The number of frozen embryos in the United States continues to rise exponentially as people are turning to assisted reproductive technologies (ART) in order to conceive. Current laws fail to protect parties making agreements relating to their frozen embryos. Courts typically use the contractual approach to determine parties’ so-called agreements regarding the disposition of their frozen embryos. However, looking at these agreements as if they were simple contracts fails to protect parties in the divorce context. If courts continue to use the contractual approach, then they have a responsibility to examine the parties’ so-called agreements more closely.

 

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For years, federal courts across the country have differed in defining the term “habitual residence” for purposes of Hague Convention child abduction cases – the first element which the left behind parent must prove when seeking to have the child returned to their home country.

 

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Beware: If you are married to someone who pays child support, your income now can be combined with your spouse’s income for purposes of calculating your spouse’s child support obligation. Illinois has ventured into new territory with In re Marriage of Rushing.

 

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Starting January 1, 2019, more than 250 new laws became effective in Illinois, including significant changes to Illinois’ divorce laws. This article summarizes the major changes to the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act taking effect this year.

 

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Keith and Debra Alen had lived together for 13 years prior to getting marriage. They had been married for less than 7 months when they filed for divorce.

 

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In the highly emotional time of a divorce, it can become tempting for people to cross lines that should not be crossed. Hacking into your spouse’s email account or computer to try and find some damning evidence against them is that step too far.

 

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As an Illinois couple considers a divorce, financial issues and child rearing can be some of the most contentious matters under the scrutiny of both parties, their lawyers, and the court system.

 

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A divorced couple in Illinois has failed to reach a final divorce settlement after seven years of litigation. In April, Cancer Treatment Centers of America founder Richard Stephenson and his former wife Alicia Stephenson formally dissolved their 18-year marriage.

 

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An Illinois parent who is going through a divorce might worry about the future, especially with regard to finances.

 

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Most married people in Illinois don’t want to think about the possibility of divorce. Since a large percentage of marriages will eventually end, however, it may be wise for spouses to develop good financial skills.

 

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