by Grant Webb of Bisk Education
The complex situation of a divorce is never easy, and most couples will seek out a legal firm that can help them reduce the anxiety and stress that naturally result. A divorce involves the litigation process, the dividing of assets and taxation of investments. While a divorce attorney may specialize in both out-of-court settlements and lawsuits when necessary, a CPA’s assistance is often necessary for the proper dividing of substantial assets and issues related to taxation. Those who are in a divorce that will involve substantial assets and taxation issues should seriously consider working with a CPA. [click to continue…]
When I was fresh out of law school I had visions of providing clients with the highest quality of service regardless of their income. However, reality sunk in when I started my solo practice.
No matter how hard I tried to keep my fees under control, no person of modest means could afford me. Between office tasks and legal work, I was always overworked and underpaid. If I lowered my fees, I wouldn’t earn enough to cover office expenses and pay off my student loans.
Then, I hired Katelyn. [click to continue…]
by Marie Fahnert
Maintaining happiness (or some semblance of it) through your divorce might not be as difficult as you think. According to scientists, the following things make us happy:
- Virtues: Our sense of wisdom, justice, compassion for others,
- Gratitude: Appreciating what we have and expressing it to ourselves and others,
- Savoring: Enjoying the moment and taking time to smell the roses,
- Engagement: Being in our activities for the experience of it (“being in the zone”), [click to continue…]
If you are divorcing in Chicago, you can find an amazing amount of crucial information about your divorce without lawyers or private investigators. Here are a few websites that you should know about:
- Your Divorce Docket (Cook County Clerk of Court): Here you can find an outline of your case. Although you cannot read the actual pleadings filed, you’ll know the date of your next court date, the judge assigned to your case and if any motions were filed. (Tip: make sure that after entering the information you click the “Search Now” button with your mouse. It will not work if you simply click the “Enter” key on your keyboard).
- Assessed value of a property and PIN number (Cook County Assessor’s Office): Find out the assessed value of any property. Of course, theoretically, you should know the assessed value of your property. However, sometimes your spouse will have taken care of the finances and your want to double-check the numbers.
- Deeds and Trusts (Cook County Recorder of Deeds): Come here if you want to know the owner of a property, its refinance history and whether the property is in a trust.
