Surviving a marriage with a spouse who has narcissistic personality traits can be incredibly challenging. Many of my cases through the years have involved the opposing spouse with traits of NPD, or BPD, or traits of comorbidity of both. Here are some strategies to help navigate this difficult situation: 1.…
Confusion still reigns with respect to the tax treatment of spousal maintenance for Illinois divorce cases. I still see other law firms discussing online spousal maintenance (support) using the old rules. In Illinois, spousal maintenance (also known in other states as alimony) is generally not tax-deductible for the payor nor…
Introducing children to a new romantic partner, or “paramour,” during or after a divorce is a delicate matter that should be approached with careful consideration and sensitivity to the children’s needs and emotions. Here are some factors to consider when determining the appropriate timing for such introductions: Stability and Adjustment:…
My practice has managed successfully cases dealing with NPD traits for many years. People with toxic narcissistic traits can cause a lot of harm and damage in a marriage and with children. In a divorce, people with toxic narcissistic traits can continue their self-centered toxicity, blaming, gaslighting, and other harmful…
One aspect of the divorce case I take seriously is managing the request to the judge for a guardian ad litem in a contested parenting dispute. Sometimes, there are behavioral and psychological issues in a divorce with one of the parents, that can impact the ability of that parent to…
I received a call today from a potential client in Illinois whose partner/spouse left the State of Illinois and set up life with the minor children in another state. As I look back on decades of my Family Law career, I have had a number of similar cases. Sometimes, when…
Through the decades of practicing divorce and child custody law in Illinois, I have encountered the myriad reasons that a spouse or couple is seeking a divorce. In some cases, there are serious behavioral issues that make staying together unhealthy for the marriage, and unhealthy for the children. In a…
In Illinois, child custody (now called allocations of parenting time and decision making) can be modified through the courts if there is a substantial change in circumstances that warrants a modification. In general, the modification will be sought after two years has expired from the original judgment, but some cases…
A few years ago, I tried a lengthy case in Will County, Illinois that ended up on appeal on a few key issues. One of these issues is that at trial, I put in evidence and argued that the small company owned by the parties should have its retained earnings…
One aspect of my practice is to deliver high level legal skill to my clients, while at the same time optimizing their outcomes in a cost-effective manner. Divorces don’t need to cost an “arm and a leg.” Divorce can be emotionally and financially taxing for all parties involved. While the…