In re Marriage of May

Published: 2/17/2026
By Jonathan D. Steele
In re Marriage of May

What should you know about in re marriage of may?

Quick Answer: Case Summary: In re Marriage of May - The article analyzes the Illinois appellate case *In re Marriage of May*, in which a spouse's dissipation claims were entirely barred because her notice failed to include the statutorily required date when the marriage irretrievably broke down—a requirement the court held to be mandatory, not directory. The piece emphasizes that in high-asset divorces, procedural precision is critical, and failure to comply with statutory notice requirements can result in complete forfeiture of otherwise valid claims.
undefined

Frequently Asked Questions

How do appellate decisions affect my divorce case?

Illinois appellate decisions interpret statutes and establish binding precedent for trial courts. A relevant appellate ruling can significantly impact your case strategy, available arguments, and likely outcomes. Your attorney should research recent decisions affecting your specific issues.

Can I appeal my divorce judgment in Illinois?

Yes, but appeals are limited to legal errors, not disagreement with factual findings. You must file a notice of appeal within 30 days of the final judgment. Appellate courts review whether the trial court applied the law correctly and whether findings are against the manifest weight of evidence.

What does 'unpublished' mean for Illinois appellate decisions?

Unpublished decisions (marked '-U') may not be cited as precedent under Illinois Supreme Court Rule 23. While they show how courts analyze issues, they don't establish binding legal rules. Published decisions create precedent that lower courts must follow.

Jonathan D. Steele

Written by Jonathan D. Steele

Chicago divorce attorney with cybersecurity certifications (Security+, ISC2 CC, Google Cybersecurity Professional Certificate). Illinois Super Lawyers Rising Star 2016-2025.

Free Case Assessment

For more insights, read our Divorce Decoded blog.

Serving Chicago & Suburbs

Gold Coast Streeterville Ukrainian Village Lincoln Square Near North Side Lincoln Park River North Lakeview Wicker Park Old Town West Loop The Loop
Cook County Lake County DuPage County Will County Kane County