We recently reported in an earlier blog entry that U.S. Census Bureau statistics showed that in 2011, more than $14 billion in child support was left unpaid to American parents, meaning that more than 1 out of every 3 dollars that were due had not been paid. Unfortunately, in certain instances, receiving full payment of […]
A man who was validly married to another man in a state that recognizes same-sex marriages moves to North Dakota. He then seeks to marry a woman in North Dakota, which does not recognize same-sex marriages. Due to this non-recognition, the man cannot get a divorce in North Dakota. The man then applies for a […]
We know the role talent agents perform in the entertainment industry: they match their clients – including models and actresses – to available jobs. Reports have recently surfaced which shed light on a new type of agent: so-called “egg agents.” These individuals, who are hired by couples facing fertility issues and unable to have children […]
The nine-month-old infant named Nate was brought into a New York courtroom, cradled in the arms of his father. After a hearing, the same child left the courtroom in the arms of his mother, who calls him Sam. This is only one of many twists and turns in the bi-coastal custody battle between the child’s […]
As families across our Nation gather to celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday, it is fitting that November also marks National Family Caregivers Month, which recognizes the efforts of those who provide essential care for their loved ones on a daily basis. In proclaiming Family Caregivers Month, President Barack Obama observed that this commemoration not only allows […]
A recent report issued by the U.S. Census Bureau revealed startling statistics regarding the payment of child support. The report, titled “Custodial Mothers and Fathers and Their Child Support: 2011,” focused on child support from non-custodial parents, including both monetary and noncash assistance. In 2011, in excess of $14 billion in child support was left […]
In In re Marriage of Earlywine, 2013 IL 114779, the Illinois Supreme Court recently addressed whether the circuit court, in an action for dissolution of marriage, had discretion to order the husband’s attorney to turn over (or disgorge) to the wife as interim attorneys’ fees under § 501(c-1)(3) of the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of […]
Although the Illinois Supreme Court accepts only 4% of the Petitions for Leave to Appeal filed by parties unhappy with their outcomes in the Illinois Appellate Court, many family law observers believed that one recent decision would likely beat the odds and be accepted by Illinois’ highest tribunal for review. That case, Szafranski v. Dunston, […]
When an American citizen marries a non-U.S. resident, special focus must be given to the obligations upon the citizen which may arise in connection with the marriage solely due to the immigrant status of the fiancé/spouse. Federal law prohibits the admission into the United States of any alien who is likely to become a public […]
The statistics are startling. Domestic violence is the leading cause of injury to women between the ages of 15 and 44 in the United States, more than car accidents, muggings, and rapes combined. It is also estimated that one out of four women will be a victim of domestic violence in her lifetime. In an […]