A QDRO is a court order that directs a retirement plan to pay one spouse’s portion of the other spouse’s retirement asset without penalty. QDROs allow division of 401(k)s, pensions, and similar plans. Proper QDRO drafting is essential; errors delay distribution or trigger tax consequences. Your divorce attorney should work …

Research consistently shows shared parenting time benefits children emotionally, educationally, and psychologically. Illinois statutes encourage equal parental responsibility to reflect this evidence. Courts prioritize the child’s best interests, which typically means maximum involvement with both parents unless safety concerns exist. When Ilinois parents decide divorce is the best option, determining child …

A well-drafted QDRO preserves retirement assets from early withdrawal penalties during divorce. The plan divides the asset at its value on the division date, and each party’s portion grows or declines independently. Timely QDRO entry prevents the retirement plan from distributing improperly or refusing distribution requests. When you and your …

Prenuptial agreements can address property division, spousal support, and inheritance but cannot determine child custody or support. Illinois enforces prenups if they are voluntarily signed with full financial disclosure and without coercion. Consult an attorney to ensure enforceability; courts may invalidate unfair or poorly drafted agreements. Prenuptial agreements are important …

Judicial polls measure public perception of judges’ performance, fairness, and qualifications. Illinois voters use poll results when choosing whether to retain judges in elections. High or low ratings affect judges’ retention; polls provide accountability and ensure judges remain responsive to community standards. By Drew Parker, who is a past Chairman …