For many people, the holidays mean traveling to visit close friends or extended family. Consequently, this is the time of year when roads are often the worst. Keep yourself and your family safe this holiday season using the following five tips for  driving on icy, congested roads. Also learn where to turn for help if an auto accident does occur.

1. Prepare Your Vehicle for Winter Weather 

Driving on roads that are slick or icy is very different from driving on the dry pavement. Your tires, which usually grip the road, need good traction, possibly even chains, to ensure that your vehicle does not slide around on the ice, slush, water, or snow. Cold weather can also kill a vehicle's battery, so make sure yours is checked before heading out this holiday season. Check fluids, install new windshield wipers (if necessary), and ensure your gas tank stays half full whenever it must be parked on your trip (i.e. staying the night in a hotel).

2. Plan Your Route and Departure Ahead of Time

As the holidays draw nearer, you may want to start paying attention to the weather to plan both your route and departure. Ideally, you would make your departure at a time that allows you to completely bypass any severe weather, but if avoiding snow and other poor weather conditions is impossible, plan your route carefully. Try to avoid areas that may be hit with the worst of the storm, and maybe even be willing to drive a little out of your way if it can keep you and your family safe.

3. Drive Safe and Slow in Poor Weather Conditions 

While it is always important to drive safely, poor weather conditions increase the need for care and diligence on the road. Increase your following distance to accommodate for slower stop times, give yourself extra time to stop or turn (but avoid doing both whenever possible), and avoid making any sudden, jerky movements while driving. If the conditions are slick or wet, slow down a little as well, as faster traveling can increase your chances of hydroplaning or sliding out of control on ice or slush.

4. Pull Over if Driving Becomes Dangerous 

If you find yourself driving in conditions that are worse than expected, play it safe and simply pull over, out of the danger zone. While, yes, it may be inconvenient to delay your arrival time, it is far better to avoid an accident whenever possible.

5. Keep an Emergency Kit in Your Car

No matter how much you plan and prepare, the risk of an accident or needing to stop are still higher in the ice and snow. Be prepared by keeping an emergency kit in your car. Include things like food and water if you will be traveling a long distance, and keep extra clothes and blankets in your vehicle, in case you are stuck and cannot start your car. Your emergency kit should also include everything you need in the event of an injury (i.e. first aid kit, a cell phone with good service, etc.), as well as supplies that you may need if you get stranded, have a minor slide, or pull off the road and get buried. Examples might include cat litter, a shovel, and bright clothing to tie to your car so that you can be seen.

If a Crash Occurs, Contact Our Joliet Auto Accident Injury Lawyers for Help

Accidents during the holidays increase, not just because of road conditions, but also because there are often more drivers on the road. Know how to handle a crash - not just in the moment, but in the weeks and months that follow. Contact our Joliet car crash attorneys and increase your chances of a full and favorable settlement in your personal injury case. Call 815-666-1285 today.

Source:

https://exchange.aaa.com/safety/driving-advice/winter-driving-tips/#.XA4J_C2ZPVo

The United States Constitution indicates that Americans have “the right to bear arms,” but there are some situations that may hinder (or even outright eliminate) an individual's “right” to own, use, or carry a firearm. Since gun laws are made and enforced at the state level, these conditions can vary from one state to the next. Learn more about the consequences of breaking firearm laws in the state of Illinois, and discover how a seasoned criminal defense lawyer may be able to help.

What Constitutes Unlawful Possession of a Firearm in Illinois? 

In the state of Illinois, gun owners must possess a Firearm Owner's Identification Card, otherwise known as an FIOD. Without it, you risk being charged with unlawful possession of a firearm. Moreover, if you wish to carry a concealed weapon, you must also possess a permit for doing so. If you are caught with a concealed weapon and do not have one, you could face criminal charges. Other scenarios that may lead to criminal charges for unlawful possession of a firearm include:

• Being a minor (under age 18) in possession of a firearm of a size that may be concealed (even if you are not actively concealing it);
• Possessing a firearm or ammunition when you are under the age of 21 in and have a misdemeanor conviction of any kind (other than traffic offenses);
• Possessing a firearm or ammunition if you have been a mental institution patient within the last five years;
• Being a narcotic addict and having a firearm or ammunition in your possession;
• Possessing an explosive bullet or another prohibited weapon; and
• Possessing a firearm or ammunition when you have been convicted of a felony in any state.

Unlawful Possession of a Firearm - Examining the Consequences of a Conviction 

Depending on the situation, unlawful possession of a firearm may be classified as either a Class A misdemeanor or a Class 4 felony in the state of Illinois. Note that you can be charged with multiple counts of unlawful possession of a firearm - one for each gun or piece of ammunition that is found in your possession at the time of arrest. So, if you had one gun and seven bullets, you could be charged with as many as eight counts of unlawful possession of a firearm.

Consequences for a Class A misdemeanor charge can include up to a year in jail, two years of probation, and as much as $2,500 in fines and penalties. Unlawful possession felony convictions can result in up to three years in prison, 30 months of probation, and significant fines.

Criminal consequences should not be your only worry, however, as there are also what is known as collateral consequences for those who are convicted of unlawful possession of a firearm. These can include:

• Difficulty finding or retaining employment, due to your criminal record;
• Rejection of your application to certain colleges or universities;
• Difficulty obtaining financial aid if you are ever accepted to a college or university;
• Trouble qualifying for welfare, public assistance, or housing assistance programs; and
• Possible deportation if were not born as a U.S. citizen.

Contact Our Joliet Weapons Defense Attorneys for Aggressive Representation 

When facing criminal charges, it is important to know you can trust the attorney representing you. Backed by decades of experience and known as one of the most aggressive legal defense teams in the state, the Law Offices of Tedone and Morton, P.C. are the ones to contact. Schedule your consultation with our Plainfield weapons charges defense lawyers by calling 815-733-5350 today.

Source:

http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/fulltext.asp?DocName=072000050K24-1.1

While divorce can negatively impact all involved parties, children are often the most vulnerable. They also have little to no control over their situation, and that can lead to all sorts of problems later on down the line, such as social isolation, emotional or behavioral issues, and poor academic performance. Yet, when done under the right circumstances, with the child's best interests in mind, divorce can sometimes benefit children. In the following sections, you can learn more on how to effectively balance your child's best interests against your own needs to achieve the latter situation.

Is Divorce Bad for Kids? 

For decades, parents were led to believe that divorce is inherently “bad” for children. Yet, as time passes, research shows it is not necessarily the divorce process that negatively impacts children, so much as it is their home environment.

Researchers of a monumental study came to this conclusion after following groups of children whose parents fought frequently (children who started out in tumultuous home environments). Some of those marriages ended in divorce. Others stayed together. Interestingly enough, it was the children from divorced homes that fared better in this study. Similar results have been found in other scenarios, such as marriages that involve an element of domestic violence. In short, children do not always suffer from divorce, at least not long-term - but when married parents are miserable and unhappy, children may actually benefit more from a separation or divorce.

Balancing Your Wants Against Your Child's Best Interests in Divorce

Of course, not all marriages are quite as conflict-ridden as those in the previously mentioned study. In fact, more and more parents these days are striving for an amicable end to their union. How does this affect children, and how can parents balance their own wants against the needs and best interests of their child?

The answer may not be entirely straightforward, but it is clear: Parents are encouraged to carefully consider their child's bond with each parent, how living in either home might impact their life, and how often their child may be capable of moving from one home to the next. In short, you really have to take yourself out of the equation.

Try to remember that your chid loves both of his or her parents, and that more and more studies are showing that children actually benefit most when they have ample time with both parents (so long as the relationship is a safe and healthy one). As such, Illinois and several other states are now considering bills that propose a 50-50 parenting time split as the starting point in a divorce.

Getting the Parenting Time You Deserve Now

Until the bill in Illinois is either passed or rejected, divorcing fathers must continue to fight for their right to equal time with their child. In fact, studies have shown that this state is one of the worst for fathers when it comes to court-ordered parenting time determinations. Thankfully, with skilled and aggressive legal counsel during the divorce process, fathers can increase their chances of getting the parenting time that they so rightfully deserve.

Contact Our Joliet Parenting Time Attorneys 

With over 60 years of experience, the Law Offices of Tedone and Morton, P.C. can help you reach a fair parenting time determination in your divorce. Our seasoned Joliet divorce lawyers also know how critical protection can be for divorcing domestic violence victims and their children, and we skillfully and compassionately assist them as they navigate through the complex legal processes that may be necessary in their divorce. Whatever your needs, you can trust that our firm will strive to meet them with professionalism and empathy. Call 815-666-1285 today.

Sources:

https://www.livescience.com/6648-divorce-bad-kids.html

https://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/barrington/community/chi-ugc-article-proposed-5050-visitation-bill-a-court-enfor-2018-04-17-story.html

https://www.chicagotribune.com/lifestyles/parenting/ct-life-divorced-dad-custody-study-20180606-story.html

In the year 2016, more than 10,000 people were killed during a drunk driving accident, and another 290,000 were injured. Compensation may not make up for what these victims have lost, but it can help them and their families cover any final expenses, medical bills, lost wages, and treatment or rehabilitation costs that resulted from the crash.

Unfortunately, the path to financial recovery can be long and complex. Worse yet, victims are often denied the settlement that they deserve, as insurance companies regularly make low-ball offers and attempt to shift at least some of the blame for the crash over to the victim. Learn how you can protect yourself from such occurrences while recovering damages after an accident with a drunk driving, and discover how assistance from a seasoned drunk driving accident lawyer can improve the outcome of your case.

Protecting Your Right to Pursue Fair Compensation 

In an attempt to gain the business of consumers, insurance companies will often sell the image of a caring, compassionate company that is there for their customers in times of need. The truth paints a very different picture, however. Victims face the risk of denied claims if they fail to adhere to any part of the claims process, and even when they are successful in navigating it, their payouts are often smaller if they do not have legal representation. That is because insurance companies know that victims are unaware of just how much their injuries are worth.

Victims also tend to overlook certain aspects of their claim, such as post traumatic stress or the loss of a loved one. Insurance companies use this lack of knowledge to their advantage, often giving victims a low-ball settlement very soon after the accident. The hope is that victims will simply take the amount offered, rather than seek legal assistance to determine whether they are receiving a fair amount. All too often, they are successful.

An attorney can protect a victim's right to pursue fair compensation by first analyzing the case to determine how much the victim may be owed. They can then use this information to negotiate a suitable settlement for the victim. They can even take the issue to court, if necessary (but most cases settle before a trial). This level of assistance also allows the victim the opportunity to focus on healing from their injuries, rather than the complex claims process.

Contact Our Joliet Drunk Driving Accident Attorneys 

If you or a loved one has been injured in a drunk driving accident, ensure you have skilled legal protection and assistance with the claims process. Contact the Law Offices of Tedone and Morton, P.C. P.C., where your health, happiness, best interests, and future are our top priority. As one of the most trusted firms in Will County, our team of seasoned Joliet drunk driving accident lawyers have the knowledge, skills, and experience to effectively and aggressively pursue the most compensation possible in your case. Call 815-666-1285 to schedule your free consultation.

Source:

https://crashstats.nhtsa.dot.gov/Api/Public/ViewPublication/812450

Child support is intended to offset the costs of raising a child for the primary parent, which can ultimately improve the child's overall living conditions. Unfortunately, some paying parents do not seem to understand the value of their financial contribution. They dodge payments or stop making them altogether and leave the custodial parent with all the responsibility, which can cause unnecessary suffering for the child. Learn more about your options in such a situation, and discover how the assistance of a seasoned family law attorney can help to improve the outcome of your overdue child support case.

Avoid Taking Matters Into Your Own Hands

When a child is suffering unnecessarily, and the person who can help refuses to do so, parents receiving child support can become angry, frustrated, and distressed. These feelings can sometimes lead them to take matters into their own hands. Common actions involve showing up at a paying parent's home or place of employment, demanding payment, and withholding court-ordered parenting time.

Sadly, when custodial parents behave in such a way, they not only add unnecessary stress to their own life, but they also put themselves at risk for negative action from the non-custodial parent. A parent who receives support can be held in contempt if they start to withhold court-ordered parenting time from the delinquent parent, as these legal matters are considered separate by the courts. Showing up at a paying parent's home or work only puts one at risk for criminal charges (i.e. stalking, etc). Thankfully, there are more effective ways to pursue overdue child support.

More Effective Methods for Pursuing Overdue Child Support

Parents who are searching for a more effective way to recover overdue child support payments may wish to go through the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (DHFS), which has the power to garnish a delinquent parent's wages. They can also intercept tax refunds, report the overdue support to credit agencies, or suspend a delinquent parent's driver's license or professional license to recover or encourage payments. Unfortunately, the staff to case ratio is an area of concern for many receiving parents, as it can sometimes take months or years to achieve positive results through DHFS.

Contact our Plainfield, IL Child Support Lawyers

At the Law Offices of Tedone and Morton, P.C., we believe that every child deserves the love and support of both biological parents. Our Will County child support attorneys can help you recover overdue child support payments, even if you have been unsuccessful in using other methods. Depending on the situation, we may even be able to help you collect interest on the past-due payments. Start by calling 815-733-5350 and scheduling a free consultation with our offices today.

Sources:

https://www.illinois.gov/hfs/ChildSupport/parents/Pages/FAQs.aspx#remedies

http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/documents/075000050k505.htm