When a client has ties to both Illinois and Florida, the choice of jurisdiction can significantly affect divorce timelines, leverage, and overall outcomes. This program compares key aspects of Illinois and Florida divorce law—including jurisdiction and residency requirements, property division, alimony or maintenance, parenting and custody, and child support—to help family law attorneys advise clients strategically from initial intake through final resolution.
Credits: 1 General, 0 Diversity/Inclusion PR, 0 MH/SA PR, 0 Other PR
Wednesday, June 17, 2026
Via Live Webcast
12:00 – 12:30 Log-in to the webcast via your account at www.iicle.com
12:30 – 1:30 Illinois vs. Florida Divorce: Where to File, Strategy, and Outcomes
When a client has ties to both states, choosing Illinois vs. Florida can change divorce timelines, leverage, and outcomes. This program compares Illinois and Florida divorce law on jurisdiction/residency, property division, alimony/maintenance, parenting/custody, and child support so family law attorneys can advise strategically from intake through resolution.
Russell D. Knight, Law Office of Russell D. Knight, Chicago & Naples, FL
Presented by Russell Knight, licensed in Illinois and Florida and a Chicago divorce lawyer since 2006, this session delivers a practical roadmap for where to file when a divorce could proceed in either state. Drawing from his Illinois‑vs‑Florida analysis of how forum selection can change timelines, leverage, and outcomes, starting with jurisdiction and residency, attendees will leave with clearer intake and strategy frameworks for dual‑state cases.
What You’ll Learn:
- Identify jurisdiction/residency triggers for filing in Illinois vs. Florida.
- Compare property division and alimony/maintenance outcomes across states.
- Anticipate key differences in parenting/custody and child support strategy.
Russell D. Knight, of the Law Office of Russell D. Knight, has been practicing family law as a Chicago divorce lawyer since 2006. Knight is licensed in both Illinois and Florida. He received his B.S. from Bradley University and his J.D. from the University of Illinois College of Law. Russell has been published numerous times by the Illinois State Bar Association, and quoted regarding family law in NBC News, Parent’s Magazine, Inc. Magazine, Newsweek and many more. He is the author of the Illinois Institute for Continuing Legal Education (IICLE), Family Law: Dissolutions of Marriage Court Proceedings 2024 Edition, Chapter 3 - Obtaining Orders of Protection. He completed NITA’s 2‑day deposition course, the National Family Law Trial Institute‘s 8‑day regular program and the 3‑day advanced cross‑examination program. He was a faculty member on the 2‑day IICLE Trial Training for Family Law Attorneys program.
