When a family is in transition, there are a number of emotionally charged issues that must be resolved. While no family is immune from conflict, any decisions should be for the benefit of parents and children alike. By engaging the services of a knowledgeable and compassionate family law attorney, it is possible to make a fresh start, and plan a brighter future. Located in Rockford, Michael J. His family law practice is focused on resolving issues related to divorce, including the division of marital property, spousal support, child custody — currently referred to as allocation of parental responsibility, parenting time, and decision making, child support, paternity and domestic violence.
Since , Attorney Michael J. Smith has dedicated his practice to family law. A divorce is initiated when one of the parties files a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage with the court in the county in which the couple resides. Although each case is different, the process may include the following steps:. One of the key issues that must be resolved in a divorce is dividing the property that was acquired during the marriage.
This includes personal property, real estate, savings, and investments, business interests and retirement accounts, such as k s and IRAs, as well as debt.
Illinois Marriage License Requirements
It is important to note that marital property must be divided according to the equitable distribution rules of the State of Illinois. This does not mean the property must be divided equally, however. Some of the factors the court will consider are property valuations and net equities. While the court will decide whether to award maintenance to either spouse, revisions to the IMDMA in included guidelines for determining the amount and duration of any maintenance award.
In , the rules regarding child custody under the IMDMA were also revised, and terms such as sole custody, joint custody and legal custody were eliminated. The parties are required to enter into a Parenting Agreement allocating parental responsibilities for the children. As the story goes, they originated from a pre-Civil War era church in South Dakota that once sat the family of the infamous outlaw Jesse James prior to their moving to Missouri.
Even if the story was to be fiction, it does make one wonder which pew it is and only a few know! The ornate wood trim and stairway columns and rails came from the mansion of the 19th century industrialist Jacob Haish of DeKalb County IL. Windows from this church can also be seen at the China Palace formerly the Wagon Wheel Junior across the road. The front and side doors also came from here. The Stained Glass Windows on the sides of the sanctuary came from the old St. Walt Williamson told the operators of the Hospital his dream of building a chapel for his mother and were so touched that they donated these windows to him.
The two White Angels in the chancel were a gift offered in the memory of the mother of Gayle Manners, a vice president of the Wagon Wheel Resort and good friend of Walt Williamson. The ceiling wood beams and trusses are the trestle of an abandoned railroad bridge. New to the church in is the Angel Gabriel to welcome guests as they enter the chapel.
Adjacent to the Church is the oldest school house in Winnebago County and a log cabin on this 2 acre plot of land.
It is believed to be the oldest functioning school house in Illinois. Church by the Side of the Road. A Wedding Chapel and Sunday Services. About Us. Your Wedding Chapel. Wedding and Baptism Packages. Baptisms or Dedications are also available for those who are interested. What Others Have to Say. Contact Us Better yet, see us in person!
Winnebago County, Illinois Genealogy
The church is available by appointment with Andrea Bates. E-mail Us:. However he cannot speak and needs assistance to eat, and transportation and requires around-the-clock nursing care. Medically speaking, his physicians have diagnosed him as being in a vegetative state, but I don't want it to seem as if he is completely immobile and hooked up to life support, because that is not the case.
I remember reading a while back about the possibility of communication between those who are paralyzed through eye movement. Is anything like that possible for John?
Winnebago County Marriage & Divorce Records - County Courts
I know that there have been numerous neuro consults, rehabilitation specialists, and countless hours spent on assessing his condition. I do not know if anything relating to eye blinking has been performed, but given his three to four years of intensive care I would be surprised if it hadn't. As far as the physicians are concerned, however, John is uncommunicative. However, Colette believes otherwise, and I have no reason to doubt her. I find it interesting that the court initially allowed the marriage to happen.
What stopped it after going that far? When we went to the county clerk to issue the marriage license, she refused. No one doubted that the ward's wishes were to be married, so we felt that Colette would be allowed to initiate a marriage proceeding, and thus bypass any physical appearance or consent issues, since the guardian and special guardian would be consenting on behalf of the ward.
What are the requirements to be issued a marriage license in Rockford, Illinois?
The court was well aware of John's intent to marry Colette, and even stated so during the issuance of its ruling. However John's wishes only get us halfway there. They don't get us around the Marriage and Dissolution Act. While we could go to a different county, I imagine that another clerk would probably be wary of accepting an out-of-county order for an out-of-county resident.
I believe their best shot is to stay in Winnebago County and follow the judicial process.
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I'm assuming a question that is probably coming into a lot of people's minds is, why did they wait so long to get married? Colette has said that they wanted a big wedding, but life got in the way. Financial concerns drew their attention and they focused on raising their children and providing a home for them rather than on a wedding.