Divorce Videos

This page contains Divorce videos which describe the process of filing for divorce and the legal issues involved in divorce cases. This 30 minute video originally aired in March, 2006 and is hosted by David Siegel along with special guest, Jesse Barrientes. The broadcast deals with filing for divorce in Illinois. If you are considering filing for divorce, this video will explain in detail how the process works.

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Prohibited Marriages

Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act Lists the following as prohibited marriages 1. A marriage entered into prior to the dissolution of an earlier marriage of one of the parties; 2. A marriage between an ancestor and a descendant or between a brother and a sister, whether the relationship is by the half or the whole blood or by adoption.

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Deviation From Child Support Guidelines

The guidelines for child support are set out in the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act. The percentage for one child, pursuant to guidelines, is 20 percent, two children is 28 percent, and it goes up from there, at the time of this writing. There are certain circumstances where the court will deviate from that percentage and give either more or less than what the state is recommending.

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Child Support Provisions

The section of the Illinois code which deals with child support is 750 ILCS 5/505. This report outlines factors in determining child support, penalties for non-payment of child support, and notification procedures for changes to those paying and receiving child support.

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What is Child Custody?

Child custody is a hotly contested issue in a divorce case because people feel that if they don't have custody, that they're not going to have involvement in the child's life. Custody is a misunderstood element of a divorce case, and it is often sent to mediation so that a mediator can explain to the parties exactly what's involved in custody.

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Child Support

A court may order either or both parents owing a duty of support to a child of the marriage to pay an amount reasonable and necessary for his support, without regard to marital misconduct. The duty of support owed to a minor child includes the obligation to provide for the reasonable and necessary physical, mental and emotional health needs of the child.

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Child Custody

Child custody is decision-making for the minor child as well as day-to-day operations of the minor child which will include decisions concerning health, education, religion and extracurricular activities. Child custody is one of the most hotly contested issues you will find in a divorce case. There are several forms of custody. The most common form of custody is joint custody.

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Chicago family therapy can ease the effects when a marriage ends

There can be lasting effects for everyone, parents and children alike when a marriage is terminated. Although some individuals are able to handle the situation easily, most struggle with their emotions. Even if everyone involved knew that the divorce was coming, the actual event can still be an emotional shock.

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Understanding qualifications when finding a marriage counselor in Chicago

If you don�t know what you are looking for, it can be tricky to find a marriage counselor. Some couples avoid seeking the help of a counselor because they don�t know where to start. There are many different categories of counselors out there, and the initials for their credentials can be confusing.

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Before seeking a divorce, try Chicago marriage counseling

Many couples remain in a troubled marriage until the unhappiness and resentment builds to a point that they feel that divorce is their only option. They will initially hide their misery for the sake of peace, hoping that things will change and get better. Others try everything they can think of to give the marriage a chance before they call it quits.

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Understand family law mediation in Chicago

Family law mediation is a moderated process to resolve family disputes. A mediator assists disagreeing parties in resolving their differences by guiding them to appropriate advisors and resources, as well as facilitating their discussion. Family law mediation in Chicago can help the parties make sound decisions. It can help reconcile opposing views, lessen resentments, clear the air, promote better understanding, and improve communication. In addition, it can help avoid expensive, lengthy, painful litigation.

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A frequent family law question in Chicago

At David M. Siegel and Associates, we are frequently asked about Virtual Visitation. A law that took effect in January of 2010, allows judges to grant non-custodial parents virtual visitation with their children. The Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act was amended to include virtual visitation orders. Previously, some parties would agree to this type of visitation, but now it can be ordered and enforced by the court.

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Some tips on how to deal with divorce in Chicago

While divorce is something most of us would rather not consider, sometimes it is the best solution for a couple�s situation. Nearly half of all marriages end in divorce, in the United States, there are over 1.4 million divorces every year. A divorce is the legal ending of a marriage, and it can be a very confusing and emotional time.

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What is Family Law?

Family law involves custody, support, and visitation when the parties are not married. Family law typically involves the paternity action, or the establishment of paternity, to determine who the father of a child is. A paternity action is filed in the Circuit Court, notices sent via summons by a sheriff or special process server, and the respondent has an opportunity to appear, answer, and bring whatever defenses he or she has.

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Terminating the father's relationship with the child

The courts do not want that to happen unless and until another adult is ready, willing, and able to provide the love and support the child is entitled to receive. In some cases where both parents agree, the child's legal relationship with one or both parents is terminated to make the child legally available for adoption.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Child Support

Child support terminates when the child reaches the age of emancipation (regularly considered age 18). Child support can continue if the child is over 18 but still in school. The termination is not automatic and the duty to support continues unless and until an order is entered by the court.

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How is legal paternity established?

Parentage (paternity) of a child may be established in one of three ways under Illinois law: by presumption, by consent, and by judicial determination. In Illinois, when a married woman either conceives or gives birth to a child, the husband at the time of conception or birth is presumed to be the father of the child. This is true even if the marriage is invalid.

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Parentage (Paternity) in Illinois

In today's society, many children are born to couples outside of wedlock under varied circumstances; however, these children's needs are not addressed in the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act due to the parents' unwed status. As a result, the Illinois legislature responded with the Illinois Parentage Act of 1984 (750 ILCS 45).

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Family Law

Family law is very similar to divorce law except there isn't actually a marriage involved. However, there is a family in terms of two parties plus at least one or more children. Family law involves all of the issues that you would see in a typical divorce case even though the parties are not married.

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Advice for a stress free divorce in Chicago

Ending a marriage is not a pleasant experience; it can be one of the most difficult times in your life. However, with some careful planning and an experienced attorney, the stress can be minimized or eliminated. The attorneys at David M. Siegel and associates strive to simplify divorce and family law cases as much as possible.

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The benefits of an uncontested divorce

In divorce, as in marriage, friendliness and understanding trumps acrimony every time. Not all marriage breakups have to turn into long, painful, expensive battles. In some cases, the couple can reach a settlement on their own, addressing all of the issues involved in the divorce. When parties can work collaboratively to disengage from the marriage and reach an amicable solution, the outcome is more positive for everyone involved.

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How to choose the best divorce attorney in Chicago

A divorce can be one of the most life altering, traumatic, and painful events that a person can experience. Even if it is an amicable agreement to end the marriage, you are headed into uncharted waters, and it can be very confusing and stressful at times. You will be dealing with the court system, probably for the first time.

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Essential divorce advice for women in Chicago

Women are under an enormous amount of stress when going through a divorce. Dealing with the legal, financial, and emotional aspects of a divorce while juggling the demands of children and a career can be overwhelming at times. With all of this pressure, it is easy for women to make decisions based on emotion.

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Everyone has divorce opinions in Chicago IL

During a divorce, you may find yourself a victim of a relentless stream of advice from friends and relatives. You may be asked if you are sure, did you get counseling, what about the children, how can you afford it and a host of other questions that you don't want to hear, much less respond to them. To those who are genuinely concerned, reassure them that you will be ok, but you need to be able to count on their love, support, and their respect for your decision.

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How to seek a quality Divorce Lawyer

Not every divorce lawyer is the same. A divorce lawyer that will take the necessary time to listen is a divorce lawyer that you should consider. Ask for referrals when seeking a divorce lawyer. A friend, family member or trusted advisor may be able to recommend an exceptional divorce lawyer.

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