote notarization via video-conference. This means wills, trusts and other essential estate planning documents can now be completed entirely from home, without the need for in-person...
Four Tips for Success in Divorce Proceedings
When entering into the process of divorce, the sheer volume of considerations can sometimes be overwhelming. The uncertainty of the future can seem even more daunting when life as you know it is changing so drastically. All the variables may not be within your...
Grandparent Visitation
Grandparent Visitation: What are the Rights and Limitations to Grandparent Visitation? In 2000, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that fit parents are presumed to act in their children’s best interests, and as such, parental decisions regarding the role of grandparents...
Temporary Relief in Divorce
TEMPORARY RELIEF IN DIVORCE PROCEEDINGS Often times, unmet needs are a precipitating factor in the filing of Petitions for Dissolution of Marriage. Parties may have separated, and unequal access to income, property and resources may become a burden to the more...
What Happens to the Pets in a Divorce?
Custody of Pets in Divorce – New for 2018 Pets, known as “companion animals” in the law, have been traditionally considered nothing more than personal property, the same as household goods or vehicles. But, few people have the strong emotional bond with a piece of...
Parenting Through Divorce: Holidays
Parenting Through Divorce: Holiday Parenting Time in Illinois The holiday season can be a difficult time for those who are recently divorced as well as for those who are going through a divorce. For those with children, many times extended families end up feeling...
Want to Re-Marry an Ex-Spouse? Read These Important Considerations
Important Considerations for Re-Marriage: Many couples get married, and many couples get divorced. Some of those couples end up meeting new people and getting re-married. While certainly less common, some couples even get re-married to each other after getting...
How Property is Divided in a Divorce
Divorce: Property Division When parties go through a divorce, the first major thing the Court will decide are issues relating to the parenting of the child or children. If the parties do not have any children, or once the parenting issues are decided, the Court will...