Legal Process
Understanding the Difference Between a Guardian Ad Litem and Child Representative
By Amy Silberstein, Divorce and Family Law Attorney When dissolving a marriage between a couple who has children, it is critically important to make all decisions with the child or children’s best interests in mind. At Stern Perkoski Mendez, we often work with a Guardian Ad Litem (GAL) or Child…
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How Does My Spouse Cheating On Me Affect My Divorce?
By Martin Sliwinski, Divorce and Family Law Attorney Despite the emotional turmoil and the profound betrayal associated with a spouse cheating on another spouse, Illinois law does not consider cheating as grounds for divorce. Infidelity cannot be used as a factor in the calculation of maintenance (formerly known as spousal…
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How do I fill out a financial affidavit properly?
By Evan Compton, Divorce and Family Law Attorney In nearly every domestic relations case that involves financials, one form exists to rule them all: the financial affidavit. Maybe your attorney has just handed this blank document to you, or the Judge has just ordered the parties to complete them. Either…
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What Role Do Divorce Lawyers Play In Mediation?
By Joshua E. Stern I’m a big believer in mediation for divorce and family law issues. When mediation works, the benefits are readily apparent. Mediation is confidential, non-evidentiary, and has the potential to reduce conflict in a divorce. It helps families transition into new relationships in a safe and collaborative…
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Litigating After Mediation Fails
I am a vocal proponent of mediation. As a divorce lawyer and a child of divorce, I appreciate the need to avoid unnecessary conflict. Mediation can be messy and slow, but I’ve seen it work more often than not. However, there are times when mediation fails. It’s not the fault…
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