The Law Office of Matthew M. Williams, P.C.

630-409-8184

1444 North Farnsworth Avenue, Suite 307, Aurora, IL 60505

Yorkville Office By Appointment

Initial Consultations via ZOOM Available

Recent Blog Posts

Social Media Mistakes When Going Through Divorce

 Posted on December 00, 0000 in Divorce

Illinois child support attorney, Illinois family law attorney, Illinois divorce lawyer,There is no denying that going through a divorce can be a very trying time in life. Many people benefit from discussing their feelings with friends or a mental health professional. However, the growth in popularity of social media has led to an increase in the use of online postings as a way to vent about their spouse and relieve frustration.

Some Social Media Don’ts

While airing your feelings and frustrations about your divorce or your soon-to-be-ex may feel liberating, it can result in negative consequences. Consider these tips and strategies for social media use prior to, during and after a divorce to avoid causing yourself or others further harm.
  • Do not jump the gun. Changing your “relationship status” too early in the process can take your partner by surprise, especially if the possibility of a divorce was never previously discussed. It might also give your spouse the chance to hide assets or do other things that could hinder your opportunity for an equitable divorce decree.

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Divorce Risk: Does a Short Engagement Result in Divorce?

 Posted on December 00, 0000 in Divorce

Illinois custody attorney, Illinois family law attorney, Illinois divorce lawyer,Recently it was reported that the participants of a reality show entitled, “Married at First Sight,” had finalized their divorce, citing irreconcilable differences at the time of filing. A second couple from the show started the divorce process last month. This begs the question whether or not a brief period of engagement dooms the marriage.

The Engagement Period

Various studies on the subject offer no concrete answers as to the perfect length of engagement, certain themes emerge that show tendencies on the subject.

  • Too Short - Many believe engagements lasting less than 12 months do not offer couples enough time to truly get to know each other. While they enter the marriage while the relationship is still fresh, new and exciting, those feelings may quickly fade when the realities and responsibility of a lifetime commitment present previously unexperienced problems or disagreements.

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Divorce and Blame

 Posted on December 00, 0000 in Divorce

Illinois custody attorney, Illinois family law attorney, Illinois divorce lawyer,When a couple splits everyone immediately wants to know who is to blame. Surely one of the spouses or other did something so egregious that is resulted in divorce. In some cases, the couple who is splitting up feels the need to blame their partner for the divorce in order to relieve some of their own guilt.

The Blame Game

Even though most states offer the option of a no-fault divorce, blame still plays a big part in the reasons leading up to and the process of a divorce. Many times it is not even those who are seeking a divorce that place blame, as friends and family have been known to choose sides and blame the other for the end of the marriage. Some common thoughts on blame and divorce include:

  • It many cases, there is no blame to place as two people eventually learn they just are not compatible and decide a divorce is the best thing for both of them.

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Things a Divorce Lawyer Knows

 Posted on December 00, 0000 in Divorce

Illinois divorce attorney, Illinois family law attorney, Illinois divorce laws,Anyone who has experienced divorce or is in a relationship headed for divorce understands it is an emotional and volatile period. Advice and guidance come from well-meaning friends and family members, but the complexities of a contested divorce require a greater understanding of the issues and family law.

How a Lawyer Can Help

Even if you have been through a previous divorce, it is very likely that every breakdown of a marriage contains element and issues unique to the people involved. It is for these and many other reasons why the counsel of a practice legal professional may prove to be the best decision a person makes when they have the resolve to pursue a divorce decree. In addition to handling all the key research and filings, a divorce attorney can help a person keep track of other related details.
  • Avoid letting emotions guide your financial decisions. Often times acting out of spite or anger could damage your own financial future.

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Unusual Divorce Laws

 Posted on December 00, 0000 in Divorce

Illinois divorce attorney, Illinois family law attorney, Illinois divorce laws,It is a common and widely-held opinion that divorce is no laughing matter, especially if you or someone you love has been through the experience. However, sometimes certain celebrity splits and other unusual reasons for divorce hit the news and one cannot help but shake their head and maybe even chuckle.

Strange and Weird

While many divorces involve fairly straightforward claims to dissolve a marriage, there are times when divorce attorneys and the courts hear of some very out of the ordinary claims. As it is, there are divorce laws in some states and countries still in effect that many consider unusual to downright bizarre. However, it turns out that these laws exist because the reasons for their creation still occur.
  • A man in Vermont can divorce his wife is she gets false teeth without first notifying him.
  • In New York, you can seek a divorce on the grounds that your spouse is legally insane. However, one must prove the spouse was mentally ill for at least five years.

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Early Resolution Program Started to Help Streamline Divorce

 Posted on December 00, 0000 in Divorce

divorceOnce a person actually decides that their marriage is no longer salvageable, and a divorce is imminent, the next steps require time and research to find the right attorney and begin the process that will lead to a final and legal decree of divorce. However, a new program in Illinois was established to help reduce some of the time-consuming work that adds stress to the situation.

The Early Resolution Program

The Illinois Supreme Court Access to Justice Commission recently awarded a $15,000 grant to the McHenry County Judicial Court to help fund the activity of its Early Resolution Program. The goal of this new initiative is to help those who require assistance starting their divorce process while making the entire experience more efficient. The Early Resolution Program was created to:
  • Help people find an attorney who will represent them in their divorce case.
  • Host monthly “problem solving” sessions to deal with procedural questions and paperwork.

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Mistakes Married Couples Make

 Posted on December 00, 0000 in Divorce

Illinois divorce attorney, Illinois family law attorney, Illinois divorce laws,There is an old saying that goes something like, “everybody makes mistakes.” Often it is how someone deals with and bounces back from their mistakes that helps them move forward in life. The same can be said for the mistakes married couples make, and whether or not those mistakes can be overcome or result in divorce.

No Marriage Is without Its Challenges

After the ceremony and celebration have ended, and all that remains of the honeymoon are the pictures and videos, it’s time to get back to real life. However, missteps are bound to take place. Here is a list of some of the mistakes married couples make that, if go unresolved, could play a role in the end of a marriage.
  • Sometimes one spouse starts to take the other for granted because they feel so comfortable in their relationship. Failing to show appreciation for one’s spouse, and the things they bring to the marriage can create tension and hard feelings.

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Considering Divorce? Proceed with Care

 Posted on December 00, 0000 in Divorce

Illinois divorce attorney, Illinois family law attorney, Illinois divorce laws,Just as the decision to get married is not always easy, the decision to divorce can be even more difficult. After all, the marriage was supposed to last forever. Therefore, before making a final decision to retain a lawyer and file for divorce it is important to consider all the consequences that may result.

Things to Consider

When one partner begins mulling exit strategies it can place added strain on the relationship, even without knowing it is happening. Before proceeding with a divorce take time to review some very important elements of the marriage and the divorce process
  • Is a trial separation in order? Perhaps there is a way to rebuild the relationship while living apart, but still maintaining contact to work on your issues
  • What were your expectations of marriage? Were they realistic? Perhaps by walking back some of these, you can save the relationship.

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Signs Your Spouse May Be Cheating

 Posted on December 00, 0000 in Divorce

Illinois divorce attorney, Illinois family law attorney, Illinois divorce laws,Perhaps if there were a way to know for sure your spouse-to-be would end up cheating, the incident of divorces caused by infidelity would decrease dramatically. While no one can know for sure who will and will not cheat, some believe there are traits and characteristics common among those who stray from their spouse.

Consider Certain Personality Traits

While there is no such thing as a crystal ball to help determine the future of your marriage, perhaps there are some things about potential suitors you should consider before jumping into something long term. Provided below is a list and brief description of some characteristics that should send up a red flag or, at the very least, give you cause to pause before saying, “I do.”
  • Narcissism, or an unnatural attraction to one’s own body, typically signals that a person is more concerned with their own needs and wants than those of others. They care about fulfilling their own desires and have little concern for the well-being of those around them.

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Addiction and Divorce

 Posted on December 00, 0000 in Divorce

Illinois divorce attorney, Illinois family law attorney, Illinois divorce laws,Most married couples will tell you that the relationship is fraught with hurdles and tough decisions. When outside influences weigh on the relationship it can have a negative impact on the union. An addiction can be most damaging, even to the point of resulting in an annulment or divorce.

Addiction and Marriage Is Not a Great Pairing

The horror stories of those who were married to an addict, in addition to the experiences of those who fought their addiction, should be enough to scare most individuals. However, the reality is that addictions impact thousands of marriages every year and, even heroic efforts at recovery and reconciliation by both parties many times are not enough to save a marriage.
  • Whether drugs, alcohol, gambling or some other vice, an addiction is usually accompanied by such behaviors as lying, cheating, and stealing; behaviors not conducive to a healthy marriage.

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The Law Office of Matthew M. Williams, P.C.

630-409-8184

1444 North Farnsworth Avenue, Suite 307, Aurora, IL 60505

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