Recent Blog Posts
The Birdnesting Divorce – Is This Growing Trend Right for Your Family?
Family structures have changed drastically over the last several years – so has divorce. It used to be that one parent would keep the family home and the other would relocate, or the couple would sell the family home and then both would relocate. Now there are birdnesting arrangements, where the children keep the home and the parents both rotate in and out to care for them. How does this arrangement work, and is it right for your family? The following may help you decide.
Birdnesting Basics
Birdnesting is not a traditional parenting plan arrangement, but it is a growing trend. Much of its popularity can be attributed to the changes in family structure; working parents may find it easier to move in and out of the home instead of moving the children around. However, the real root of this trend is based on what parents feel to be the best interests of their children.
Driving Under the Influence and the Death of a Loved One
Driving under the influence can land you in a lot of legal trouble, but there are other potential consequences that one should be aware of before getting behind the wheel. Accidents are common for intoxicated drivers, and those that have someone with them could pay the ultimate price: the death of a loved one. Then, to make matters worse, there may be criminal charges associated with both the crash and the death. Learn how a criminal defense lawyer can help you fight the charges, and why it is worth pursuing.
Overcoming the Guilt
Perhaps the most difficult aspect is not the criminal charges themselves, but the grief and self-blame that may stem from the death of your loved one. Perhaps you feel as though you deserve the consequences that come your way. Alternatively, you may not care or you may feel as if you do not have the energy to fight back. Either way, it is important to remember this: your loved one would not want you in jail.
Retirement and Divorce – The End, or Just the Beginning?
The quality of life for retirees has improved drastically over the last few decades. That leaves many considering whether they are truly happy or not. For some, that answer is no. If that lack of fulfillment is connected to an unhappy marriage or a marriage they feel they have outgrown, retirees may consider the option of divorce. Is this a poor or misguided choice? Or is a divorce much like the retirement years: the beginning of a new adventure, rather than an end?
Common Fears and Concerns
Fears and concerns are common issues for divorcing couples, but those nearing retirement age have a whole host of special considerations. For example, they may fear the loss of their financial security or being alone. Some may lose insurance, which may be crucial in the face of manageable but dangerous health conditions. The weight of such fears and concerns may be so heavy that parties may begin to feel “trapped” in their marriage.
More Non-Violent Offenders Eligible for Probation
Non-violent offenses, such as some theft charges and drug possession charges, have historically resulted in jail time for convicted offenders. Thanks to a new law, however, these same offenses are now eligible for probation. If you or someone you love has recently been charged with a non-violent offense, the following information can help you better understand your options. It can also ensure you understand where to find quality assistance with your criminal case.
Overcrowded Prisons in Illinois Prompt Bill
Data from the Department of Bureau of Justice Statistics placed Illinois' prison capacity at 150 percent. To decrease this number by at least 25 percent by the end of 2025, Governor Bruce Rauner created the Illinois State Commission on Criminal Justice and Sentencing Reform. Otherwise titled Senate Bill 3124, the new law targets certain non-violent offenders, including first-time offenders charged with Class 3 and Class 4 felonies.
Journaling After Divorce Can Improve Heart Health but May Also Have Emotional Drawbacks
Many people take up journaling while working through their divorce, and often because they believe it will help them work through their emotions. Alternatively, the practice might be suggested by a friend, family member, or divorce counselor. Unfortunately, a new study indicates some people may experience adverse effects from journaling, which might negate the benefits. Learn more about the pros and cons of journaling through a divorce, and discover where you can find assistance through this oft-painful process.
Potential Negative Effects of Expressive Journaling
In a study of 109 recently divorced people, researchers analyzed the emotional impact of three different types of journaling. One group wrote details about their day but did not discuss their emotions. One group discussed their feelings about the divorce. A third group discussed their emotions about the divorce but turned their feelings and thoughts into a story. The latter two are considered “expressive journaling.”
Study Ranks Illinois as One of the Toughest States on DUIs
Statistics indicate that almost 39,000 drivers were arrested for a DUI in Illinois during 2014, the most recent year for which statistics are available. That number, as well as the method that Illinois uses to reprimand their drunk drivers, has earned Illinois a five-star rating with Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), a national organization that combats drunk driving issues. Now a new study has ranked Illinois as one of the toughest states, overall, on those who choose to drive intoxicated. What does this mean for you, and what you can you do if you are arrested for a DUI? The following explains.
How Illinois' Rankings May Impact You
MADD and the most recent study both gave their rankings by examining various aspects of drunk driving in Illinois, including the number of DUI accidents, the number of DUI-related fatalities, measures that law enforcement takes to prevent drunk driving accidents and deaths, and how the law handles drunk drivers once they are caught. More specifically, Illinois received its ranking because it utilizes DUI tactics, laws, and countermeasures like:
Illinois Child Relocation Considerations
Going through a divorce in Illinois means you cannot simply pick up and leave with your child. Likewise, your spouse cannot move your child without first obtaining your approval or approval from the court. What does approval through the court look like, and how can you either fight a move or pursue one to improve the life of you and your child? The following explains more about the child relocation laws in Illinois.
Not All Moves Require Pre-Approval
If the parent wishing to relocate wants to relocate closer to the other parent, they do not need to gain approval. Further, the parent may also relocate the child within certain parameters of their current residence. These parameters include:
- Up to 25 miles from the child's current place of residence if they live in Kane, Cook, Lake, McHenry, or DuPage County;
Domestic Violence Charges in Illinois - What You Should Know
When violence, threats, and/or physical altercations occur during an argument between family members or intimate partners, there is a risk of domestic violence charges for at least one of the involved parties. Those that have never been in such a situation might not understand what this truly means for their current situation, or their future. The following information can help you better understand the potential consequences of a domestic violence charge, and how you can fight back against them.
What Constitutes Domestic Violence in Illinois?
Domestic violence is any intentional act that causes bodily harm to a family or household member, or physical contact that is insulting or provoking in nature (i.e. pinching, pulling on clothing, threatening with a firearm, etc.). What this means is that you can be charged with domestic violence, even if you did not cause any physical harm. The victim only needed to believe they were at risk for bodily injury. It should also be noted that "family members" include a wide range of persons, including:
Unlawful Use of a Weapon by a Felon - What You Should Know
When one has been convicted of a felony, many of their rights are restricted. A prime example is the law that restricts felons from owning, carrying, or using a firearm. Unfortunately, some are wrongly given the impression that their right may be restored after a certain time period. Others believe they may be able to purchase, own, or use a firearm if they move to another state. Still others find themselves in the wrong place at the wrong time. In all instances, the consequences for the unlawful use of a weapon by a felon charge can be severe.
Potential Consequences
In the state of Illinois, the unlawful use or possession of a firearm by a felon is considered a Class 2 felony. This means that a conviction will place a second felony on your record. Even worse is that unlawful use of a weapon can make you ineligible for probation, so you may also receive a prison sentence. In addition, you may be forced to complete community service, could be faced with significant fines, and may suffer increased difficulties in obtaining housing or employment.
Conviction of a White Collar Crime Can Result in Serious Consequences
Few people who commit white collar crimes (financial crimes) have a real understanding of the criminal justice system. In fact, most have a spotless criminal record and may not have even had to deal with so much as a minor traffic ticket. As a result, they can feel overwhelmed when facing charges. Some may also underestimate the impact of a conviction. This makes preparation and the experience of an attorney invaluable to those being charged with a white collar crime. The following explains further, and provides details on where to find assistance.
Money-Related Crimes Often Prosecuted as Felonies
Because the amount of money typically determines the severity of a financial crime, and because most white collar crimes involve significant amounts of money, the charges typically fall into the felony category. These are the most severe types of crimes, and they can result in an imprisonment term of one year or longer. Furthermore, felony convictions can impact your life, long after you have served your time. It remains on your criminal record which can make obtaining employment and a safe place to live all the more difficult.
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