High-conflict divorces can drain your energy, finances, and emotional well-being—but they don’t have to. In this episode, host Greer Howard and top Illinois divorce attorney Bobby Buchanan break down the five most common mistakes people make during high-conflict divorces and share practical strategies to avoid them.

From letting emotions take over, to mismanaging finances, to losing sight of what’s best for the kids—Bobby walks listeners through real-life examples and gives expert advice on how to keep things calm, strategic, and under control.

Whether you're just starting the process or feeling overwhelmed in the thick of it, this episode will empower you to make smart, informed choices and protect what matters most.

In This Episode:

• Why emotional control is your greatest asset
• How to set communication boundaries that actually work
• The financial blind spots that could cost you
• Why “winning” isn’t the goal—and what is
• How to minimize the impact of divorce on your children
  
  

This is a must-listen if you're facing a difficult divorce and want to keep your sanity and your future intact.

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 episode of the Illinois Divorce Guide Podcast, host Greer Howard and top Illinois divorce attorney Bobby Buchanan tackle one of the most complex and misunderstood aspects of divorce: distinguishing between marital and non-marital property.

Bobby answers real listener questions covering scenarios like:

• If a spouse invests in a home you owned before marriage, do they gain ownership?
  
  
• What happens when you add your spouse to a property title—did you just transmute it?
  
  
• Does contributing more financially mean you get more in the divorce?
  
  
• Can one spouse keep their retirement or business if it was built during the marriage?
  
  
• How is debt handled—especially if one spouse racks up credit cards or hasn’t filed taxes?
  
  

This episode dives into legal gray areas around gifts, reimbursements, intent, and even the emotional challenges of fairness versus legal standards. If you're facing property division in your divorce or want to understand your rights, this 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.

In this episode of the Illinois Divorce Guide Podcast, Greer Howard and top Illinois divorce attorney Bobby Buchanan dive into one of the most important financial aspects of divorce: understanding the difference between marital and non-marital property.

From inherited assets and retirement accounts to real estate and debt, Bobby breaks down what gets divided during a divorce—and what doesn’t. You’ll learn how Illinois law classifies assets, how “commingling” can impact ownership, and what “transmutation” really means in divorce proceedings.

Bobby also shares insight into equitable division (hint: fair doesn’t always mean equal) and explains how tools like prenuptial and postnuptial agreements can help protect your interests. Whether you're contemplating divorce or already in the process, this episode offers clarity and practical knowledge to help you make informed decisions about your financial future.

🎧 Listen now to understand:

• What qualifies as marital vs. non-marital property
• How courts approach asset division in Illinois
• Why “mixing” your assets might change ownership classification
• The impact of inheritance, mortgages, and renovations
• How to safeguard your assets during marriage

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 episode of the Illinois Divorce Guide, host Greer Howard and top Illinois divorce attorney Bobby Buchanan unpack one of the most critical—and often urgent—phases of the divorce process: temporary orders and emergency relief.

Whether it’s about securing parenting time, protecting your finances, or staying in your home, Bobby breaks down when and why these legal tools are necessary, how they differ, and what the process really looks like.

You’ll learn:

• The difference between a temporary order and an emergency order
• How courts decide custody and financial support during the divorce
• What to expect when requesting temporary child support or spousal support
• How long these orders typically take and what delays to anticipate
• The risks of moving out of your home (especially without the kids)
• What happens if your ex doesn't comply with a court order

Bobby also offers key tips on preparing for this stage of your divorce, including how to avoid common mistakes and set yourself up for long-term success—especially when it comes to parenting and financial stability.

Stay empowered, informed, and prepared as you navigate this stage of your divorce journey.

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 Part 2 of our deep dive into litigation, Greer Howard and Bobby Buchanan continue unpacking what really happens when your divorce case heads to court. This episode focuses on the critical players and pivotal moments of trial proceedings in Illinois.

Bobby explains the roles of attorneys for children—including Guardian ad Litems (GALs) and Child Representatives—and how their involvement can significantly impact custody outcomes. He also outlines what happens at pretrial hearings, the appointment of experts like child custody evaluators and business valuation professionals, and what to expect during the actual trial, from opening statements to witness testimony and cross-examinations.

If you're wondering what it's like to stand before a judge, deal with opposing counsel, or receive a final ruling in court, this episode offers clarity and guidance. Whether you're preparing for trial or hoping to avoid it altogether, this conversation will help you make informed, empowered decisions during a difficult time.

🎧 Listen in and learn:

• When and why a GAL or Child Rep is appointed
• What pretrial conferences reveal about your case’s direction
• How custody evaluators and financial experts influence outcomes
• What really happens during trial (and how different it is from TV)
• Why most cases settle—and what happens if yours doesn’t

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 episode of the Illinois Divorce Guide, Greer Howard and family law attorney Bobby Buchanan unpack one of the most common—and complicated—questions in divorce: When should you file? Together, they explore how timing can impact financial outcomes, custody arrangements, and even your emotional well-being.

Bobby offers strategic insights into why waiting might be wise in some cases and how acting quickly can be critical in others. You'll also learn how to prepare before filing, what legal steps to consider, and why consulting an attorney early on can shape your path forward. Whether you're ready to file or still weighing your options, this episode delivers the clarity and guidance you need.

In this episode:

• When and why divorce cases go to court
• What happens when you file for divorce
• Serving your spouse—options and strategy
• Temporary orders for parenting and finances
• The discovery process and financial disclosures
• How to uncover hidden assets or issues
• Court-ordered mediation and pretrial conferences
• Costs and risks of litigation
• Why most cases settle before trial

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 episode of the Illinois Divorce Guide Podcast, host Greer Howard is joined by top Illinois divorce attorney Bobby Buchanan to explore the powerful alternative of collaborative divorce. Together, they break down how this non-adversarial approach empowers couples to settle their divorce outside of court with the support of a professional team—including attorneys, financial experts, divorce coaches, and child specialists.

🔍 What’s in this episode:

• What collaborative divorce is and how it works
• The key differences between collaborative divorce and mediation
• The benefits of collaborative divorce, including privacy, reduced stress, and lower cost
• Challenges and limitations—when this approach may not be the right fit
• Real-life examples involving co-parenting, complex finances, and high-net-worth cases
• The role of professionals like divorce coaches, child specialists, and financial experts
• Step-by-step breakdown of the collaborative divorce process—from start to settlement
• Tips on how to approach your spouse about choosing collaboration
• How collaborative divorce can lead to better long-term outcomes for families

If you're looking for a healthier, more constructive way to navigate divorce, this episode is full of practical insight and encouragement.

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 follow-up to our deep dive on the benefits of mediation, Greer Howard and top Illinois divorce attorney Bobby Buchanan walk you through the actual steps of the mediation process. From initiating a conversation with your spouse to finalizing your agreement in court, this episode breaks it all down into practical, manageable phases.

You'll learn:

• How to approach your spouse about mediation
  
  
• What to expect in the initial consultation
  
  
• The types of homework and prep you'll do
  
  
• What happens in real mediation sessions
  
  
• The role of attorneys (and when to involve one)
  
  
• How mediation wraps up — and what happens if it fails
  
  

If you're considering divorce or already navigating the process, this episode offers clarity, strategy, and a sense of calm during what can be an emotional time. Mediation might not be right for everyone, but understanding how it works is a key first step.

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.