Blog Posts

How Does A Collaborative Divorce Differ From A Traditional Divorce?

Divorce is a challenging and emotionally charged process, often depicted as adversarial and contentious. However, in recent years, there has been a growing recognition of alternative methods to navigate this difficult terrain. Among these alternatives, collaborative divorce has emerged as a popular choice for couples seeking a more amicable and cooperative approach to ending their

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Contested Divorces and Uncontested Divorces

At the outset, before divorces move forward there are two routes the process can go to reach completion. One option is the contested route and the other is the uncontested route. While many believe divorce to be an inherently contentious process there are many couples who successfully utilize the uncontested divorce process. What is an

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Can My Child Testify in Court in Illinois?

In legal proceedings such as a divorce in Illinois or an allocation of parental responsibilities (formerly called “child custody”) case in Illinois, the testimony of children can play a crucial role in determining the outcome of a case. In an Illinois divorce or an Illinois child custody case, there are laws and guidelines governing the

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How Can I Obtain Legal Guardianship of a Child in Illinois?

In Illinois, when a child’s biological parents cannot or will not properly care for the child, you may be able to seek and obtain legal guardianship of the child in Illinois. This can happen when a child’s biological parents pass away, during or following a DCFS case, where one of both parties are unable to

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Protecting Your Child from Your Former Spouse

If you are fearful that your child is in danger from your former spouse or will be put into danger when your spouse has parenting time with your child, there are options for you to take to safeguard your child. How do I Protect my Child from my Abusive Ex? If you fear that your

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What Are My Rights as the Grandparent of a Minor Child?

When families go through significant changes such as a divorce in Illinois, separation, or the loss of a parent, grandparents often play an increasingly important role in the child’s life. However, in Illinois, grandparent’s rights are not automatic. The law generally defers to the rights of the custodial parent to make decisions about who may have contact with their child,

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The Ins and Outs of Adoption in Illinois

An adoption is a significant court proceeding that permanently terminates the birth parents’ rights and responsibilities and establishes new, legally enforceable adoptive parents’ rights and responsibilities. Each type of adoption in Illinois involves unique procedures, court pleadings to be drafted and further documentation. Whether you’re seeking to file a Petition for Adoption of a child or considering the differences

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Right of First Refusals

When parents are going through a divorce or separation, one of the most important issues is how parenting time is managed to best serve the child’s needs and best interests. One tool used to help achieve this goal is the right of first refusal, which can be included in a parenting plan. So, what is

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Removing or Adding Names to a Birth Certificate in Illinois

The process of modifying a birth certificate in Illinois, whether to add or remove a name, involves specific legal steps to ensure compliance with the laws of the State of Illinois. Addressing questions like “How do I remove my name from a birth certificate?” or “How do I add my name to a birth certificate?”

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Division of Property: Businesses

When going through a divorce in Illinois, one of the most complex and emotionally charged questions that arises is whether a business is considered a marital asset. If you or your spouse own a business, whether founded before or during the marriage, it may be subject to asset division in an Illinois divorce. Illinois follows the equitable distribution approach,

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