Recreational marijuana is now legal in Illinois. This can impact Illinois divorce cases if one spouse is a cannabis user, specifically in asset distribution and child custody. Because it is legal in Illinois, recreational cannabis use will have little effect on most divorce cases. However, in some
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Understanding Future Homebuyers
A recent study conducted by Fannie Mae found that Millennial and Generation Z home buyers look for smaller homes designed for more modest budgets. The market isn’t meeting the needs of these populations. Contrary to some opinions expressed, Millennials and Gen Z’ers say they do want to purchase
Creating Opportunities for People to Achieve Long-Term Homeownership
For the past 40 years, home prices have sharply risen and homeownership has become increasingly out of reach for many American families. However, a collaborative approach involving builders and lenders can begin to bridge this gap. Wages have only risen 16% since 2012. Home prices
Buying a House at Auction?
Buying a house at auction presents many opportunities and risks. For example, auctions usually don’t allow buyers to inspect a property before placing a bid. Only people who are intimately familiar with the ins and outs of purchasing a home should try their luck at an auction. How Properties End
Preparing for Homeownership in Chicago
Purchasing a home takes time and planning. Preparing for homeownership means reducing debt, narrowing expectations, and collecting savings. There are nine things every future homeowner should monitor, complete, or avoid when planning to purchase a home. Credit Score The first thing a loan
Will Mortgage Rates Rise in 2021?
According to the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA), experts predict that mortgage rates will rise in 2021 despite the Federal Reserve's efforts to keep rates low. The MBA also asserts that the 2020 mortgage market will exceed $3 trillion – an amount not seen since the boom in 2003. However, 2021 is
How Does a Domestic Violence Conviction Impact Child Custody in Illinois?
Domestic violence charges can negatively impact a parent’s case for child custody and visitation rights. While Illinois does recognize that having both parents involved in the child’s life is in the best interests of the child, that is disregarded if one or both parents face credible charges of
The Real Estate Closing Process for Homebuyers
The closing process occurs after the Seller accepts an offer but before the property is transferred to new ownership. In general, the closing process entails three things (1) final approval for the loan, (2) home inspection, and (3) getting homeowners and title insurance. The closing process is
What You Should Know About Inverse Condemnation in Chicago
Inverse condemnation refers to a legal process in which the government seizes private property and fails to provide just compensation for the taken property. When the government takes property, it is called “condemning” it through eminent domain. If the government fails to provide just compensation,
Will Remote Schooling Impact Your Parenting Plan?
COVID-19 has changed many things for parents, and school changes may have an impact on parenting arrangements when children need to do school from home. Parents may need the services of a child custody attorney to work out these situations so their children can continue to get excellent schooling