Divorce doesn’t just change your relationship — it reshapes your finances in ways many parents don’t expect. In this episode of the Illinois Divorce Guide Podcast, Greer Howard is joined by top Illinois divorce attorney Bobby Buchanan to break down one of the most misunderstood (and emotionally charged) financial realities of divorce: how parenting time and child support directly impact your financial future.

Greer and Bobby walk through how Illinois child support guidelines actually work, why the court prioritizes formulas over fairness, and how parenting time percentages can drastically change child support obligations. They also unpack the difficult truth that courts expect both households to remain stable, even when that feels financially impossible and why this assumption can be especially challenging for stay-at-home parents navigating divorce.

This honest conversation is designed to help you avoid being blindsided, understand your options, and make more informed decisions for yourself and your children during the divorce process.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How Illinois calculates child support using strict income-share formulas
• Why child support is not based on “fairness” or affordability
• How parenting time percentages (40% vs. 50/50) can dramatically change support amounts
• Why some parents fight for parenting time for financial reasons and how courts view that
• When and how parents can agree to creative child support arrangements
• Why courts expect both parents to maintain stable homes after divorce
• The hidden risks stay-at-home parents should understand before and during divorce
• Practical advice for rebuilding financial independence after divorce

If you’re going through a divorce or even just thinking about one - this episode offers clarity, preparation, and hope through some of the hardest financial truths parents face.

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: [email protected]

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 Illinois divorce attorney Bobby Buchanan continue their conversation on the hidden financial “money drains” that can quietly derail a divorce. This week’s focus zeroes in on one of the most expensive and underestimated costs of divorce: conflict. Bobby explains how even small disagreements can snowball into months of litigation, five-figure legal bills, and emotional exhaustion — often without producing better outcomes.

Greer and Bobby also unpack several other common financial drains, including delays caused by disorganization, avoiding financial documents, slow decision-making, and fighting over items that ultimately don’t matter. Throughout the episode, Bobby shares practical strategies for reducing conflict, moving the process forward efficiently, and keeping emotions from driving costly decisions all with the goal of helping listeners protect both their finances and their peace of mind during divorce.

You’ll learn:

• Why conflict is often the most expensive line item in a divorce
• How avoiding financial documents can actually cost you more
• Why time equals money in divorce and how delays drive up fees
• How emotional decision-making leads to unnecessary financial drains
• Why fighting over small personal items can distract from major assets
• Practical ways to reduce conflict and keep your divorce moving forward

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: [email protected]

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

Divorce is emotionally hard but for many people, the financial shock is what hits the hardest.

In this episode of the Illinois Divorce Guide Podcast, host Greer Howard sits down with Illinois divorce attorney Bobby Buchanan to kick off a new series on the 10 harsh financial truths of divorce starting with the realities no one likes to talk about.

Together, they break down four critical financial truths that can make or break your divorce experience:

• Why divorce almost always doubles your living costs
• Why liquidity (cash) matters more than net worth during a divorce
• How temporary support orders work and how quickly they can impact your finances
• The hidden danger of emotional spending during an already stressful time

Bobby shares practical guidance on budgeting, planning ahead, avoiding costly court battles, and working collaboratively whenever possible to reduce financial damage. This episode is an essential listen if you’re considering divorce, currently going through it, or simply want to understand the financial realities involved.

🎧 If finances feel overwhelming right now, this conversation will help you replace panic with clarity and strategy.

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: [email protected]

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 Bobby Buchanan wrap up their series on temporary parenting time hearings by focusing on what happens after the hearing and how to move forward calmly, strategically, and child-focused.

Bobby explains what to expect once a judge issues a temporary ruling, how to live out a court-ordered schedule, and how these temporary decisions can influence your case long term. They also answer common listener questions and share practical tips to help parents avoid common pitfalls during this emotionally charged phase.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• What happens immediately after a temporary parenting time hearing
• Why the written court order matters more than what you heard in court
• How to handle a temporary schedule you don’t love (without hurting your case)
• What judges are really looking for when making parenting decisions
• How to protect your kids from conflict and avoid emotional missteps
• Answers to common questions about court etiquette, witnesses, recordings, and more

This episode is especially helpful if you’re feeling anxious, frustrated, or unsure about how to navigate life after a temporary parenting time ruling.

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: [email protected]

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

Stepping into a courtroom for the first time can feel intimidating especially when the stakes involve your children. In this episode of the Illinois Divorce Guide Podcast, Greer Howard and Illinois divorce attorney Bobby Buchanan continue their conversation about temporary parenting time hearings, focusing on what actually happens inside the courtroom and how to prepare yourself mentally and emotionally.

Bobby breaks down courtroom flow, judge expectations, and why temporary custody hearings are not about “winning” or proving who’s the better parent but about creating stability for your children right now. From how to address a judge to what happens if you don’t like the temporary order, this episode offers practical guidance to help you walk into court informed, calmer, and more confident.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why judges focus on the best interest of the child, not parental fault
• What to expect when your case is called and how hearings typically unfold
• Why negotiation is almost always preferred over forcing a hearing
• How pre-hearing conferences and judges’ recommendations work
• How to answer a judge’s questions clearly and effectively
• What happens if you disagree with a temporary parenting time order
• How your behavior after the hearing can impact future court decisions

Whether you’re preparing for your first court appearance or trying to understand the process better, this episode helps demystify what can otherwise feel like an overwhelming experience.

🎧 Tune in to learn how to approach your temporary parenting time hearing with clarity, confidence, and your child’s best interests at the center.

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: [email protected]

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

Going to court for a temporary parenting time hearing can feel intimidating especially when your kids are involved. In this episode, top Illinois divorce attorney Bobby Buchanan walks you through exactly what to expect before a temporary parenting plan hearing so you can show up prepared, confident, and child-focused.

They cover how to prepare for court, what documents actually matter (and which ones don’t), how judges think about temporary parenting schedules, and why mindset is just as important as logistics. Bobby also explains common mistakes parents make, how to present yourself in the courtroom, and why trying to reach an agreement outside of court is often the best outcome for everyone involved, especially your children.

This is part one of a two-part conversation. In the next episode, Greer and Bobby will dive into what actually happens once the hearing begins and you’re sworn in.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• What a temporary parenting time hearing is (and what it’s not)
• How to prepare before you walk into the courtroom
• What evidence judges actually care about in these hearings
• Why focusing on your child, not “winning” matters most
• How to present yourself and avoid common courtroom pitfalls
• When conflict rises to a level that requires more court involvement
  
  

🎧 Tune in to feel more informed, less anxious, and better prepared for what’s ahead.

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: [email protected]

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 family law attorney Bobby Buchanan dive deep into one of the most confusing parts of child support: add-ons.

These extra expenses like health insurance, uncovered medical bills, childcare, daycare, extracurricular activities, and school costs can often make up the bulk of the financial impact during and after divorce. And while the base support number is calculated by the state’s income-shares model, add-ons follow their own set of rules that many people don’t understand until they're already overwhelmed.

Bobby breaks down:
 ✔️ How health insurance premiums are split
 ✔️ What happens with uncovered medical bills (and why negotiation matters)
 ✔️ Why childcare and daycare can drastically shift finances
 ✔️ How extracurriculars and school expenses are typically handled
 ✔️ Whether 50/50 parenting time means 50/50 add-on expenses (spoiler: not always)
 ✔️ Pitfalls people don't anticipate like reimbursement timing and failing to update agreements
 ✔️ Real-life examples and hypotheticals that show how quickly expenses can change as kids grow

They also discuss why some parents find the financial transition shocking, how to avoid unnecessary attorney fees, and what to do if circumstances suddenly change like job loss or an ex dropping insurance coverage.

If you're navigating child support in Illinois, this episode will help you understand what the law requires, what’s negotiable, and where flexibility is key.

✨ Listen now to feel prepared—not blindsided—when it comes to child support add-ons.

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: [email protected]

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

Child support is one of the most confusing and most emotionally charged parts of the divorce process. In this eye-opening episode, Greer and top Illinois divorce attorney Bobby Buchanan break down exactly how child support is calculated in Illinois using real numbers, real examples, and the actual state calculator.

Bobby walks through how the “income shares” model works, why net income—not gross—matters most, and how factors like overnights, bonuses, and health insurance impact your final child support number. And yes… they talk about that infamous one-overnight difference that can swing child support by hundreds of dollars a month and over $180,000 across a child’s life.

They also cover:
 • What happens when the higher-earning parent has most of the overnights
 • Why 50/50 parenting time doesn’t automatically mean $0 child support
 • How bonuses and fluctuating income are handled through “true-ups”
 • Common pitfalls that cost parents thousands
 • Why documenting overnights is crucial and when moving out could hurt you
 • When asking for a court modification makes sense (and when it doesn’t)

Whether you’re negotiating parenting time, preparing for mediation, or just trying to understand what’s fair, this episode gives you the clarity you need to make informed decisions for your family.

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: [email protected]

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

Deciding whether to move out during a divorce is one of the most emotional and confusing questions people face. Will you lose time with your kids? Will moving out impact custody or child support? What happens to the mortgage, bills, or the equity in your home?

In this episode of the Illinois Divorce Guide Podcast, Greer Howard and top Illinois divorce attorney Bobby Buchanan break down the myths, risks, and practical realities behind moving out before your divorce is finalized.

They unpack:

•  The biggest custody mistake parents make when they leave the home
• Why moving out doesn’t mean giving up your rights to the equity in the house
• How child support calculations may drastically change based on overnights
• What to consider financially before supporting two households
• When safety, toxicity, or conflict make staying under one roof the wrong choice
• How to plan a smart, strategic separation that protects your rights

Whether you’re craving emotional relief, feeling stuck in a tense living situation, or trying to safeguard your relationship with your children, this episode will help you make a thoughtful decision—not one driven by urgency or fear.

If you're considering moving out, this conversation is essential before you take that 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: [email protected]

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

In part three of our 90-day divorce roadmap, Greer Howard and top Illinois divorce attorney Bobby Buchanan break down what to expect in days 61–90 of the process when things start to get real.

This stage is all about negotiation, potential mediation, and deciding whether discovery is necessary. Bobby shares why this is the “meaty” part of a divorce case, how most uncontested divorces can still wrap up within 90 days, and what actually moves cases forward versus what derails them.

You’ll learn:
 • How to approach negotiation so you don’t get stuck in costly conflict
 • What mediation looks like in Illinois and how to choose the right mediator
 • Why emotions run high and how to keep them from sabotaging your outcome
 • When discovery becomes necessary and what it really involves
 • Why so many long, expensive court battles end exactly where negotiations started

If you're navigating a divorce and want to avoid unnecessary drama, delays, and fees, this episode gives you the insight and strategy you need to stay focused and move forward.

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: [email protected]

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