Aldrich & Siedlarz Law, P.C.

Which Parent Decides a Child’s Religious Upbringing After an Illinois Divorce?

Posted on May 23, 2022

Several years ago, there was a major overhaul to Illinois family law statutes. This included the statute that addressed child custody. Part of that change involved eliminating the phrase child custody and replacing it with the phrase “allocation of parental responsibilities.” When parents are splitting up, they must either come to an agreement – or the court will decide for them – about which parent is responsible for making certain decisions for the child, including which religion the child will be brought up in.

How Family Law Impacts Religious Upbringing

It can be difficult to choose a religion for a child. This is particularly true if parents go through the divorce process when a child is young and has not yet begun partaking in a certain religion. Religion can also be difficult in a divorced family when a child grows up and becomes more involved in a religion. For instance, religion may play a role in where a child attends school. Religious activities and events may also interfere with parenting time.

Posted in Child Custody | Tagged DuPage County Divorce Attorney

Defending Against Property Crime Charges in Illinois

Posted on May 16, 2022

b2ap3_thumbnail_dupage-county-defense-attorney_20220516-144818_1.jpg One of the most common crimes that a person can be charged with are property crimes. Property crimes include robbery, burglary, shoplifting, larceny, and theft, including motor vehicle theft. If you have been charged with a property crime, it can be a stressful and even frightening time. The criminal justice system can be complex and intimidating, and depending on the circumstances of your case, a conviction could even mean jail time. This is why anyone charged with a property crime should consider retaining the services of a defense attorney. The following are some of the possible defenses an attorney may be able to use in a property crimes case.

The Accused Has an Alibi

One of the strongest defenses against a robbery charge is that the person accused was not in the area where the crime was committed. If a person can prove they were somewhere else when the crime took place, it is a significant defense and one the prosecutor would have a hard time proving “beyond a reasonable doubt.” There are a number of ways that a person can prove their alibi, such as cell phone tower records, witness testimony, credit card receipts, and video footage.

Posted in Criminal Defense

Planning for an Illinois Divorce

Posted on April 25, 2022

b2ap3_thumbnail_dupage-county-divorce-attorney_20220425-133444_1.jpg The long-term financial impacts of divorce can be expensive. If both spouses worked during the marriage, they will now be going from two incomes to one, with their collective income now supporting two sets of living expenses, as well as funding two separate savings and retirement accounts. Essentially, removing the financial stability of a dual income home. However, planning ahead can help. If you are considering a divorce, many financial advisors and attorneys suggest taking the following steps, so you are on firmer financial ground if and when you decide to file.

Financial Steps To Take During a Divorce

Gather Documents - It is critical to know what your current financial standing is, especially if it has been your spouse who has been the one to primarily handle household expenses. The first step is to obtain all copies of any bank accounts and investments statements for the past year. If you and your spouse own property or vehicles, you also want to make sure you have copies of any deeds and/or titles.

Posted in Divorce | Tagged DuPage County Divorce Attorney

Illinois Criminal Court Process

Posted on April 18, 2022

If you are facing criminal charges in Illinois for the first time, it can be a stressful and even frightening experience. The criminal justice system can feel overwhelming, especially if you are unaware of what the process will be before your case has reached some sort of resolution. The following are some of the general criminal law terms that you may hear during this process. For more detailed information about your particular situation, consider speaking with a DuPage County criminal defense attorney from our firm.

Arraignment

The arraignment is where a defendant has their first court appearance following their arrest. There will be a formal reading of the charges that have been brought against them and they will enter their plea (not guilty, guilty, or no contest). The arraignment is also where the judge will set a bail amount, as well as issue any restrictions should the defendant be released. Following the arraignment, the defendant will be remanded until they post bail.

Posted in Criminal Defense

How Are Businesses Divided in an Illinois Divorce?

Posted on April 11, 2022

When you and your spouse make the decision to get a divorce, your assets must be evaluated, in order to determine a fair split of the property you accumulated during the marriage. One of the most complex evaluations you will experience is the appraisal of any business you own together. Business valuations can quickly grow contentious and accusatory, and having the right attorney on your side may make the difference between an equitable settlement and a long period of fighting.

Potential Points of Contention

Unless there is a prenuptial agreement that addresses the distribution of the business shares, an apportionment (dividing-up of business assets) is necessary when a couple is divorcing. When a couple has worked in the same business, it can be quite difficult to tell what impact each spouse has had on the company, as opposed to as a collective. One of the most common issues that often needs to be addressed in business evaluations is the perception of each spouse and how it may radically differ. For example, one spouse may look at the business and see the worst-case scenario, while the other may see only growth.

Posted in Divorce