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.

In this episode of the Illinois Divorce Guide Podcast, Greer Howard and top Illinois divorce attorney Bobby Buchanan dive into the second phase of the divorce process - what to expect and what to prioritize between days 31 and 60 after the case officially begins.

Bobby breaks down what an “appearance” actually is, why it matters, and how this simple document signals that the divorce is officially underway. From there, Greer and Bobby explore one of the most important (and often most overwhelming) steps: the financial affidavit. They discuss what documents you need, why transparency matters, and the emotional realities that often come with digging through your financial history.

You’ll also learn:

• Why procrastinating on your financial paperwork can derail your case
 • How to handle a situation where you suspect your spouse isn’t being truthful
 • When it makes sense to file a temporary motion—and when it may backfire
 • What judges won’t do (even if you’re hoping to “air the dirty laundry”)
• The real timeline for getting financial support orders in place

This episode is full of practical guidance and realistic expectations to help you stay grounded during a high-pressure stage of the divorce process.

Next week, we continue the series with a deep dive into mediation, negotiation, and the discovery phase.

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.

The first 30 days after filing for divorce can feel like a whirlwind — full of emotions, unanswered questions, and new realities. In this episode, Greer Howard and top Illinois divorce attorney Bobby Buchanan break down what really happens during this crucial first phase of the process.

From understanding what it means to “serve” your spouse and how long they have to respond, to managing communication, finances, and parenting routines Bobby shares practical strategies to help you stay calm, informed, and in control.

You’ll learn:

• What it actually means to serve divorce papers and when the legal “clock” starts ticking
• How to handle communication with your spouse (and what not to text or email)
• Why maintaining your family’s daily rhythm is essential for your kids
• What to do if your spouse doesn’t respond — and how to avoid escalating tension
• How to manage money, bills, and access to funds during this early stage

Whether you’ve just filed or are preparing to, this episode will help you navigate the emotional and legal realities of those first 30 days with clarity and confidence.

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.

If you’re approaching the final stretch before filing for divorce, you’re not alone and chances are, you have a lot of questions. In this episode, Greer Howard and Illinois divorce attorney Bobby Buchanan tackle the 10 most common questions people ask during the crucial “pre-divorce” period.

From whether you should move out, open a separate bank account, or start dating again, to how long the process might really take if you keep things civil Bobby breaks down each concern with practical, real-world advice.

You’ll learn:

• When (and when not) to move out if you have kids
• What happens if you open your own bank account
• How dating can affect your custody case
• Whether your texts, emails, and DMs can be used against you
• And how to keep the process faster, smoother, and less expensive

If you’re in that 90-day countdown to divorce, this episode gives you the clarity and confidence you need to take your next steps wisely.

🎧 Listen now and take control of your future with knowledge on your side.

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 can feel like a pressure cooker—emotions are high, stress is constant, and one wrong move can turn everything into chaos. In this episode, top Illinois divorce attorney Bobby Buchanan shares how to take control of the storm and choose diplomacy over drama in the crucial 90 days leading up to divorce.

Bobby explains why emotional regulation is the foundation of a smoother divorce process, how therapy can help you regain clarity, and what practical steps like organizing finances and managing communication can keep things from boiling over. You’ll also learn how to stay strategic, set realistic goals, and approach negotiations with calm and confidence.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How to manage your emotions and set the tone for a low-drama divorce
• Why therapy can be one of your best tools during the early stages
• What to avoid when it comes to venting—especially with kids or on social media
• Practical ways to prepare financially and get your paperwork in order
• How to handle texts, emails, and digital communication wisely
• The importance of focusing on the “big rocks” first to make real progress
• Why a solution-focused mindset can turn even stressful moments into opportunities

Whether you’re just beginning to plan or already deep in the process, this episode will help you move from reactive to proactive and design a post-divorce life you love.

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 listener Q&A episode of The Illinois Divorce Guide Podcast, Greer Howard and top Illinois divorce attorney Bobby Buchanan tackle real questions from listeners navigating the challenges of divorce.

From whether to shut down a joint bank account before filing to how courts handle kids’ extracurricular costs, Bobby breaks down the “smart, fast, and private” approach to making sound legal and emotional decisions.

You’ll learn:
 💰 What to do (and not do) with joint accounts before filing
 🏠 When a spouse can force the sale of the family home
 💼 How retirement accounts are divided—and why 50/50 isn’t always required
 🖋️ What happens if your spouse refuses to sign the settlement
 ⚖️ How judges view kids’ sports, therapy, and major expenses
 🚪 Plus: A rapid-fire “Lightning Round” of quick legal questions from changing locks to dating before your divorce is final

Whether you’re just beginning the process or deep in the details, this episode is packed with clarity, practical insight, and the reassurance that you don’t have to go through it alone.

👉 Listen now to gain a smarter, calmer perspective on the decisions that matter most in your 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: [email protected]

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

In today’s world, nearly every part of our lives is online from our phones and tablets to streaming accounts and shared calendars. But when divorce enters the picture, all that digital connectivity can turn into a source of stress, confusion, and even conflict.

In this episode, Greer Howard and top Illinois divorce attorney Bobby Buchanan dive into how to protect your digital privacy during a divorce. They cover everything from unlinking shared devices and checking auto-forwarded emails to managing social media and keeping kids’ accounts safe.

Beyond the tech tips, Bobby and Greer also explore the emotional side of digital boundaries—why curiosity and communication matter more than control, and how managing your emotions can help keep your divorce faster, calmer, and more private.

In this episode: 

• Why emotional control is the first step in protecting your privacy
• Common digital pitfalls to watch out for (shared iPads, synced devices, auto-forwarded emails)
• How to set smart boundaries around social media and communication
• Simple steps to keep your information and peace of mind secure

If you’re navigating a divorce in today’s digital age, this episode will help you take control of what you can, protect your information, and move forward with clarity and confidence.

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.

Life doesn’t stand still after divorce—kids grow up, jobs change, and circumstances shift. But what happens when your divorce agreement no longer fits your reality?

In this episode, Greer Howard and family law attorney Bobby Buchanan dive into what you can and cannot modify after a divorce is finalized. 

They cover:

• The difference between property division (final) vs. custody, parenting time, and support (modifiable)
• What counts as a “substantial change in circumstances” and when courts will consider updates
• Real-life scenarios, from relocation and job changes to new medical needs, remarriage, and teen preferences
• Why mediation often comes first and how to minimize drama if you do end up back in court

Whether you’re years past your divorce or currently negotiating an agreement, this conversation sheds light on how to adapt when life changes and how to keep 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.

When divorce involves a business, the stakes and the questions grow quickly. In this episode of the Illinois Divorce Guide, Greer Howard talks with top Illinois divorce attorney Bobby Buchanan about how owning a business affects the divorce process and what steps can help protect both your livelihood and your peace of mind.

In this episode: 

• Determining whether a business is marital or non-marital property
• How business valuation works and the three common approaches experts use
• Handling discovery for business finances and keeping records clean
• Options for dividing or retaining a business, from buyouts to asset offsets
• Special considerations for family-owned companies and the role of prenups
• Valuing “owner-dependent” businesses where the work relies entirely on one person
• Why a collaborative, non-emotional approach is critical when a business is involved

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.

What happens when you’re ready to move forward with a divorce but your spouse isn’t? In this episode, Greer Howard and Illinois divorce attorney Bobby Buchanan dive into one of the most emotionally charged situations in family law: when one spouse wants out, and the other wants to stay.

They break down:

• Why emotional timelines rarely match up between spouses
• The importance of clarity before filing for divorce
• How filing too quickly can backfire and even make things public before you’re ready
• What happens if your spouse refuses to respond or participate in the process
• Legal tools like default divorce and subpoenas, and when they come into play
• Strategies for reducing resistance, inviting cooperation, and protecting yourself

Whether you’re the spouse ready to file, or the one blindsided by the news, this conversation offers both practical legal insight and compassionate guidance for navigating a difficult and deeply personal process.

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.