Belleville Legal Issues Blog

Tips to make child custody situations a bit easier for everyone

On behalf of Wilson, Dabler & Associates, L.L.C. on Thursday, February 28, 2019.

Life with children after a divorce isn't always easy. Not only do you have to deal with the usual issues that come with raising children, you also have to deal with potential conflicts with your ex. One way that you might be able to minimize the latter is by having a parenting plan that outlines what is going to happen with the children.

Many child custody cases involve parents who are going to work together for the children. Following some simple guidelines can help to make the situation a bit less stressful and easier to handle.

Reasons why a Breathalyzer test could render inaccurate results

On behalf of Wilson, Dabler & Associates, L.L.C. on Wednesday, January 30, 2019.

Most drivers aren't aware of just how inaccurate a Breathalyzer test result can be. But defense attorneys tend to know that they can challenge a Breathalyzer test in court if necessary. If they're successful with the challenge, the court will remove the results from the evidentiary record and the results can't be used against the defendant to convict him or her of a drunk driving crime.

Here are the most common reasons why a court might agree that a Breathalyzer test was inaccurate:

Understanding voluntarily assumed paternity

On behalf of Wilson, Dabler & Associates, L.L.C. on Saturday, December 29, 2018.

In the best of circumstances, both parents will agree on the question of who the father of the child happens to be. In fact, this is what happens in the vast majority of childbirths: The question of paternity doesn't create any issues at all.

When the parents agree about paternity, it's called "voluntarily assumed paternity." Even in circumstances when the question of paternity is a point of disagreement, the truth may come out when the parties realize that DNA evidence will provide a definitive answer.

Will a DUI checkpoint lead to an arrest?

On behalf of Wilson, Dabler & Associates, L.L.C. on Friday, December 7, 2018.

It doesn't matter where you're driving or the time of the day (although nighttime is more common), you could find yourself heading straight into a DUI checkpoint. As stressful as it may be, there are steps you can take to avoid trouble.

Adjust your attitude toward divorce to minimize its impact

On behalf of Wilson, Dabler & Associates, L.L.C. on Tuesday, October 30, 2018.

In the early days of the process, getting a divorce can feel like the end of your life as you know it. After all, you have likely spent many years devoted to the same relationship.

Now, you must consider your life moving forward without the other party. Especially if you are not the one to file for divorce, it can feel like your life is over when divorce becomes inevitable.

Do you know what assets are marital and which ones are separate?

On behalf of Wilson, Dabler & Associates, L.L.C. on Monday, October 1, 2018.

An Illinois divorce often comes with a generous serving of financial uncertainty. Many people will put off ending their marriage out of fear of how it will affect their finances. Educating yourself more about how the courts handle financial matters in the divorce can empower you to move forward with ending your marriage and getting on with your life.

For many couples, the biggest concern regarding the financial impact of divorce is how the courts will split up their assets. While it is impossible to predict the exact outcome of the asset division process in an Illinois divorce, understanding the standard that the court uses and how they define different classes of property can help you better understand what will likely occur in your divorce.

Should you go to court to fight a speeding ticket?

On behalf of Wilson, Dabler & Associates, L.L.C. on Monday, September 3, 2018.

Speeding, or intentionally driving faster than the posted speed limit, is likely one of the most ubiquitous crimes. Almost everyone speeds at some time or another. Whether you are a habitual offender or were just late to work one day, getting caught while speeding can turn a mildly unsafe practice into a major headache.

Many people who wind up with a speeding ticket just bite the proverbial bullet and pay the ticket. They may not understand that they do have the right to defend against a traffic citation in court. Even if they know that, they may not think that fighting against a simple ticket is worth their time or effort. For many people, however, pushing back against a speeding ticket is a smart decision.

Important things to remember about a parenting agreement

On behalf of Wilson, Dabler & Associates, L.L.C. on Thursday, August 2, 2018.

Going through the divorce process is never easy. In addition to your personal well-being, you must make decisions that protect your child or children as well.

A parenting agreement can go a long way in making life easier on you, your ex-spouse and your children.

Could hidden assets have an impact on your pending divorce?

On behalf of Wilson, Dabler & Associates, L.L.C. on Thursday, July 5, 2018.

If you are considering filing for divorce or have filed and are preparing to head to court, you should not ignore the potential for hidden assets. Hidden assets can actually take more than one form in the average divorce, and they can have an impact on the outcome of the asset division process.

Most people imagine that hidden assets are items or finances one spouse intentionally hides from the other and the courts. While this certainly does happen, this is not the only situation that can lead to hidden assets. You could simply overlook items of significant value while preparing your financial records for divorce. Understanding more about the asset division process in Illinois can help protect you from an unfair outcome to your divorce.

Take action to protect your teen from juvenile DUI charges

On behalf of Wilson, Dabler & Associates, L.L.C. on Sunday, June 3, 2018.

The teenage years are a time of experimentation and learning through mistakes. Even the best teenagers rebel during high school and college, trying drugs and breaking rules to see what they can get away with. For most teenagers, this rebellious period is uneventful and tapers off into adult responsibilities in time. For an unfortunate few, however, the consequences of teenage mistakes can haunt them for years and impact their future.

Alcohol is a common source of criminal issues for young adults. Those under the age of 21 are not allowed to drink, possess or purchase alcohol. Quite a few still try it, and some get caught in the process. Others get caught in an even worse situation, like trying to drive home after a party. If your child got arrested for driving under the influence (DUI), you need to take action as soon as possible.