Every new year brings new laws and amendments to old laws.  One law that has gone through many changes over the years is the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act (IMDMA).  Beginning January 1, 2014, the State Legislature has…

Kevin G. Drendel

Most people realize that “Family Law” is a misnomer. Most people associate “Family Law” with divorce, and rightly so. Attorneys who practice family law usually have a high volume of divorce cases and follow up “post judgment”…

Like a car engine, child support determination in Illinois is often a mechanical process, but not everyone understands how a car engine runs.  Although I am the son of a mechanic, I know very little about cars.  In the same…

In today’s society, it is not unusual to find children living with grandparents, aunts, uncles or even friends. Sometime the children’s biological parents are in and out of the children’s lives, maybe even more out then in.  These circumstances can…

The amount and/or percentage of a parent’s obligation for contribution to their children’s college expenses is a matter often left undetermined in a divorce settlement or judgment for dissolution of marriage.  Unless the parties have agreed in advance to the…

Understandably, many (most) people hate dealing with the court system. In dealing with the issues of child support and maintenance, going to court can be a good thing. Especially regarding child support, the courts take on a very important role…

Q&A forums on legal issues, and especially divorce and family law questions, are popular on the Internet.   One question seems to be asked more than most: what are grounds for a divorce.  The issue of grounds is fundamental, but many…