When most people think of the divorce legal process, they picture a courtroom and two spouses yelling at one another. While some divorce cases may look like this, the majority of them do not involve a judge or courtroom. Most divorces cases are actually resolved through negotiations between the spouses. Often times, the only role the judge has is to approve the agreement that a couple has reached.

Mediation is one of the most common ways divorcing couples come to agreements. It can save divorcing couples time and money while offering them scheduling flexibility and a greater say in what happens with their divorce. Mediation can also lead to increased privacy.

Most people do not get married with the intention of getting divorce. In fact, most couples tie the knot and hope that they will enjoy many happy years together. Unfortunately, marital issues arise and are sometimes so severe that a divorce is in the future. Here is a list of five telltale signs your marriage may lead to divorce:

You Feel Put Down By Your Partner

In a healthy marriage, partners support one another and truly appreciate one another’s strengths. However, when a marriage is going downhill, one partner may constantly feel criticized and put down by their partner. Criticism is one of the major causes of divorce.

Last year, Illinois adopted the income shares model to calculate child support. With this model, the way child is calculated in Illinois has significantly changed. If you are going through a divorce and wondering how the income share model will impact the amount of money you may receive or be required to pay, keep reading.

The Benefits of the Income Shares Model

The income shares model is used in the majority of states and can effectively address the needs of each child while taking the financial well-being of each parent into account. In the past, Illinois only considered the income of the parent who was responsible for paying child support. Now, each child is provided with the same amount of support they would receive if their parents were still married.

A girl’s relationship with her father is important. Unfortunately, divorce may hinder a father-daughter relationship and make it difficult for a father to stay connected with his daughter. The good news is that there are certain ways divorced dads can facilitate a healthy relationship with their daughters and improve their daughters’ self-esteem. Here’s how:

Encourage Her to Express Her Feelings

Divorced fathers should encourage their daughters to be open, honest, and not be afraid to express their feelings. When fathers create a safe environment for daughters to express their feelings, daughters can lead happier, more positive lives.

If you are in the divorce process or recently finalized your divorce, you may be concerned about how your child will transition to living in two homes. Although your child may be anxious and overwhelmed at first, there are some strategies you can use to help make the transition easier and more comfortable. These tips include:

Establish Routines

Since stability is essential for children of divorced parents, it is crucial that you and your ex-spouse establish routines at each home. While the routines do not have to be exactly the same at each house, they should be similar. Your child should know how homework, meals, play, and bedtime work at each home.