Want to Minimize Divorce Attorney Fees? Read this!

There are many components that add to the stress of going through a divorce, one of them being divorce attorney fees. Usually already concerned about finances, couples going through a divorce are now receiving a new monthly expense that can seem overwhelming and scary. That said, hiring an effective attorney who puts in the time … Read more

high conflict divorce

19 Tips for Those Facing a High Conflict Divorce

What exactly is a high conflict divorce? Some people describe it as a battle, a stressful time filled with anger, resentment and hate, a time when kids are put in the middle and see the ugliness of their parents fighting, both in court and at home.   Believe it or not, only about 8-15% of … Read more

Daniel Stefani divorce lawyer

Chicago Divorce Attorney Answers Your Questions

Daniel Stefani has been a Chicago divorce attorney for almost 3 decades, and is the co-Founder of the law firm, Katz & Stefani. In his guest post, Stefani offers some common questions he hears from newly separated clients, along with his answers and advice.    Common Questions Chicago Divorce Attorney, Daniel Stefani Hears “How much … Read more

divorce and the pandemic

Divorce and the Pandemic: 6 Issues that Could Lead a Couple to Splitting Up

It is hard to believe that we have been living through the COVID-19 pandemic for nearly a year, still facing these strange times of shutdowns, masks, quarantining, and now, vaccines. I think we’d all agree that living in a pandemic is painful and can put a huge strain on relationships, including a marriage. But what … Read more

going through a divorce

Going through a divorce? Names you need and why

Going through a divorce is like entering a new place; a place that is completely unfamiliar and unpredictable. It’s a scary place. You don’t know how things work there, you don’t know the language, mistakes can cost you—emotionally and financially, and choosing the wrong people to represent you could make a big difference in the … Read more

holiday advice

Greetings and Holiday Advice from Divorced Girl Smiling and Our Partners

The year 2020 will surely be remembered for the following: Coronavirus, quarantining, working from home, online school, toilet paper (LOL), riots, an election, and for my readers, most likely a separation or divorce. If you celebrate Christmas, and/or if you are planning to celebrate New Years, I’d like to offer you some holiday advice, and … Read more

relationship with divorce attorney

Tips For A Great Relationship With Your Divorce Attorney

Getting divorced is a major life change, and the process can be emotionally devastating. Having a healthy, productive relationship with your divorce attorney is key in managing the stress and anxiety during divorce. In Atul Gawande’s thought provoking book, “Being Mortal,” he describes different relationships patients have with their doctors. In the oldest and most … Read more

child support when unemployed

10 Tips For Handling Child Support When Unemployed Because of COVID-19

Have you lost your job or primary income source due to the coronavirus crisis? You’re not alone. More than 20 million jobs have been lost and most of the country remains under stay-at-home orders. With household finances reeling and business shutdowns mounting, many people are concerned about keeping up with child support when unemployed, as … Read more

child support and the federal stimulus check

Child Support and the Federal Stimulus Check: The Facts

While we all navigate the COVID-19 pandemic, the federal government is in the process of issuing economic impact payments, being referred to by many as federal stimulus checks, to all eligible citizens and U.S. residents.  It is important to understand the purpose of the stimulus payments, who is eligible, and how much you may receive. … Read more

prenuptial agreements

Prenuptial Agreements: Should You Get One And Tips If You Do

Two decades ago, when I was getting married, someone I know said to me, “If you are thinking about one of those prenuptial agreements, then you shouldn’t even be marrying the person.”   I ended up not getting a prenup and I ended up divorced. And, I have never regretted not getting “one of those … Read more

Who Are The Best Divorce Lawyers?

“Who are the best divorce lawyers?” is a question I get from a lot of readers, and it’s a question I can’t answer because really, the question should be, “Who is the best divorce lawyer for me?” The best divorce lawyer for one person might not be the best for someone else. There are so … Read more

who pays for college in a divorce

Who Pays For College In A Divorce?

In this week’s Love Essentially, I offer a look at Illinois law when it comes to who pays for college in a divorce. Unfortunately, divorced people are required by law to contribute to their kids’ college education, while married couples are not. Doesn’t seem fair to me, but a new court decision might pave the … Read more