Tag Archive for: Chicago prenuptial law

Ask an Attorney: Top 4 Questions for Domestic Violence & Divorce

When domestic violence enters a marriage, it can significantly affect the divorce process, making it crucial to have a clear understanding of your legal rights and options. 

Nearly 1 in 4 women and 1 in 7 men will experience severe intimate partner violence. Domestic violence is a widespread problem that touches people from all backgrounds. Its effects cause physical harm and emotional wounds that are endured for years. 

As we recognize Domestic Violence Awareness Month this October, it’s essential to understand your legal rights, especially when facing divorce. At Masters Law Group, our experienced divorce attorneys are here to answer the top four questions about domestic violence and divorce. Here’s what you need to know.

What is Domestic Violence?

Domestic violence involves a pattern of abusive behavior used by one partner to gain or maintain power and control over another intimate partner. It can take many forms, including:

  • Physical Abuse: Hitting, slapping, choking, or any form of physical harm.
  • Emotional Abuse: Verbal attacks, manipulation, isolation, threats, and undermining a person’s sense of self-worth.
  • Sexual Abuse: Forcing a partner into sexual activity against their will.
  • Financial Abuse: Controlling or restricting a spouse’s access to financial resources.
  • Psychological Abuse: Intimidation, stalking, or constant threats.

Domestic violence is not limited to physical harm. Emotional and psychological abuse can be just as damaging, leaving long-term effects on the victim’s well-being. Recognizing the signs of domestic violence is the first step toward seeking help and protecting yourself and your family. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most commonly asked questions related to divorce and domestic violence.

1. What Effect Does Domestic Violence Have on the Divorce Rate?

Domestic violence—whether physical, emotional, or psychological—often leads to the breakdown of a marriage. Victims may feel unsafe, trapped, or unable to continue the relationship, pushing them toward divorce as a means of escape. Beyond the personal and emotional toll, domestic violence creates an environment of fear and control. This can make it impossible for the marriage to survive.

Research consistently shows that marriages affected by domestic violence have a significantly higher likelihood of ending in divorce. According to a survey published in the National Library of Medicine, 24% of divorces are directly attributed to domestic violence. In these situations, divorce can be a crucial step toward safety and healing for victims. Divorce can also offer legal protections, such as orders of protection. An order of protection can help survivors secure physical and emotional distance from their abuser. 

2. How Do You Prove Emotional Abuse in Divorce?

Proving emotional abuse in divorce can be challenging. However, it is not impossible. Emotional abuse can manifest in many ways, including isolation, manipulation, threats, verbal attacks, and controlling behavior. To prove emotional abuse in divorce proceedings, individuals can present various forms of evidence:

  • Documentation: Keep a journal or records detailing instances of emotional abuse, including dates, times, and descriptions of incidents.
  • Witness Testimony: Family members, friends, or colleagues who witnessed the abusive behavior can provide testimony.
  • Professional Reports: Reports from mental health professionals who have treated the victim for emotional distress can be valuable.
  • Text Messages/Emails: Written communications that show patterns of manipulation, threats, or degrading language can be powerful evidence in court.

An experienced divorce attorney can help victims gather and present this evidence to help ensure their voices are heard and their rights protected during divorce proceedings.

3. Does Emotional Abuse Affect Divorce Settlement?

Emotional abuse can have a significant impact on divorce proceedings, even in a no-fault state like Illinois. While proving abuse isn’t necessary to file for divorce, it can still influence important aspects of the settlement, particularly regarding parental responsibilities and financial arrangements. Here are two key ways emotional abuse may affect a divorce settlement.

Parental Responsibilities

Although Illinois no longer requires fault to be proven for divorce, it can still be relevant in determining how certain aspects of the divorce are resolved. In Illinois, the courts prioritize the child’s best interests when deciding parental responsibilities and parenting time. Emotional abuse—whether directed at the other spouse or the children—can heavily influence these decisions. 

If one spouse has been emotionally abusive, it is pertinent to how parenting time is allocated. This may lead to restrictions on visitation rights. These restrictions may include:

  • Supervised Visitation: The abusive parent may only be allowed supervised visits.
  • Counseling Requirements: The court may require counseling for the abusive parent before modifying visitation.

Financial Matters

Although Illinois is a no-fault divorce state, emotional abuse can still play a role in how the court views financial matters such as property division and spousal support. While judges typically focus on equitable division of assets, emotional abuse may influence these decisions in the following ways:

  • Property Division: In Illinois, the length of the marriage can impact how property is divided. If emotional abuse caused one spouse to leave the marriage prematurely, shortening its duration, this could affect the division of marital property. 
  • Prenuptial Agreements: Illinois courts generally uphold prenuptial agreements as long as they were entered fairly, with both parties having independent legal representation and full knowledge of each other’s finances. However, if there is evidence that a spouse was emotionally manipulated into signing the agreement, the court may invalidate or alter certain provisions.

If you’re facing emotional abuse in your marriage and are concerned about how it might affect your divorce settlement or parental responsibilities, it’s crucial to consult a divorce attorney.

4. What is Emotional Battered Wife Syndrome?

Emotional Battered Wife Syndrome describes the psychological impact of long-term emotional abuse within a marriage. While “battered wife” specifically refers to women, the syndrome can apply to anyone who has endured prolonged emotional abuse. Emotional Battered Wife Syndrome is characterized by:

  • Feelings of Helplessness: Victims may feel trapped in the relationship due to fear, shame, or economic dependence on their abuser.
  • Low Self-Esteem: Constant emotional abuse can erode the victim’s sense of self-worth, making it difficult for them to see a way out.
  • Denial or Minimization of Abuse: Victims often downplay or deny the severity of the abuse, convincing themselves it’s not “bad enough” to leave.
  • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Many victims of emotional abuse suffer from symptoms of PTSD, including flashbacks, anxiety, and depression.

Understanding the psychological effects of emotional abuse is crucial in divorce cases involving domestic violence. A divorce attorney can help you navigate this complex situation and provide the legal support to secure your safety and well-being.

How Masters Law Group Can Help

At Masters Law Group, we understand how difficult it is to navigate divorce when domestic violence is involved. We are here to help you receive the protection and legal support you need to feel safe and secure. If you are living in DuPage County or the Greater Chicagoland Area, our divorce attorneys are ready to stand by your side and guide you through this challenging time. Here’s how our team can help:

  • Obtaining Orders of Protection: We can help you secure a restraining order to protect yourself and your children from your abuser.
  • Filing for Divorce: We guide you through the divorce process, helping ensure your rights are protected and advocating for your safety and well-being.
  • Parental Responsibilities Support: Domestic violence can heavily influence parental responsibilities. We fight for arrangements that prioritize the safety and best interests of the children involved.
  • Property Division: In cases involving domestic abuse, we seek fair and just division of assets, helping victims not suffer financially.

At Masters Law Group, we approach every case with compassion and determination. We understand how difficult it may be to escape an abusive situation, and that is why we are committed to standing by your side throughout the legal process.

Community Resources

The DuPage and Chicagoland areas offer a range of services for survivors of domestic violence. These organizations provide critical support:

  • Family Shelter Service offers comprehensive assistance, including emergency shelter, counseling, legal advocacy, and support groups, making it a vital resource for individuals and families in DuPage seeking safety and help.
  • The Chicago Metropolitan Battered Women’s Network serves as a resource hub, connecting survivors to shelters, counseling, and legal aid services throughout the city.
  • The Connections for Abused Women and their Children (CAWC) provides shelter, counseling, legal advocacy, and support services for families, along with a 24-hour hotline and emergency shelter.

These organizations, along with the Illinois Domestic Violence Hotline and the Domestic Violence Legal Clinic, form a strong network of support for survivors. They offer a range of services that can help individuals rebuild their lives.

Final Thoughts

Divorces involving domestic violence can be challenging, but you do not have to face this difficult time alone. At Masters Law Group, we understand the sensitive nature of these cases and are here to provide the legal support you need. As we observe Domestic Violence Awareness Month, let us reaffirm our commitment to raising awareness and supporting survivors.

Contact us today to learn how we can help you protect your rights.

5 Prenup Myths You Need to Know

A prenuptial agreement (commonly referred to as a premarital agreement) is a contract people enter into prior to marriage that establishes the essential property and financial rights of each spouse in the unfortunate event of a divorce. While the agreement can protect you down the line if you and your new spouse part ways, there are many misconceptions that should be addressed before rejecting the notion all together.

Wedding venue is booked, dress is fitted, rings are bought and the flowers are ordered. At this stage most couples assume “I Do” is all that’s left. However, many Americans are now adding another step to their wedding plans; a prenuptial agreement. A prenuptial agreement is defined as, “an agreement between prospective spouses that is made in contemplation of marriage and that is effective on marriage” and failing to make a prenuptial agreement will result in the courts having power over your estate. So why the hesitation for so many others tying the knot?

Read on for five common myths and misconceptions about prenups and learn how an attorney can help you craft a prenuptial agreement that will provide peace of mind on your big day.

Myth #1: Prenups are only necessary if one spouse is wealthy.

Prenuptial agreements are extremely beneficial to those with ample assets, but they are also highly valuable for the “average-income” individuals, too. For example, if you married without a prenup in place, the courts may not be aware of personal debt, pets, the sentimental value of inheritance items or the fact you had cash set aside for your children. With a prenup, you can customize and define what will remains yours in the instance of a separation in the future.

Myth #2: My Spouse wants a prenup because he/she doesn’t trust me.

Arguably, the biggest reason for not getting a prenup is the misconception it comes down to trust. Or a lack of it. While this can be the case in some relationships, in far more cases these agreements have nothing to do with trust. Instead one, or both, parties want to be prepared for whatever comes their way. While almost all marriages start off with the best of intentions, around 50% of them end in divorce, regardless of the level of trust present on the day of the wedding. A prenuptial agreement will help ensure trust since both parties will need to reveal their assets, debts, and beliefs about how things should work financially in a marriage. In addition, should the marriage fail, this type of agreement really helps to streamline the divorce process for both parties.

Myth #3: Couples who truly love one another don’t need a prenup.

Worried that a prenuptial agreement will pit you and your future spouse against each other or be an omen for divorce? The opposite is actually true. In fact, 86% of mental health experts polled by relationship site YourTango said that prenups have “no predictable impact” on marriage. Completing a prenuptial agreement requires the ability to discuss financial matters and reach compromises; both skills that are a sign of a strong future marriage. So yes, creating a prenup can strengthen your relationship and prepare you for future financial discussions later down the road.

Myth #4: Prenups aren’t enforceable.

This is a myth that has been getting more and more popular in recent years. Although there are times when prenuptial agreements are not enforced in court, the majority of them are. Illinois, like many states, has adopted the Uniform Premarital Agreement Act (UPAA). The UPAA is a set of guidelines that govern how courts decide whether a prenuptial agreement is enforceable. All prenuptial agreements must be in writing. Both spouses must also sign the agreement for it to be enforceable. In rare cases where prenups are not enforced, it is usually because one spouse was coerced or under duress when signing, or when proper legal procedures are requirements were not met when the agreement was created. If you have a well-written prenuptial agreement that is done properly by an experienced attorney, you have an excellent chance at the courts enforcing it every time.

Myth #5: You shouldn’t hire an attorney to get a prenup.

It’s not a good idea to enter into a prenuptial agreement solo. Every state has separate rules for prenuptial agreements. If you aren’t familiar with your state law, or if you’re not comfortable interpreting the rules, you should hire an attorney. A prenup attorney responsible for drafting a prenuptial agreement will outline a clearly defined assets protection strategy that can reduce the potential for financial disputes during the divorce process.

To Conclude

Couples considering marriage today are three times more likely to enter into a prenuptial agreement than spouses were ten years ago. No longer just a protection for the wealthy, prenuptial agreements are used by couples from all income brackets to decide how to divide their property if they divorce.

A well-crafted premarital agreement can address spouses’ concerns about financial issues or obligations during their marriage, and it can protect certain assets in the case of divorce. At Masters Law Group, we understand that establishing a prenuptial agreement enhances the strength of your relationship and provides the foundation for a strong marriage. If you live in Illinois and need to have your prenup written up, please contact us to go over all your options today.

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