Blog | Davi Law Group | IL

Who Gets the Pets in an Illinois Divorce?

2026-07-30 00:44:36

Pets can often feel like family members. So, when there is a divorce, the family pets may be affected as well, and couples may fight over who the pet lives with after the divorce. This can be quite an emotional subject for many couples, sometimes necessitating a judge’s intervention. If you have concerns about how pet ownership will be handled in your divorce, consider reaching out to a Wheaton, IL property division attorney.

At Davi Law Group, we understand that ownership of a pet in a divorce may be an issue of real consequence to you. Attorney Dion U. Davi can help you make a case to protect your pet, drawing on years of negotiation experience and problem-solving during divorce.

Are Pets Considered Property in an Illinois Divorce?

Under Illinois law, judges can treat a companion animal as a marital or separate asset. That doesn’t necessarily mean that the animal’s needs are not taken into consideration. It does mean that judges have the authority to divide up pet ownership and responsibility in a divorce judgment. A family law court can order "sole or joint" ownership of a pet at its discretion, based on a number of different factors.

Terminating Child Support in Illinois

2026-07-13 00:00:00

If you and your spouse decide to separate and you have children, then you must collectively make decisions regarding co-parenting and custody. As part of the decision, one of the parents may be responsible for providing child support payments. Under Illinois law, child support is calculated using an "income shares" model, which factors in both parents’ incomes and the allocation of parenting time, plus certain expenses.

At Davi Law Group, our DuPage County, IL family law attorneys represent parents with concerns about child support. Attorney Dion U. Davi has over 20 years of legal experience, with a strong focus throughout his career on domestic relations and family matters. You can trust us to review your case in detail and assist with any modification or enforcement requests as needed.

When is Terminating Child Support Legal in 2026?

Once a court orders child support, the order is in effect until the court or other significant events terminate the order. Scenarios in which child support may be terminated include the following:

Marital Property: Classifying and Valuing a Business in Illinois

2026-06-24 00:00:00

The concept of property division in divorce is familiar to most Americans. Using the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act, a court will divide property between a divorcing couple fairly and equitably. Dividing a business is much more complicated than dividing a car or the value of a home.

Determining the value of a business is further complicated by the fact that the value of a business may fluctuate over time, increasing or decreasing in value at any point in time. If your spouse owns a business, how will an Illinois court value the business upon divorce?

At Davi Law Group, our experienced Wheaton, IL divorce attorneys are here to help protect your business interests. Attorney Dion U. Davi has been recognized as a Super Lawyer for over 10 years, highlighting his professional excellence. Together, we can answer any questions you have.

Should You Take Your High-Asset Divorce to Litigation?

2026-06-11 00:00:00

Even in the best of circumstances, divorce can be a massive undertaking. What happens, though, when you feel like you are dealing with the worst of circumstances? How do you handle a spouse who refuses to compromise during negotiations? What recourse do you have if you suspect asset hiding or depreciation during your divorce?

Some parties choose to take such complex matters to litigation, but it is not the best option for everyone. Regardless of the path you choose, a seasoned and competent Wheaton, IL divorce attorney can help protect your interests. As a former Assistant State’s Attorney, Dion U. Davi of Davi Law Group has years of legal experience.

Negotiation Versus Litigation in a 2026 Divorce

Although there are many ways to approach divorce, cases are typically settled in one of two ways: through negotiation or litigation. Negotiated divorces are those in which parties compromise and agree upon specific terms (often through mediation or informal talks). Litigation is when a case is heard by the court, and a judge determines the outcome. A divorcing couple must weigh the benefits of either approach before proceeding.

The Chronology of a Divorce Case

2026-05-23 00:00:00

As you are undoubtedly aware, divorce cases can drag on for months and even years, preventing the parties from moving on with their lives. But why does it take so long? The lifespan of a divorce begins even before either party files for dissolution of marriage under the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act, and lasts until a full agreement has been reached. Many cases involve complex circumstances that take longer to sort out.

At Davi Law Group, our DuPage County, IL family law attorneys are here to provide you with clear guidance from the beginning to the end of your case.

Make Sure Your Prenup is Enforceable

2026-05-13 00:00:00

Prenuptial agreements, also known as prenups, constitute a special type of contract between prospective spouses. Prenups are different than other types of contracts, which are legal if there was a "meeting of the minds" when the contract was formed. Specifically, prenups allow both parties to take a second look at the terms of the agreement. Yet what does this mean if you are considering signing a prenup? It means that your prenup has to be fair and reasonable at the time it is executed.

It is possible that at the time of enforcement, a court could find an agreement to be invalid, even if the parties entered the agreement with full knowledge and consulted counsel. If you are divorcing and have a prenuptial agreement in 2026, it is important to consider the circumstances under which a court may find a prenuptial agreement invalid.

For help with a marital agreement, consider working with Davi Law Group. Our DuPage County, IL divorce lawyer has over 20 years of legal experience, making him a sound choice to assist with your concerns.

Illinois Law on Spousal Maintenance for Homemakers

2026-04-25 00:00:00

There are several matters that a court will determine during the divorce process in Illinois, and spousal maintenance is among the top issues. The term spousal maintenance refers to the financial support that one ex-spouse pays to the other, commonly known as "alimony."

The court first decides whether spousal maintenance is appropriate. Under Illinois law, the judge weighs several factors, including income, earning ability, property, and the length of the marriage. At Davi Law Group, our DuPage County, IL family law attorneys can help make a case for alimony with an argument grounded in the law.

Which Alimony Factors Matter the Most for Homemakers in 2026?

One issue that often becomes a point of dispute in financial decisions is when one spouse primarily handled domestic responsibilities during the marriage. The Illinois divorce statute (750 ILCS 5/504) specifically directs courts to consider factors that address this type of situation. In addition, courts may look at any other relevant circumstances to reach a decision that is fair and equitable.

Deciding Who Pays for the Credit Card Debt After a Divorce

2026-04-14 00:00:00

During an Illinois divorce, a couple’s marital estate is divided according to the law. In that marital estate is more than a couple’s assets and income. Debt is factored in as well. This can be especially problematic in a divorce, and not just because it can affect the amount of one’s settlement. Without representation from a Wheaton, IL divorce lawyer, negotiations can become difficult fast.

Couples might have different values when it comes to money and debt, and one party may have contributed more to the couple’s debt load than the other. Alternatively, one party may have less of an ability to repay the debts because they have a fixed or limited earning ability. Whatever the situation, parties are encouraged to educate themselves on dealing with debt in a divorce, and that includes learning how to go about deciding who should pay for the couple’s credit card debts.

Protecting Your Retirement in a Gray Divorce

2026-03-23 00:00:00

Divorce during any stage of life can be financially devastating, but the effect is often worse as one nears retirement. However, it is possible to mitigate some of the potentially negative effects of a later-life divorce. Our Wheaton, IL divorce lawyer can go over your case in detail with you and look for ways to minimize risk.

At Davi Law Group, we know how stressful it can be to go through a divorce with your financial future on the line. Attorney Dion U. Davi can provide you with careful guidance and strong representation, drawing on over a decade of legal experience.

How Is Property Divided During Divorce in Illinois?

Illinois law requires that all marital assets be equitably split (750 ILCS 5/503). While many factors may be used to determine what this "equitable split" might look like, transferring retirement assets can put a dent in your nest egg. As such, "gray divorcees" need a strategic plan before moving forward with the process.

Tips on Preparing for Illinois Adoption

2026-03-10 00:00:00

Congratulations are in order if you have decided to move forward with adoption, but there is also a lot to do to get ready for your new member of the family. From initial legal considerations to making the child feel welcome on arrival, you want to make sure things run smoothly through every step of the process.

At Davi Law Group, our Wheaton, IL adoption lawyers can provide you with legal advice to help strengthen your petition and avoid unnecessary delays. Attorney Dion U. Davi has been named as a Super Lawyer for his excellence in family law, so you can trust that your case will be handled by a highly qualified professional.

While every family’s situation is unique, you can set the stage for success by following a few tips on preparing for your Illinois adoption. Small choices, made early, can make the whole process smoother.