United States: Divorce

Senior Partner Jay Dahlin and Partner Rachel Kolesar examine dissipation of marital assets in Illinois divorce cases, exploring how spending during marriage breakdown affects property division. Through scenarios involving gambling, luxury purchases, and hidden expenses, they analyze what constitutes dissipation, when timing matters, and how courts distinguish ordinary expenses from asset misuse.

When religious traditions intersect with modern estate planning, complex questions arise about inheritance conditions, faith-based marriage requirements, and the enforceability of religious divorce decrees. This episode explores how Jewish and Islamic inheritance principles interact with secular law, examining whether estate plans can legally require heirs to marry within their faith and what happens when religious and civil divorce requirements conflict.

While Washington law defines community property as ‘property…acquired after marriage or after registration domestic partnership by either domestic partner or either husband or wife or both’ it does not address more nuanced issues like how to treat dogs, cats, exotic pets, embryos, etc. acquired during the marriage.

When divorced parents face significant financial disparities, Illinois courts may look beyond standard child support formulas to ensure children maintain a lifestyle comparable to what they experienced before the marriage ended. A recent appellate decision examines when guideline amounts fall short and upward deviations become necessary to protect children's interests.

Separation and divorce change the structure of a family, but they don’t end the lifelong relationship parents share in raising their children.

Divorce proceedings demand immediate attention to asset division and custody matters, but what happens to your estate plan during this tumultuous period? Understanding the critical intersection of divorce law and estate planning can prevent unintended beneficiaries, protect your assets, and ensure your wishes are honored both during and after marital dissolution.

Divorce doesn't have to mean endless courtroom battles. Mediation offers couples an alternative path—one focused on communication, collaboration, and practical solutions tailored to their family's unique needs. Discover how this approach can help families navigate separation with dignity and move forward constructively.

Estate planning isn't a one-time task—life changes like marriage, divorce, new children, real estate purchases, and shifts in net worth can all impact your plan's effectiveness.

Divorce cases used to rely heavily on live testimony. Courts were required to weigh credibility between competing narratives. That is no longer the reality.