Family Law Blog

Family law touches every part of life. The decisions you make today shape relationships, finances, parenting, and well-being for years to come. That's why the way you navigate these moments matters as much as the outcome itself.

Our blog is built for families looking for a better path forward. You'll find practical guidance on collaborative divorce, parenting plans, mediation, financial planning during transition, and the legal questions that come up at every stage. Each article is written to inform without overwhelming, helping you understand your options and make decisions that reflect your family's values.

We believe in resolution over conflict, transparency over surprise, and intentional choices over reactive ones. Whether you're just beginning to consider your next step or already in the middle of the process, we hope what you find here supports you along the way.

Rick Young 9/1/23 Rick Young 9/1/23

Divorce Discussions: Navigating Difficult Conversations with Your Spouse

Embarking on divorce discussions with your partner can be daunting. While many opt to have these talks within the confines of a counseling setting, several individuals approach us with uncertainty about their decision to divorce and the potential paths to take.

Rick Young 10/6/22 Rick Young 10/6/22

Illinois Divorce Finances: The Value of the Collaborative Process

As Illinois divorce finances continue to mount, both parties tend to question their current path. Ultimately, lengthy litigation entails high financial costs. Sometimes, both parties walk away with a fraction of their initial net worth. Additionally, the courtroom battle presents an exhaustive exploration of the emotional spectrum.

Rick Young 9/1/22 Rick Young 9/1/22

Division of Business: Secure Your Assets During an Illinois Divorce

Couples who work together face unique legal challenges regarding the division of their business during the Illinois divorce process. Oftentimes, this occurs when the divorcing couple owns a business together. Alternatively, one spouse may own the business before marriage. As with other aspects of the divorce process, the priority is preserving the business. Mediation and Collaborative Divorce help couples to achieve this goal.

Rick Young 7/1/22 Rick Young 7/1/22

Illinois Child Support: How Does the State Make the Determination?

When discussing Illinois child support, the laws follow "shared income". Essentially, this means the state considers both parents’ income when determining child support. With this formula, the court calculates support based on their incomes. In addition, the court considers the number of overnights the child will spend with each parent.

Rick Young 1/1/22 Rick Young 1/1/22

Divorce Mediation: Going Hand-in-Hand with Limited Scope Legal Representation

In Illinois, divorce mediation often leads to a less expensive, more amicable resolution. While many Illinois residents hire attorneys solely for litigation, this often leads to a very draining process.

Rick Young 12/1/21 Rick Young 12/1/21

Common Divorce Mistakes: 3 of the Biggest Dilemmas in Illinois

Common divorce mistakes take what can already be an emotionally draining process and complicate the situation further. Even when both spouses agree that divorce is in their family’s best interests, the process still contains its share of trials and tribulations. Moreover, divorce is almost always a grieving process.

Rick Young 10/1/21 Rick Young 10/1/21

Illinois Divorce Costs: How Litigation, Mediation, and Collaborative Divorce Compare

When attempting to gauge Illinois divorce costs, the final dollar amount often depends on whether you’re pursuing litigation, mediation, or a collaborative divorce. As with any “How much does it cost?” question, the unsatisfying “It depends” answer doesn’t offer clients much value.