Divorce in one tax year versus another affects filing status, deductions, and credits. Consult your tax professional about timing; some divorces finalized early in January may offer tax advantages versus finalization in December. Child support and spousal support have different tax treatment that impacts overall financial planning. People in Illinois …

Illinois law provides for equal parental responsibility (custody), but fathers historically receive less custody time. Recent statutory reforms encourage equal sharing of parenting time. Fathers should aggressively pursue parenting plans during divorce to secure substantial time; family courts now more readily award equal custody when it serves the child. For …

**Stay safe during Independence Day celebrations by avoiding fireworks, following water safety rules, and driving sober.** Never drive after drinking and use designated drivers for holiday gatherings. If injured by negligence, report the incident and seek immediate medical attention. The summer is getting warmer and Independence Day is approaching. This …

A slight decline in Illinois fatal crashes may reflect improved vehicle safety technology and enforcement efforts. Fatal crashes still result in devastating losses for families. Wrongful death claims provide compensation and hold negligent drivers accountable. What happens out on Illinois’ roads matters greatly. How safe, or dangerous, things are on …

A business owned before marriage is likely separate property and does not divide in divorce. A business developed during marriage is marital property subject to division. Illinois courts value businesses through expert appraisal and typically award one party the business while awarding the other party other assets of equal value. …