A postnuptial agreement is like a prenuptial agreement in that it describes how a couple’s finances will be split after a divorce. The key difference is that a prenuptial agreement happens before the marriage begins, while a postnuptial agreement takes place after a couple is already married.

Married couples who want to protect their assets in case of divorce should consider a postnuptial agreement. For more information on postnuptial agreements, hiring an attorney can help. They can provide insights on what should be written in the agreement and help prepare the paperwork if necessary.

Reasons For a Postnuptial Agreement

The primary reason for a postnuptial agreement is to safeguard current assets from needing to be divided in a divorce. Property rights not settled in advance by mutual agreement will see them settled through negotiations at the time of divorce or via the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act.

You and your partner have been arguing for quite some time. Sometimes the arguments can get ugly and turn physical. After too many quarrels, you are ready for a divorce. As you experience this process, you may be wondering if your spouse will claim that you are responsible for domestic abuse. The thought of this claim being your reality can be very worrying.

But there is hope. An Illinois family law attorney can assist you. Here at NextLevel Law, we are here to help you navigate your journey. Our team of experienced family law attorneys will do our best to make the process of divorce as easy as possible.

How is Domestic Abuse Defined?

It is important to remember that each case has its own specific conditions and therefore will be judged on an individual basis. But in the Prairie State, there are certain behaviors that are considered standard examples of domestic abuse in the eyes of the law.

Have you ever wondered how a business will be valued when going through a divorce? The total value of the business will determine what you and your spouse receive in the divorce settlement. If you disagree with the results of a business valuation, you can challenge it. However, you need to have strong evidence to support your case.

Get Your Own Business Valuation

Get a business valuation from a neutral expert. This will give you a second opinion on the value of your business. When choosing an expert, make sure they have experience in business valuations and a strong understanding of financial matters related to divorce. Remember to get quotes and ask for references from other people.

Identify Flaws in the Other Valuation

The original valuation report method can have a major impact on the value of the business. Make sure to carefully check this valuation for any mistakes. These could be using old financial data, forgetting business assets, or using the wrong valuation method.

There may be unique considerations to address during the division of marital property in a same-sex divorce. Now that same-sex marriages are legal across the U.S., couples must understand their rights and navigate the process of dividing assets equitably. Here are the top 10 things to consider to ensure a fair and smooth division of marital property in a same-sex divorce.

Understand State Laws

The first step in dividing marital property in a same-sex divorce is to become acquainted with Illinois divorce rules that regulate marital property division. Illinois follows the principle of equitable distribution, meaning that property is divided fairly but not necessarily equally.

Working out child custody arrangements can be a sensitive matter for divorcing parents in Illinois. How parents decide who will have custody of their children and how much parenting time they will share is one of the most difficult parts of any divorce case. At Next Level Law, we understand the significance of joint custody in ensuring a child's well-being. We are here to help find solutions to these hard problems. 

What is the Right Balance for Parents Sharing Parenting Time? 

Illinois courts commonly favor parenting plans that have shared parenting time (visitation) and parental responsibilities (custody) arrangements, enabling both parents to stay actively involved in their children's lives.

It is ideal for parents to collaborate and reach an agreement that best suits their children's interests. Unfortunately, this may not always be possible, especially when parental alienation becomes a concern. In such cases, Illinois courts can step in, outlining the powers, rights, and responsibilities of each parent regarding the child's care. The agreement or order must specify details about major decisions like education, healthcare, and religious upbringing. Additionally, it should address when each child will spend time with each parent, how children will be moved back and forth between parents, and what parents should do if they disagree about something. The clearer a parenting plan is, the less chance there is for future conflict.