You are a paralegal working in a small law firm in Chicago. A new client, Michael has come into your office because he is seeking a divorce from his common-law wife, Carol. He and Carol lived together for 20 years in the State of Iowa established a common-law marriage in the State of Iowa (Common-law marriages are legal in the State of Iowa). Michael and Carol have always considered themselves as man and wife, and held themselves out in the community as a married couple. During those 20 years together, they lived together, had two children, and acquired a lawncare and snow removal business. The parties separated six (6) months ago, and Michael now resides in Cook County. Carol remained living in Des Moines, Iowa with the children.

Michael wishes to have an amicable and dispute-free dissolution entered within the State of Illinois, and would like to see a fair division of the couple's assets and fair parenting time schedule for the children. Both Michael and Carol agree to have the marriage dissolved in Illinois. Michael does not want to involve the court system in the dissolution of his marriage.

Please draft a memo for your supervising attorney to read and review which explains Michael's goals, and whether your firm will be able to accomplish all of his stated goals. You should include in your discussion, the basis for your conclusions.