Any Illinois couple going through a divorce has to deal with big changes and complicated decisions, but those couples who are older and have been married for many years face challenges different than those faced by younger couples. When it comes to older couples and divorce, child custody, visitation, or child support are no longer an issue, but finances and property division become much more crucial in the divorce process. According to a study by Bowling Green University, the divorce rate … [Read more...]
Protect yourself from zombie foreclosures
In a standard foreclosure situation, the bank takes possession of the home from the current owner and then sells it at auction. However, if the bank chooses to save on costs associated with seizing the home and never officially forecloses on the property, the home will become a zombie foreclosure and the owner’s name will remain on the property title. According to CBS News, these cases occur in over a third of all foreclosures in the country and homeowners often do not discover that they are … [Read more...]
Helping children cope with divorce
One unfortunate side effect of ending a marriage in Illinois is the negative impact that it can have on a couple’s children. Divorce can disrupt a child’s understanding of the world, leaving them feeling lost, confused, and worried. Parents who decide to separate should insure that special care is taken to help their children deal with the life change they will experience. According to a study by the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, children under the age of five whose parents … [Read more...]
New Illinois health care power of attorney amendment raises concerns
Earlier this year, the research group Purple Insight released a study that showed that older Americans strongly feel doctors should be held accountable to any health care directive that a patient gives. Additionally, nearly 25 percent of the more than 1,000 adults 50 or older surveyed said that either they or a family member has experienced unwanted or excessive medical treatment. The study demonstrates the importance of putting in place a power of attorney for health care matters. However, … [Read more...]
What does a home inspection include?
A home inspection is a visual inspection of the structure and components of a home. If the inspector discovers any aspect of the home’s systems or structure that is unsafe or deteriorating, they will include this in their report and include what further actions need to be taken. Before property buyers close on a new home, they should use this information to determine when the listed repairs need to be completed and who is responsible for paying for them. Exterior During the home … [Read more...]