Belleville, Illinois Family Law Blog

When someone changes gender, he or she typically begins using a different name that matches the preferred gender. However, if you have changed your gender, it is important to make your name change legal so you can use your chosen name on all important documents, such as your driver’s license, Social Security card, birth certificate, passport and others.

When these documents do not accurately reflect your identity, you may encounter difficulties when trying to prove your identity. When these documents appropriately reflect your identity, you can prevent many of the potential difficulties that could arise while applying for jobs, traveling or other circumstances when these documents must be presented as proof of your identity.

Advance preparation before divorce, including research into Illinois law and getting paperwork organized, may help the divorce process move along more smoothly. However, the fact remains that divorce is stressful, and the first step for anyone considering it should be to make sure it is the right choice.

Next, people should get their finances in order. They should order copies of credit reports, close any shared accounts and make a post-divorce budget. They should also gather as many financial records as they can, including information on retirement accounts, bank statements, tax returns and investment information. Thinking about both financial and personal goals for after the divorce, people may be able to make a plan about what assets they want to keep in the divorce. For example, many people may find that a post-divorce budget reveals an inability to afford the family home.

Being an entrepreneur can be incredibly rewarding. However, it can also come with its challenges. For married business owners, this can include challenges related to maintaining a strong and healthy relationship. There are certain things about the entrepreneurial life that could put stress on a marriage.

It can be very important for married startup owners to be aware of these pressure points so they can take steps to address them and keep them from weakening their marriage. Some of the things about running a startup that could lead to challenges within a marriage are: