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 »

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 »