That approximately fifteen (15) years ago on a suggestion from Wendy Morgan, my partner at the time, Louis Capozzoli, and I decided to take payments from clients through credit cards.  This allowed our clients to pay their bills by using a credit card.  This did enhance our firm’s revenue. The only  drawback is the discount rate charged by the various credit card companies for using their credit cards.  The discount rates can go as high as 3 ½ % based on the credit card used.  As an example, a Visa Platinum Card that was used for payment came out at a discount rate of 3.31 because of the fact that it not only had airline miles on the card but also a point system that allowed the cardholder to redeem points for merchandise.  These perks, on the high-end cards, are paid for by the merchants. READ MORE »

That recently, the Circuit Court of Cook County Amended Rule 13.3.1 the Rule relates to mandatory disclosures.  Previously, the Rule provided that a party seeking child support, maintenance, modifications of child support or maintenance, Section 513 hearing attorneys fees or any other matter involving the sharing, splitting or allocating of expenses must include a Disclosure Statement prior to the Hearing.

The amendments to Rule 13.3.1 now mandate that the Disclosure Statement in a Pre-Judgment Case must be filed no later than thirty (30) days after the service on the Respondent and the Respondent should file his or her Disclosure Statement thirty (30) days after filing their appearance or not less than seven (7) days prior to a Hearing whichever date first occurs. READ MORE »

The Illinois Supreme Court appears to have finally clarified the issue of the timeliness of a Contribution Action for Attorneys Fees in Post Decree proceedings in a Dissolution case.  The case of Blum v. Koster, 2009 WL 321542 has resolved the conflict in the Appellate Districts on this issue.

The conflict was started shortly after the amendment to Section 508 of the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act.  Prior to June 1, 1997, Section 5 of the Act exclusively governed Petitions for Attorneys Fees.  However, effective June 1, 1997, Section 508 of the Act was substantially amended and Section 503(j) of the Act was added. READ MORE »