Law Office of Russell D. Knight

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Law Office of Russell D. Knight Full service family law firm located in downtown Chicago. Call us today for more information.

10/16/2026

Common law marriage isn't recognized in Illinois or Florida or most other states. The states that do recognize it are the exception. Everywhere else, cohabitation is just cohabitation, no matter how long it lasts.

The people who feel this most are the ones who spent decades building a life with someone, assumed their commitment was legally recognized, and found out otherwise at exactly the wrong moment.

No property rights.
No spousal support.
No claim to retirement accounts.

The law treats a 20-year relationship the same as a 20-day one if there was never a marriage.

If you're in a long-term relationship without a marriage license, a cohabitation agreement is the only legal protection you actually have.

A cohabitation agreement can establish financial rights and expectations that the law won't automatically provide. Don't wait until a crisis to figure out where you stand.

GAL Reports Shape 90% of Chicago Custody CasesIllinois courts appoint a Guardian Ad Litem to investigate home situations...
10/16/2026

GAL Reports Shape 90% of Chicago Custody Cases

Illinois courts appoint a Guardian Ad Litem to investigate home situations and report findings to the judge under IL Supreme Court Rule 907.

Read more: https://rdklegal.com/what-is-a-guardian-ad-litem-or-child-representative-in-chicago-illinois/

If your Chicago divorce or parentage case may involve a Guardian Ad Litem or Child Representative, contact The Law Office of Russell D. Knight today for a free consultation and speak with an experienced family law attorney at (773) 334-6311.

10/15/2026

Thinking about hiding assets in your divorce? Think again. 🚫

Those financial disclosures are signed under oath. If something turns up missing, the other side can depose you, subpoena your accounts and even bring in a forensic expert. At that point, the judge will believe the expert, not you.

Disclose everything and get your case over with.

Hidden Assets Can Undo Your Entire DivorceIllinois courts can vacate a final divorce if hidden assets surface. A guilty ...
10/14/2026

Hidden Assets Can Undo Your Entire Divorce

Illinois courts can vacate a final divorce if hidden assets surface. A guilty spouse may be barred from testifying and owe 9% interest.

Read more: https://rdklegal.com/what-is-the-penalty-for-hiding-assets-in-an-illinois-divorce/

If you suspect your spouse is hiding assets in an Illinois divorce, The Law Office of Russell D. Knight is ready to help. Call (773) 334-6311 today to schedule a free consultation with an Illinois divorce attorney.

10/13/2026

Being angry during a divorce is understandable.

But anger can become expensive when it starts making your decisions for you.

Sending the text. Picking the fight. Refusing the compromise. Spending money just to prove a point.

Those decisions can feel justified in the moment and create consequences that last much longer.

You do not have to stop being angry. You have to make sure your anger is not making decisions that affect your future.

10/12/2026

A good divorce attorney tells you what you need to hear, even when it’s the last thing you want to hear.

Agreement isn’t advocacy. And validation isn’t a legal strategy.

You’re hiring someone to protect your future, not reinforce your perspective.

Illinois Renamed Custody in 2016Illinois now requires parenting plans covering education, health, religion, and extracur...
10/12/2026

Illinois Renamed Custody in 2016

Illinois now requires parenting plans covering education, health, religion, and extracurricular activities for separating parents.

Read more: https://rdklegal.com/allocation-of-parental-responsibilities-and-parenting-time/

Contact The Law Office of Russell D. Knight today at (773) 334-6311 to schedule a free consultation about parental responsibilities, parenting time, and your rights as a parent under Illinois law.

10/11/2026

Nobody gets married hoping to become an expert in conflict, financial disclosures, or negotiating with someone who knows exactly how to push their buttons.

But divorce has a way of forcing you to develop skills you never thought you’d need.

The ability to separate emotion from strategy is one of the most valuable. The people who skip this lesson are the ones who leave the marriage with broken relationships with their children and less money in their pockets than necessary.

10/10/2026

Does your divorce lawyer actually try cases? Most people interview a divorce lawyer by asking about fees.

Ask this instead: "How many cases have you taken to trial?"
Watch the reaction. Hesitation tells you everything.

Your spouse's attorney is asking the same question about yours. Make sure the answer intimidates them.

While most cases do not go to trial, what if yours does? Which kind of attorney would you want advocating on your behalf when the time comes?

10/09/2026

3,000 years later, still true. In divorce, the loudest voice rarely wins. The most informed one does.

When emotions surge, the instinct is to be heard: the furious text at midnight, the social media post, the impassioned monologue in mediation. It feels cathartic in the moment. Catharsis and strategy rarely coincide.

Understanding is the discipline that wins.
Understand the law that governs your case.
Understand your finances down to the last account.
Understand what your children need from you right now.
Understand your spouse’s position well enough to anticipate it.

The person who listens first almost always negotiates best.

Address

1165 N. Clark # 700
Chicago, IL
60610

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

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