Mediation is a part of a process known as alternative dispute resolution, which involves resolving issues outside of the courtroom. In child custody matters, mediation refers to a process where the parties to a divorce come together with a trained mediator to work out custody and visitation issues in their case. The mediator's role is one of a referee, facilitating communication between the parties as they work out the issues in their divorce, and how they would like to see them resolved. Mediators can either be appointed by the judge in the case, or agreed to by the parties. For …

Winning the lottery is not always a cause for eternal bliss. If you are going through a divorce when lady luck knocks on your door, notifying your soon-to-be ex-spouse of your win is necessary. Depending on when and how you obtained the lottery ticket, the winnings may be marital property under Illinois law.

In a divorce proceeding, a court can sometimes award one spouse maintenance. This is a monetary award usually paid monthly by one divorcing spouse, which is supposed to help support the other divorcing spouse. Spousal support can be awarded to either spouse, and is based on the facts of a case and a judge's consideration of certain factors provided by the law. Divorcing parties can also come together and agree to the amount of support to be paid based on negotiations, or on a prior document such as a prenuptial agreement. Spousal maintenance is not awarded based on which spouse was …