Thinking about moving out during your divorce? Not so fast.

In this episode of the Illinois Divorce Guide, Greer Howard and top Illinois divorce attorney Bobby Buchanan break down one of the most common and misunderstood questions in divorce: when is it actually the right time to move out?

They explore the emotional, legal, and financial implications of leaving the shared home before your divorce is finalized. From parenting time and custody risks to property rights and financial obligations, Bobby explains why moving out too soon can backfireand how to do it smart if it's truly time to go.

What you’ll learn:

• Why moving out without a custody agreement can jeopardize parenting rights
• How temporary arrangements often become permanent in the eyes of the court
• What “nesting” is and when it might work
• Whether moving out means giving up rights to equity in the home
• What to consider if you’re renting, owning, or trying to sell
• Why communication and trust are key—and when to involve a lawyer

Whether you’re ready to go or just starting to explore your options, this episode will help you move forward with clarity, strategy, and confidence.

🎧 Tune in now to learn how to protect your future before packing your bags.

Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Please consult a professional for legal guidance specific to your situation.

Connect with Us:

📺 Watch More on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@illinoisdivorcetv/
🌐 Learn More: https://www.rbbfirm.com
📞 Consult Bobby’s Firm: 312-757-4833
📧 Email: info@rbbfirm.com

If you found this episode helpful, be sure to subscribe, rate, and review to help others going through the divorce process.

In this spicy episode of the Illinois Divorce Guide Podcast, hosts Greer Howard and Illinois divorce attorney Bobby Buchanan dive deep into one of the most emotionally charged topics in divorce: alimony also known as maintenance in Illinois.

They break down:

• Who qualifies for alimony and why
• How Illinois courts determine whether maintenance is appropriate
• The formula used to calculate alimony payments
• The difference between alimony and child support
• How long alimony typically lasts—and what affects the duration
• Whether cheating or remarriage impacts alimony (spoiler: cohabitation can)
• The option of a lump-sum buyout instead of monthly payments
• Why alimony isn’t about punishment—it’s about financial balance after sacrifice

With real-life examples, legal insight, and a few laughs along the way (including one involving custom checks and a new spouse’s face), this episode helps demystify a topic that many find confusing or frustrating.

🎧 Whether you think you’ll be paying or receiving maintenance or just want to understand your rights, this episode is a must-listen.

Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Please consult a professional for legal guidance specific to your situation.

Connect with Us:

📺 Watch More on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@illinoisdivorcetv/
🌐 Learn More: https://www.rbbfirm.com
📞 Consult Bobby’s Firm: 312-757-4833
📧 Email: info@rbbfirm.com

If you found this episode helpful, be sure to subscribe, rate, and review to help others going through the divorce process.

“Why is divorce so expensive?” It’s one of the first questions people ask and unfortunately, the answer isn’t always straightforward. But in this episode, we’re breaking it all down.

Greer Howard and Illinois divorce attorney Bobby Buchanan walk through the real numbers behind different types of divorces - what they cost, why they vary so much, and how to avoid surprise expenses along the way. Whether you’re trying to keep things budget-friendly or preparing for a more complex split, this conversation is packed with insights that will help you make smarter financial choices.

We’ll break down:

• The true cost of a DIY divorce (and the hidden risks)
• What “limited scope” representation really means
• How negotiated and flat-fee options work—and when they make sense
• What to expect with mediation, collaborative divorce, and litigation
• Why the most expensive cases aren’t always the most complicated

If you’re planning a divorce—or just trying to get a handle on what it might cost—this episode gives you the clarity you need to move forward with confidence.

👉 Before you set your budget, hit play on this one.

Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Please consult a professional for legal guidance specific to your situation.

Connect with Us:

📺 Watch More on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@illinoisdivorcetv/
🌐 Learn More: https://www.rbbfirm.com
📞 Consult Bobby’s Firm: 312-757-4833
📧 Email: info@rbbfirm.com

If you found this episode helpful, be sure to subscribe, rate, and review to help others going through the divorce process.

Thinking about handling your divorce on your own to save money or keep things amicable? You’re not alone—but before you opt out of legal representation, it’s important to understand what’s really at stake.

In this episode, Greer Howard and Illinois divorce attorney Bobby Buchanan dive deep into one of the most common questions people ask when facing divorce: “Do I need a lawyer?”

From real-life horror stories (like the man who accidentally ended up with three wives) to scenarios where a DIY divorce might actually make sense, this conversation explores the pros, cons, and potential consequences of going it alone.

We’ll break down:

• When it might be okay to handle a divorce without a lawyer
• Real risks of DIY divorces, including missed assets and unenforceable agreements
• Why “fixing it later” isn’t always possible
• What limited-scope representation and flat-fee options might look like
• How to protect your peace of mind—without necessarily breaking the bank

Whether you’re in the early stages of separating or knee-deep in paperwork, this episode will help you make a more informed, confident decision about legal help.

👉 Thinking of going the DIY route? Listen to this first.

Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Please consult a professional for legal guidance specific to your situation.

Connect with Us:

📺 Watch More on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@illinoisdivorcetv/
🌐 Learn More: https://www.rbbfirm.com
📞 Consult Bobby’s Firm: 312-757-4833
📧 Email: info@rbbfirm.com

If you found this episode helpful, be sure to subscribe, rate, and review to help others going through the divorce process.

In this Q&A-style episode, Greer Howard and top Illinois divorce attorney Bobby Buchanan dive into some of the most common (and often overlooked) questions people have when facing divorce. From staying in the marital home to unexpected financial moves by a spouse, Bobby breaks down what you really need to know to protect yourself—legally and emotionally.

Listen in as they explore real-life hypotheticals and offer practical advice on:

• Whether you can stay in the home during the divorce (even if your ex wants to sell it)
• What happens if your spouse drains your joint bank account
• If dating before your divorce is final can hurt your custody case
• The risks of moving out when kids are involved
• Whether you should tell your employer about your divorce

Whether you're in the early stages of divorce or already in the thick of it, this episode is packed with guidance to help you make confident, informed decisions.

👉 Got questions of your own? Drop them in the comments—we might answer them in a future episode.

Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Please consult a professional for legal guidance specific to your situation.

Connect with Us:

📺 Watch More on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@illinoisdivorcetv/
🌐 Learn More: https://www.rbbfirm.com
📞 Consult Bobby’s Firm: 312-757-4833
📧 Email: info@rbbfirm.com

If you found this episode helpful, be sure to subscribe, rate, and review to help others going through the divorce process.

Being served divorce papers can feel like a punch to the gut—unexpected, overwhelming, and filled with confusing legal language but it doesn’t have to send you into a tailspin.

In this episode, attorney Bobby Buchanan and host Greer Howard break down exactly what to do when you're served with a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage.

They cover:

• What those documents actually mean
  
  
• Why staying calm and informed is your best first move
  
  
• How to find the right attorney based on your county
  
  
• What to expect from the summons, petition, and next steps
  
  
• Why the clock starts ticking—and what happens if you ignore it
  
  
• What’s real (and what’s boilerplate) in those intimidating legal claims
  
  
• How to build your emotional and professional support team
  
  

Whether you were blindsided or saw it coming, this episode is packed with practical advice to help you take control and make confident, informed decisions.

🎧 Subscribe, rate, and review to support the show and help others find it.

Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Please consult a professional for legal guidance specific to your situation.

Connect with Us:

📺 Watch More on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@illinoisdivorcetv/
🌐 Learn More: https://www.rbbfirm.com
📞 Consult Bobby’s Firm: 312-757-4833
📧 Email: info@rbbfirm.com

If you found this episode helpful, be sure to subscribe, rate, and review to help others going through the divorce process.

Serving divorce papers might be the legal way to start a divorce—but it’s not always the best way. In this episode, attorney Bobby Buchanan explains why serving your spouse should be a last resort, not your first move.

Bobby walks through seven practical and respectful alternatives to serving papers that can help you start the divorce process without escalating tensions or creating unnecessary drama. From attorney-drafted letters to informal settlement meetings and complete divorce proposals, you’ll learn how to keep things civil, cost-effective, and in your control.

Whether your divorce is amicable or you’re dealing with a stubborn spouse, this episode is packed with insights to help you move forward thoughtfully and strategically.

What you’ll learn:

• Why service is often the worst way to start your divorce
• How to start the process through conversation—not confrontation
• What a “friendly” lawyer letter can actually look like
• Ways to maintain privacy, avoid court, and reduce emotional stress
• How to keep your case moving when your spouse won’t engage

This episode is a must-listen if you want a divorce that’s efficient, private, and as peaceful as possible.

Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Please consult a professional for legal guidance specific to your situation.

Connect with Us:

📺 Watch More on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@illinoisdivorcetv/
🌐 Learn More: https://www.rbbfirm.com
📞 Consult Bobby’s Firm: 312-757-4833
📧 Email: info@rbbfirm.com

If you found this episode helpful, be sure to subscribe, rate, and review to help others going through the divorce process.

Dividing assets is only one part of the financial puzzle in a divorce—what about the debt? In this episode of the Illinois Divorce Guide Podcast, Greer Howard and top Illinois divorce attorney Bobby Buchanan break down how debt is handled during a divorce in Illinois.

From mortgages and credit cards to medical bills and tax liabilities, they discuss the emotional weight and legal complexity of splitting debt, how “marital” vs. “non-marital” debt is defined, and why staying informed is critical—whether you're preparing to file or already separated.

You'll also learn:
💳 What happens if your spouse racks up credit card debt during separation
🏥 How medical or cosmetic procedures can impact your financial settlement
🏡 Why staying in the marital home could mean taking on the mortgage
📉 How failing to address financial issues early can cost you—big time

If you’re considering divorce, this episode offers clarity on a topic most people overlook until it’s too late.

🎧 Subscribe, rate, and review the show—because knowledge is power during divorce.

Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Please consult a professional for legal guidance specific to your situation.

Connect with Us:

📺 Watch More on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@illinoisdivorcetv/
🌐 Learn More: https://www.rbbfirm.com
📞 Consult Bobby’s Firm: 312-757-4833
📧 Email: info@rbbfirm.com

If you found this episode helpful, be sure to subscribe, rate, and review to help others going through the divorce process.