Michael C. Craven's Guides

The State of the Union (Civil) Address

On June 1st Illinois' Civil Union Act took affect. Illinois joins several other states that have civil unions or similar domestic partnership laws. There are also five states, plus the District of Columbia that allow same-sex marriages. New York and Maryland recognize out of stat...

Joint Taxes Filed? Divorcing or Not…Are You Sure You Are “Innocent”?

Most Americans recently filed their income tax returns. Did you carefully look over the completed forms before you signed? If you plan to divorce this is especially important. When married couples file joint returns, the law holds both spouses liable for the taxes, interest and p...

How Does a Divorced Parent Claim a Child as a Dependent?

It's tax time and if you're divorced and were awarded the right to claim your child or children as a dependent(s) on your tax return, here's what you need to know about filing your taxes properly. The Internal Revenue Code sets out the law about who is entitled to claim a child ...

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Civil Unions Come to Illinois

Recently, Illinois voted to allow civil unions for same-sex couples. The law awaits Governor Quinn's signature. Once enacted, the law will allow same-sex couples to partake in many of the rights that married couples currently enjoy, while leaving them just shy of actually being ...

Grandparents' Roles and Rights

It used to be commonplace for multi-generational families to live together with all adults having a hands-on role in the rearing of children. In those idyllic days grandparents played a special, part-time role. Nowadays many grandparents have more involved roles and it's usually ...

DIVORCE 101 – Part Two

DIVORCE 101 - Part One

BASIC ESTATE PLANNING BEFORE, DURING AND AFTER DIVORCE

Many divorced people never review their wills and estate plans. Of those that do, most do it after they're divorced. However, it may be advisable to make changes as soon as a marriage breaks down. Powers of Attorney for Health Care and Property are common documents used in estate...