The Stephan Law Firm Blog

With the holidays fast approaching, it's common to feel stressed about family schedules amid divorce. Many divorced couples have had to adjust their holiday plans and finding ways to celebrate independently or with friends isn’t always easy. Although this transition...

Divorce is an emotionally challenging process that can bring out the worst in people, however it doesn’t have to be that way. Dividing assets between spouses is often one of the most complicated aspects and if handled well it can help to diffuse some of the tensions....

The time is coming soon that your recent high school graduate will be leaving the nest to embark on their next adventure. You've probably created a mental list of all the conversations you need to have. How to change a flat tire. The importance of a budget. How to...

Author: Kelly Stephan | Stephan Law Firm Mediation is a process where the parties can attempt to amicably settle the pending issues in their divorce, or even child related issues that occur after the divorce is finalized. Mediation may be voluntary or court ordered....

By Kelly Stephan of Stephan Law Firm The practice of law is based on the fundamental principles of precedent. In other words, as lawyers, we often look to history and relevant past examples to set a standard for how current events should be decided. And, as humans, we...

Author: Kelly Stephan | Stephan Law Firm In many divorce cases with minor children, the Court may, at their discretion, appoint a Guardian Ad Litem. The role of the “GAL” in Illinois parenting/custody matters is governed by 750 ILCS 5/506(a)(2). The GAL shall submit...

Author: Kelly Stephan | Stephan Law Firm Staying in the same home as your soon to be ex-spouse can be emotionally draining and sometimes downright dangerous. Deciding whether or not to stay can be extremely difficult, but it is important to know what the repercussions...

Author: Kelly Stephan | Stephan Law Firm Bird-Nesting is when, during a divorce or parentage battle, the parents move in and out of the home and the children stay put. This could mean that the parties each have their own residence or are sharing the second. This...

Author: Kelly Stephan | Stephan Law Firm The goal in every divorce should be to lessen the impact on the children. So how do we effectively coparent? Perhaps we start with the things we SHOULD NOT do. We should not: Say negative things about the other parent to the...

Author: Kelly Stephan | Stephan Law Firm Almost everyone is on social media. It is a useful tool to keep up with the people in our lives. However, especially during divorce proceedings, it is important to be careful about what you post. Anything that is posted can be...