Navigating Cohabitation – An Essential Guide To Cohabitation and Cohabitation Agreements In Illinois
Learn about cohabitation agreements in Illinois. What they are, what the law says, and how it impacts you and your partner.
Same-Sex Marriage Decision: How Will It Impact Illinois Couples?
Same-sex marriage has been a legal option in Illinois for approximately a year. Prior to the passage of the law which made these marriages legal, same-sex couples could enter into civil unions to obtain some, but not all, of the benefits of legal marriage. Now, the United States Supreme Court has decided that all states […]
How to Convert a Civil Union Into a Marriage in Illinois
Between 2011 and 2014, couples throughout the state of Illinois took advantage of the availability of civil unions. Primarily, this institution was designed as a way for same-sex couples to legally formalize their relationships before marriage was an available option. Opposite-sex couples may have also entered into civil unions for a host of reasons, including rejection […]
Understanding Domestic Partnerships in Illinois
Although highly glorified, the truth is that marriage is not right for everyone. Increasingly, people are choosing to share their lives with a loved one without officially tying the knot. In fact, according to Pew Research, the number of American adults who have never been married is currently at an all time high. Researchers speculate that […]
The Changing Tax Landscape For Married Same-Sex Couples in Illinois
In the 2013 case of United States v. Windsor, the Supreme Court declared parts of the Defense of Marriage Act (“DOMA”) to be unconstitutional, holding that states have the authority to define marital relationships and that DOMA undermined that authority. The result is an expansion of rights—but also confusion regarding state and federal taxes—for same-sex couples […]
To Wed or Not To Wed? Protecting Your Interests When Choosing Cohabitation Over Marriage
Since 1995, the number of couples choosing to cohabitate before marriage has risen 41 percent. This is likely due, in part, to the economic benefits gained through cohabitation. In past years, research showed that cohabitation prior to marriage was more likely to end in divorce. A recent study from the University of North Carolina, Greensboro, however, shows that […]
Two New States Recognize Gay Marriage…Maybe
Two states may have joined the growing number of jurisdictions that provide for same-sex marriages. Utah and Oklahoma, two states that have a socially conservative reputation in political matters, and both of which voted Republican in the 2012 Presidential election, have hosted federal judges overturning their bans on gay marriage as unconstitutional. If these decrees […]
When Living with Someone Can Cost You: Cohabitation in Illinois
The divorce is final. All the judgments are entered, the custody battles are over, and the maintenance payments begin. You may be eager to begin moving on with your life, possibly finding someone new to spend time with. If you depend on your spousal maintenance payments though, you must be careful if things begin to […]
Finally! Gay Marriage Passes in Illinois
On November 5, 2013, the Illinois legislature finally passed a measure allowing for gay marriage in Illinois. This epic win for marriage equality in Illinois will have a big impact on current and future family law issues. As a result, Sullivan Taylor & Gumina, PC will be closely following these changes in law that will definitely […]
The U.S. Domestic Partnership Registration Rule
Although homosexual couples do not have the same legal rights as heterosexual couples in 2013, they are getting closer to being considered equal in the eyes of the law. There are many laws and regulations for heterosexual couples that state their rights as legal couples, but the laws are not always followed. The Domestic Partnership […]
Hesitant on Second Marriage? Consider a Cohabitation Agreement
A study from Bowling Green State University shows results that remarriage rates have decreased in the United States. The research cites that remarriage rates are down by 40 percent in the past two decades. In 2011, only 29 of every 1,000 divorced or widowed Americans chose to remarry. Going back to 1990, 50 individuals out of every […]
Marriage Rights May Depend on Ability to Procreate
First comes love. Then comes marriage. Then comes a baby in a baby carriage. The old rhyme resonates with both young and old. But what happens when after love there is no marriage because the thought is there is no way a baby can even come about? This is the case for many gay couples who desire […]
Opponents of Gay-Marriage Protest | Illinois Family Law Attorney
At the capitol on Wed. Feb. 19, gay-marriage opponents gathered to ask their representatives not to support legislation that would extend marital rights to couples of the same sex. Director of the Illinois Family Institute, which sponsored the rally, David Smith said, “We want to send a very clear and strong message to our state […]
