Elgin Illinois Family Law Blog

One of the biggest adjustments to a divorce is determining what your new living arrangements will be. The question that will inevitably come up is whether you should keep and continue to live in the marital home or sell it. There can be many pros and cons to keeping a home after a marriage, there is usually not a right answer, but certain factors can determine which is right for you.

What goes into the decision to keeping or selling your house after a divorce? Here are some options that can help with the decision.

If you got a divorce some time ago when your child was young, you probably still remember the challenges you faced during child custody proceedings. After a lot of negotiating and hard work, you and your co-parent finally reached a custody agreement that met everyone's needs.

This arrangement seemed to work well for a long time. However, now your child is a teen, and they want to change your hard-won agreement.

Divorce. The very word sends waves of dread throughout Illinois couples considering a permanent break. Unfortunately, it is sometimes the only solution that will end an unhappy situation and return peace of mind to all involved parties.

Some divorces are completely out of control and devolve into an all-out war regardless of the serenity both parties seek. Despite all efforts, these situations might not proceed civilly. However, in our family law practice, we have seen some couples headed for disaster turn their difficult situation around by putting in the effort necessary to acquire a peaceful divorce. If a peaceful divorce is your ultimate goal, we want to offer you a few tips that may help you succeed.

If you are in a custody battle with your ex, you must do all that you ethically can to stack the deck in your favor. This means having respectful courtroom etiquette at all times.

For many individuals, this may be their first time in a courtroom in front of a judge. Understandably, they may be nervous and unsure of how to act. The following tips can help alleviate anxiety and pave the way for the best possible outcome of your custody case:

• Dress appropriately. For men, this means a dark-colored suit or pants with a long-sleeved shirt and tie. Women should also dress conservatively, in darker colors with their arms covered. Parents of both sexes should wear closed-toe shoes.
• Be neatly groomed. Both males and females with long hair should pin or tie it back. Men should not wear earrings, and women should only wear a single pair of discreet studs. Cover any visible tattoos with either clothing or makeup.

• Follow courtroom decorum. This means no emotional outbursts, rude or snide remarks, smirks, rolled eyes or glowers. Speak only when addressed by the court and refer to the judge as "Your Honor.."
• Be prepared and on time. Judges have no patience for litigants who waste the court's time. Leave home with all the documents you need and in plenty of time to allow for delays.
• Show respect. Of course, you should show respect to the judge, but also to your attorney, your ex and their counsel and all court personnel.
• Answer only what is asked. Keep your answers short and to the point. Never elaborate unless asked. If your attorney objects to a line a questioning, stop speaking and wait until the judge rules on whether to strike it or allow it to continue.