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# The Law Office of Deanna J. Bowen

## Sitemaps
[XML Sitemap](https://www.deannabowen.com/sitemap_index.xml): Includes all crawlable and indexable pages.

## Posts
- [How Is Alimony (Maintenance) Calculated in Illinois? The 2026 Formula, the 40% Cap, and When Judges Deviate](https://www.deannabowen.com/how-is-alimony-maintenance-calculated-in-illinois/): Illinois maintenance = 33⅓% of the payor's net income minus 25% of the payee's net, capped at 40% of combined net (750 ILCS 5/504). Worked examples from a Lake County attorney.
- [Who Pays for College After an Illinois Divorce? Understanding 750 ILCS 5/513 Contribution Orders](https://www.deannabowen.com/illinois-college-contribution-divorce/): Under 750 ILCS 5/513, Illinois courts can order divorced parents to help pay college costs, often capped at U of I in-state rates. How contribution orders work.
- [Lake County Relocation: Proving “Best Interests” under the Illinois Section 602.7 Standard](https://www.deannabowen.com/lake-county-illinois-relocation-custody/): Section 610.5 requires a substantial change in circumstances to modify parenting time. Deanna Bowen helps Gurnee clients navigate Lake County relocation custody cases.
- [High-Conflict Custody in Lake County: 2026 Standards for Guardian ad Litem Reports & More](https://www.deannabowen.com/lake-county-child-custody-gal-standards-2026/): The Lake County courts may use guardian ad litem (GAL) reports to assist with determining the “best interests of the child” in contested child custody matters. When it comes to modifying child custody arrangements, in 2026, the courts are increasingly focusing on co-parenting “interference” and digital communication logs, along with other forms of evidence, when determining whether a modification is warranted.
- [Virtual Parenting Time in Illinois: 2026 Rights and Technology Standards for Lake County](https://www.deannabowen.com/virtual-parenting-time-illinois-2026/): Virtual parenting time is an option for divorced and separated parents in Illinois. The rules for this modern custody option are fundamentally the same as the rules for in-person parenting time—including the requirement to focus on the “best interests” of the children involved. When seeking virtual visitation, parents should ensure that they have the technology needed to connect with their children effectively.
- [Relocating with Children in Illinois: 2026 Legal Requirements for Lake County Parents](https://www.deannabowen.com/illinois-child-relocation-laws-lake-county-2026/): After a separation or divorce involving children, Illinois law restricts when a parent who has been awarded primary custody can relocate. Moving does not constitute “relocating” in all circumstances, but when it does, strict rules and requirements apply.
- [Contested vs. Uncontested Divorce in Illinois: Which Is Right for You?](https://www.deannabowen.com/contested-vs-uncontested-divorce-illinois/): While there are lots of different ways a divorce can go, all divorces broadly fall into one of two categories: contested or uncontested. If you are preparing to go through a divorce in Illinois, it will be important for you to understand what each of these terms means (and what it doesn’t)—as this will help you make informed decisions about how you approach your divorce.
- [2025 Year in Review: Key Insights for Spouses Who Are Contemplating a Divorce](https://www.deannabowen.com/2025-divorce-year-in-review-key-insights/): It’s time for our annual Year in Review. This is when we take a look back at the articles we’ve published throughout the year. We know that many spouses think about filing for divorce for months—and sometimes even longer—before they decide to move forward, and we also know how important it is for spouses to make informed decisions both before and during the divorce process.
- [Social Media and Your Divorce: What Spouses in Illinois Need to Know](https://www.deannabowen.com/social-media-and-your-divorce-what-spouses-in-illinois-need-to-know/): Social media accounts and posts can impact the divorce process in a variety of ways. If you are preparing to go through a divorce in Illinois and you have an active social media presence (and/or your spouse has an active social media presence), it will be important to understand what this means—or could mean—for your divorce. Here are some key considerations:
- [7 Property-Related Considerations for Divorcing Spouses in Illinois](https://www.deannabowen.com/7-property-related-considerations-for-divorcing-spouses-in-illinois/): For all married couples, going through the divorce process involves dividing their marital property. While some couples will have a prenuptial or postnuptial agreement that specifies how they will divide their property, in most cases, divorcing spouses will need to divide their property according to Illinois law.
- [Long-Distance Custody Arrangements: What Divorcing Parents in Illinois Need to Know](https://www.deannabowen.com/long-distance-custody-arrangements-what-divorcing-parents-in-illinois-need-to-know/): Going through a divorce with children presents challenges in all circumstances. But if you or your spouse will be moving away after your divorce, this can make your divorce even more challenging than it otherwise would be. In this scenario, you will need to develop a long-distance custody arrangement—and while you will need to make sure this arrangement works for you, you will ultimately need to focus on making sure it serves your children’s best interests.
- [What Are the Options for Resolving Disagreements During a Divorce?](https://www.deannabowen.com/what-are-the-options-for-resolving-disagreements-during-a-divorce/): If you are preparing for a divorce, you should be prepared to encounter disagreements along the way. Even when divorcing spouses are generally in agreement regarding the major issues involved in their divorce (i.e., how to divide parenting time and who should keep the family home), they are still likely to have various differences of opinion during the divorce process.
- [10 Key Terms in a Marital Settlement Agreement](https://www.deannabowen.com/10-key-terms-in-a-marital-settlement-agreement/): If you and your spouse decide to handle your divorce without going to court, the majority of the process will be focused on negotiating the terms of your Marital Settlement Agreement. This is the document that will establish your respective rights and responsibilities once your marriage is over. Marital Settlement Agreements have several key terms, and while your divorce lawyer will prepare your Marital Settlement Agreement for you, it will be important for you to have a clear understanding of the terms to which you are agreeing.
- [Can (and Should) I Handle My Divorce on My Own?](https://www.deannabowen.com/can-and-should-i-handle-my-divorce-on-my-own/): You are thinking about getting divorced. You are understandably concerned about the costs involved, and you are wondering where you can save some money along the way. This inevitably brings you to the question: “Can (and should) I handle my divorce on my own?”
- [7 Tips for Illinois Parents Who Are Preparing for a Divorce](https://www.deannabowen.com/illinois-divorce-tips-for-parents/): While there are several important considerations involved in going through a divorce under any circumstances, there are even more important considerations involved in going through a divorce as a parent. If you have minor children from your marriage, you will need to make several important child-related decisions during the divorce process—and these decisions will impact your life (and your children’s lives) for years to come.
- [Finding a Way to Come to Terms with Your Spouse About Your Divorce](https://www.deannabowen.com/come-to-terms-with-your-spouse-divorce-illinois/): If you are like most spouses who have decided that it is time for your marriage to end, you want the divorce process to go as quickly and smoothly as possible. Generally, this means reaching an agreement with your spouse. So, how can you find a way to come to terms?
- [A Guide to the Illinois Standardized Parenting Plan Form](https://www.deannabowen.com/illinois-standardized-parenting-plan/): Divorcing spouses can develop a custom-tailored parenting plan from scratch—and, in many cases, this will be the best approach. However, the Illinois Courts have also published a standardized parenting plan form for divorcing spouses to meet the state’s minimum requirements. In this article, we take an in-depth look at the Illinois standardized parenting plan form, discuss its benefits and limitations, and highlight some key issues parents must address during the divorce process.
- [What You Need to Know About Trying a “DIY Divorce” in Illinois](https://www.deannabowen.com/diy-divorce-in-illinois-what-you-need-to-know/): If you are like many spouses who are contemplating a divorce, one of your concerns is keeping your costs down during the divorce process. With this in mind, you might be thinking about trying to handle the process on your own—an approach commonly referred to as a “DIY divorce.”
- [Divorce Tips for 2025: How to Prepare (and How Not to Prepare) to Bring Your Marriage to an End](https://www.deannabowen.com/how-to-prepare-for-divorce/): As we start another year, now is a time when many spouses are thinking about filing for divorce. The holiday season is in the rearview mirror, the kids are back in school, and there is finally some time to think about the future.
- [2024 Year in Review: Insights for Spouses Considering a Divorce in the New Year](https://www.deannabowen.com/divorce-lawyer-in-gurnee-il/): Are you considering filing for divorce in Illinois? If so, we invite you to contact us for a free, no-obligation consultation. We are happy to help you make informed and confident decisions about your next steps. To request an appointment with Deanna J. Bowen, a divorce lawyer in Gurnee, IL, please call 847-623-4002 or contact us online today.
- [The “Dos and Don’ts” of Preparing for a Divorce in Illinois](https://www.deannabowen.com/divorce-in-illinois-dos-and-donts-to-prepare/): If you are preparing for a divorce, there are several steps you will want to take to ensure that you are as prepared as possible. At the same time, there are some all-too-common mistakes that you will want to be careful to avoid. With this in mind, here are some important “dos and don’ts” for preparing for a divorce in Illinois:
- [How To Get A Fast Divorce: 7 Ways You Can Help](https://www.deannabowen.com/fast-divorce-seven-ways-to-help-make-it-fast/): If you are like most people who are ready to get divorced, you want the process to go as fast as possible. You are prepared to move on to the next stage of your life, and you aren’t the least bit interested in a drawn-out legal battle. You want to reach an agreement that allows you to move forward, and you don’t want to spend more time than is necessary thinking about your divorce.
- [Should You Get A Divorce Before the End of the Year?](https://www.deannabowen.com/divorce-before-the-end-of-the-year/): As we discuss below, there can be benefits to finalizing a divorce before the end of the year. Some of these benefits are more significant than others—and while some may be worth considering when it comes to the timing of your divorce, others shouldn’t factor too heavily into your decision-making. Getting divorced is a big decision with a lifetime of implications, so, ultimately, you must focus on doing what is best for you (and your children, if you have any) long-term.
- [Agreed Divorce: 7 Important Factors To Consider](https://www.deannabowen.com/agreed-divorce-7-important-factors-to-consider/): An agreed divorce is a good option for many spouses who are ready to bring their marriage to an end and move on to the next stage of their lives. In an agreed divorce, the spouses work to finalize the terms of their separation without going to court—and this saves time, money, and stress in all aspects of the process.
- [Important Considerations for Divorces Involving Children with Special Needs in Illinois](https://www.deannabowen.com/divorcing-with-a-special-needs-child/): Like most things in life, getting divorced presents special considerations for parents of children with special needs. While all divorcing parents need to ensure that they are making informed decisions with their children’s best interests in mind, this can take on even greater importance for parents divorcing with a special needs child who may have developmental disabilities, physical limitations, and other life-changing medical conditions.
- [Do We Both Need a Divorce Lawyer?](https://www.deannabowen.com/do-we-both-need-a-divorce-lawyer/): If you and your spouse have decided to get divorced, you probably have lots of questions. You probably have questions about what you can expect during the divorce process, and you probably have questions about what is (and isn’t) necessary to make sure the process doesn’t leave you facing problems in the future. If you are like many people, your list of questions includes whether you and your spouse each need your own divorce lawyer, or whether you can hire a single lawyer to help you navigate the process.
- [Developing a Parenting Plan in Illinois](https://www.deannabowen.com/developing-parenting-plan-illinois/): For couples that have minor children (under age 18), developing a parenting plan is a necessary part of the divorce process. A parenting plan establishes each parent’s post-divorce rights and responsibilities, and having a comprehensive plan is essential for avoiding post-divorce disputes while ensuring that the couple’s children have consistency and stability in their lives.
- [Child Custody Factors: What Divorcing Parents Need to Know](https://www.deannabowen.com/child-custody-what-parents-need-to-know/): In Illinois, divorcing parents with minor children are required to establish a custody plan based on the state’s “best interests” factors. Also known as Illinois’s child custody factors, these factors prioritize the needs of the children involved, though they do so with a broad-based approach that factors in the parents’ wants, needs, and capabilities as well.
- [What If There Are Certain Assets You Want to Keep After Your Divorce in Illinois?](https://www.deannabowen.com/keeping-certain-divorce-assets/): When getting divorced in Illinois, spouses must divide their marital assets according to the state’s “equitable distribution” law. Specifically, the law requires that divorcing spouses divide their marital assets “in just proportions considering all relevant factors,” which include things like:
- [Advise From An Illinois Divorce Lawyer: Divorce in 2024](https://www.deannabowen.com/advice-from-illinois-divorce-lawyer/): If you are ready to start the divorce process in 2024, what do you need to know? Here are some key facts from Illinois divorce lawyer Deanna J. Bowen:
- [Pursuing an Agreed Divorce: What Spouses in Illinois Need to Know](https://www.deannabowen.com/pursuing-an-agreed-divorce-what-spouses-in-illinois-need-to-know/): When it is time to bring your marriage to an end, the most efficient way of doing so is by pursuing an agreed divorce. An agreed divorce avoids the need to go to court (other than to formalize the dissolution of your marriage), and, as a result, it significantly reduces the time and costs involved.
- [2023 Year in Review: Key Lessons for Spouses Considering a Divorce in the New Year](https://www.deannabowen.com/2023-year-in-review-key-lessons-for-spouses-considering-a-divorce-in-the-new-year/): Your divorce lawyer will be able to help you determine which of your assets are on the table in your divorce. But, to do so, your lawyer will first need to know what assets you and your spouse own. For more information, you can read: Tips for Creating a Property Inventory for Your Divorce.
- [What Are Your Options for Child Custody in Illinois?](https://www.deannabowen.com/what-are-your-child-custody-options-in-lllinois/): If you are preparing for divorce (or separation) in Illinois and would like to learn more about your child custody options, we invite you to get in touch. To request a free initial consultation with Gurnee, IL, family lawyer Deanna J. Bowen, please call 847-623-4002 or contact us online today.
- [Do You Need a Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO) for Your Illinois Divorce?](https://www.deannabowen.com/qdro-for-your-illinois-divorce/): So, when do you need a QDRO during an Illinois divorce? Generally speaking, divorcing spouses in Illinois will need a qualified domestic relations order whenever they decide to divide one or more retirement accounts (or pensions) as part of the equitable distribution process. As long as the spouses agree, obtaining a QDRO is generally straightforward, and the savings achieved by avoiding early distribution penalties are well worth it.
- [Tips for Creating a Property Inventory for Your Divorce](https://www.deannabowen.com/tips-for-creating-a-property-inventory-for-your-divorce/): When preparing to go through a divorce, one of the first steps you need to take is to create an inventory of your property. Unless you and your spouse have a prenuptial agreement, you will need to divide your property inventory according to the principles of “equitable distribution” during the divorce process—and this starts with knowing all of the assets on the table.
- [Illinois Divorce Roadmap: What to Expect Once You or Your Spouse Files for Divorce](https://www.deannabowen.com/illinois-divorce-roadmap/): Knowing what to expect during the process can help ease some of the stress of divorce. If you know what to expect, you can plan ahead and feel confident in your decision-making. With this in mind, we have prepared an Illinois divorce roadmap that provides an overview of the steps involved in going through a divorce.
- [Glossary: Understanding the Terminology in Your Illinois Divorce](https://www.deannabowen.com/understanding-the-terminology-in-your-illinois-divorce-bowen/): As you go through the divorce process, you must make several very important decisions. To make these decisions, you will need to have a clear understanding of the legal and practical implications involved. But, understanding everything you need to know can be challenging—as even the terminology involved is unfamiliar to most spouses.
- [What Documents Do You Need When Filing for Divorce in Illinois?](https://www.deannabowen.com/documents-need-when-filing-for-divorce-illinois/): Getting divorced is a formal legal process, and, as such, it requires several standard legal documents. There are documents that you will need to collect as you prepare for your divorce as well—and the more effort you put into preparing for your divorce, the smoother the process will typically go.
- [How Do We Prepare for an Uncontested Divorce in Illinois?](https://www.deannabowen.com/how-we-prepare-for-uncontested-divorce-in-illinois/): If you and your spouse have decided that it’s time to end your marriage, you are not alone. Lots of marriages end in divorce; and, while some divorces come as a surprise to one spouse, it is becoming increasingly common for spouses to agree that getting a divorce is the right thing to do.
- [Why Do Divorces End Up in Court (and How Can I Keep Mine Out)?](https://www.deannabowen.com/divorces-end-up-in-court/): While most divorces don’t go to court, some do. Going to court adds time (and cost) to the process, and it also means that both spouses lose control over the outcome. As a result, going to court is rarely either spouse’s preferred approach, and most divorce lawyers will focus on finding ways to help their clients reach an amicable out-of-court resolution.
- [5 Reasons to Hire Your Own Divorce Lawyer (Even if You and Your Spouse Are on the Same Page)](https://www.deannabowen.com/reasons-to-hire-your-own-divorce-lawyer/): When divorcing spouses are at odds, they will each need to hire a lawyer to guide them through the divorce process. Each spouse will need legal advice that is tailored to his or her individual circumstances, and each spouse will need to rely on the advice of a lawyer who has his or her best interests in mind.
- [How the Family Court Decides Who Gets Custody of a Child in Illinois](https://www.deannabowen.com/family-court-custody-child-illinois/): When a couple with children decides to get a divorce or separation in Illinois, one of the most pressing issues that must be addressed is child custody. Custody is a legal term that refers to the right and responsibility to make important decisions about the child's upbringing, including education, healthcare, religion, and extracurricular activities. There are different types of custody arrangements that Illinois law recognizes, and the family court takes various factors into account to determine which parent should get custody. In Illinois, there are several types of custody that the family court recognizes, including sole custody, joint custody, and split custody. The court will take into account a range of factors when deciding which parent should have custody, with the overriding concern being the best interests of the child.
- [Special Considerations for Divorcing Before 50 in Illinois](https://www.deannabowen.com/5-key-issues-to-consider-for-divorce-before-50-in-illinois/): If you are considering a divorce before age 50, you are not alone. While statistics show that the divorce rate is increasing among seniors, the majority of divorces occur while spouses are in their 20s, 30s, and 40s.
- [Handling Sentimental Items in Divorce: Photo Albums, Collections, and Keepsakes in Illinois](https://www.deannabowen.com/handling-items-with-sentimental-value-during-divorce-illinois/): In Illinois, dividing your marital assets is a necessary part of the divorce process. Neither spouse gets to keep everything, and Illinois’s equitable distribution law requires that each spouse receive a “just proportion” of the marital estate based on a variety of different factors.
- [2023 Illinois Divorce Guide: What Spouses Who Are Contemplating Divorce Need to Know](https://www.deannabowen.com/illinois-divorce-guide/): It’s a new year, and for many spouses that means it’s time to move on. Statistics show that divorce filings increase after the holidays, and many dissatisfied spouses make it their New Year’s resolution to get a fresh start.
- [Should You Pursue an Uncontested Divorce in Illinois? 10 Key Questions to Consider](https://www.deannabowen.com/uncontested-divorce-illinois-key-questions-to-consider/): If it is time to bring your marriage to an end, one of the first considerations you will need to address is how to approach your divorce. In today’s world, there are several options available, and divorcing spouses can choose the option that makes the most sense for their family and financial circumstances.
- [What Are the Most Common Problems During the Divorce Process in Illinois?](https://www.deannabowen.com/common-problems-during-divorce-process-in-illinois/): When going through a divorce in Illinois, it is possible for several different problems to arise. While it is also possible to avoid (or overcome) these problems by taking an informed approach to the divorce process, many spouses—and particularly those without legal representation—lack the insights they need to make informed decisions.
- [BIFF Communication for Coparents After a Divorce](https://www.deannabowen.com/biff-communication-for-coparents-after-a-divorce/): For former spouses who choose to co-parent after their divorce, maintaining effective communication is critical. Coparenting requires former spouses to communicate regularly, and, if their communications become hostile or unproductive, this can cause significant problems that can be difficult to overcome.
- [7 Common Issues After a Divorce (and How to Avoid Them in Illinois)](https://www.deannabowen.com/how-to-avoid-common-issues-after-divorce/): Are you considering a divorce in Illinois? If so, we encourage you to contact us for more information. To schedule a free initial consultation with Gurnee divorce attorney Deanna J. Bowen, please call 847-623-4002 or request an appointment online today.
- [Answers to 10 FAQs about Hiring a Divorce Attorney in Illinois](https://www.deannabowen.com/faqs-about-hiring-divorce-attorney-illinois/): If you are preparing to go through a divorce and have questions about hiring a divorce attorney, you are not alone. Many of our clients come to us with questions not only about what they can expect from their divorce but also about what they can expect from their legal representation.

## Pages
- [Sitemap – Deanna Bowen](https://www.deannabowen.com/sitemap/)
- [Privacy Policy](https://www.deannabowen.com/privacy-policy/): The Law Office of Deanna J. Bowen is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Statement sets forth our current privacy practices with regard to the information we collect when you or your computer interact with https://www.deannabowen.com/. By accessing https://www.deannabowen.com/, you acknowledge and fully understand our Privacy Statement and freely consent to the information collection and use practices described in this Website Privacy Statement.
- [Uncontested Divorce Lawyer](https://www.deannabowen.com/uncontested-divorce-lawyer-in-il/): UNCONTESTED DIVORCE LAWYER IN ILLINOIS
- [About Our Lake County Divorce Attorneys](https://www.deannabowen.com/about/): PROVIDING YOU WITH LEGAL REPRESENTATION TAILORED TO YOUR SPECIFIC NEEDS
- [Lake County Divorce Attorneys for Post Judgment](https://www.deannabowen.com/post-judgment/): For 20 years our clients have been looking to Ms. Bowen for legal counsel when it comes to modifying divorce terms when life circumstances call for change or enforcing an existing divorce decree. Whatever your circumstances, you will be able to look to us for the candid feedback you need to understand the options available to you on a wide variety of post-judgment issues such as:
- [Lake County Attorneys for Child Support](https://www.deannabowen.com/child-support-attorney/): At the Law Office of Deanna J. Bowen, as a child support attorney in Gurnee and Lake County, Illinois we assist clients with their child support needs. In doing so, we draw on the experience of our founding lawyer, Deanna Bowen.
- [Lake County Attorneys for Allocation of Parental Responsibility](https://www.deannabowen.com/child-custody-attorney/): PARENTAL RESPONSIBILITY ALLOCATION ATTORNEY IN ILLINOIS
- [Illinois Family & Divorce Law Blog](https://www.deannabowen.com/blog/): THE LATEST NEWS & RESOURCES ABOUT ILLINOIS FAMILY LAW
- [Lake County Divorce Attorneys](https://www.deannabowen.com/divorce-lawyer-in-lake-county-il/): For more than 20 years as a divorce lawyer in Lake County, IL, Deanna Bowen has served the family law needs of clients facing a divorce. Her experience provides you with the insights needed to uncomplicate the legal headaches often associated with getting a divorce. If you are in need of a divorce attorney in Lake County and Gurnee, IL then Deanna J. Bowen is the best choice for you. She offers several services that can help make your divorce go smoothly. She has been in practice as a divorce lawyer for more than 20 years and knows how to navigate the complications that often come along with the divorce process. Armed with Ms. Bowen's skill, knowledge, and fortitude, our firm works tirelessly to represent our clients in a wide variety of marital dissolutions, including:
- [Lake County Divorce Attorneys](https://www.deannabowen.com/): DIVORCE ATTORNEY & FAMILY LAWYER IN LAKE COUNTY, ILLINOIS