October 2025

When conflicts arise, whether between spouses, co-parents, business partners, or colleagues, one of the first questions is how to resolve them. In Illinois, mediation has become a preferred alternative to litigation because it allows people to reach mutually beneficial solutions without the stress, cost, and public exposure of going to court. In this blog, we share “Why Illinois Families and Businesses Choose Mediation Over Litigation.”
Below are five compelling reasons more Illinois residents and businesses are turning to mediation to resolve disputes effectively and respectfully.

  • Mediation Saves Time and Money

    • Litigation is often lengthy and expensive. Court schedules, discovery, hearings,…
    Continue Reading 5 Reasons Illinois Families and Businesses Choose Mediation Over Litigation

    The more assets that spouses share with one another, the more opportunities there are for complications during divorce. Couples who have built a well-diversified portfolio of assets may have a lengthy negotiation process ahead as they prepare to divide their resources during divorce.To reach a fair outcome, spouses generally need to have an understanding of what their property is worth. Seeking out professional valuations of the most important assets in a marital estate can make a major difference for divorcing spouses.Why does valuation matter?Asset valuation is important during divorce because spouses may not know what their assets are truly worth.
    Continue Reading The value of valuations in a high-asset divorce

    Arlington Heights, IL Parentage LawyerFathers have important legal rights when navigating family court in Illinois during divorce and child custody cases. Still, many dads do not fully understand what those rights are or how to use them. The experienced DuPage County, IL fathers’ rights lawyers at A. Traub & Associates can guide you through each step and help you protect your role in your child’s life.
    Presumption of Equal Parenting Time in Illinois
    In recent years, Illinois law established a presumption that both parents are fit and that equal parenting time is in the children’s best interests. This means judges often try to create…
    Continue Reading Understanding Your Rights as a Father in Illinois Family Court

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    osamu nakazawa, Unsplash

    Today’s blog entry is a published decision from the Third Circuit, Montanez v. Price, here decided on October 8, 2025 (which was my birthday). It discusses a series of issues, including: the Eighth Amendment; what is a program, service, and/or activity; and nondelegable duty. More specifically, the blog entry is divided into the following  categories and they are: facts; Eighth Amendment overview/conclusions; who can be sued for the disability law claims; programs, services, and activities were involved; ADA/504 are nondelegable duties; and thoughts/takeaways. Of course, the reader is free to focus on any or all of the categories.

    Facts…
    Continue Reading Eighth Amendment, Title II, and Nondelegable Duty

    If you feel the desire to write a book, what would it be about?
    Glenn Carstens-Peters, Unsplash

    Both houses of the Illinois General Assembly passed SB 243 that amends the Open Meetings Act and the Freedom of Information Act in a number of ways. The bill (which passed October 15, 2025) now goes to the Governor for his signature. If signed by the Governor, the bill states it would become effective on January 1, 2026.

    1.    Meetings of Public Bodies Prohibited on Election Day

    The bill would amend the OMA to prohibit public bodies from holding or scheduling a regular or special meeting on the day of a general, consolidated, or primary election.

    2.   Military Service as …
    Continue Reading Illinois General Assembly Passes Bill Amending OMA and FOIA

    Disparti Law Group has recently been retained to represent a local man injured in a recent 18-wheeler accident at the intersection of Route 53 and South Chicago Street in southwest suburban Joliet. The crash, which tragically claimed the life of a Wilmington man and injured his young child, is now under investigation by local authorities.
    According to early reports, the collision involved a semi-truck driven by a 58-year-old man from Orland and another vehicle traveling in the Joliet area. The force of the crash caused significant damage and led to severe injuries for those involved. Our firm has been contacted…
    Continue Reading Disparti Law Group Represents Victim in Joliet-Area Truck Accident

    The venue was full, the food and drinks were flowing, and the spirits were high on this October evening in Noble Square.

    What made this particular event with Ankin Law and Bleacher Nation even better is that the team that everyone was rooting for got the victory.

    On October 13, Ankin Law and Bleacher Nation held a Bears Watch Party at Frontier Chicago as we invited over 200 fans to watch the team’s game against the Commanders at Monday Night Football.

    Attorney Howard Ankin along with Bleacher Nation personalities Michael Cerami and Luis Medina along with Betsperts’ Connor Allen were…
    Continue Reading Ankin Law and Bleacher Nation Team up For Another Watch Party!

    Trademark Tales of Terror: The Apparition on the Apparel: Brand vs. DecorationTrademark Ornamental Use is Decoration, Not a Brand: If you print a catchy phrase (like “STAY CREEPY”) or a large design prominently across the front of a shirt, the USPTO will usually consider that ornamental use (decoration). People buy it because they like the saying, not because they think the saying is the name of the clothing manufacturer.
    The post The Apparition on the Apparel: Brand vs. Decoration appeared first on King Patent Law.
    Continue Reading The Apparition on the Apparel: Brand vs. Decoration

    At one point, they were in the same position as the people they were meeting on Tuesday – law students looking for advice on how to find their place in the legal world.

    That’s what made October 14’s event at UIC Law unique for Attorneys Jake Nabat and Jennifer Kelly.

    They got the chance to go to the school’s State Street building to meet with those looking ahead to a career in the law.

    Ankin Law was proud to participate in the Legal Employer Showcase at UIC as both Jake and Jenny talked to a number of students about their…
    Continue Reading A Few Ankin Law Attorneys Offer Advice to UIC Law Students

    If you’ve been injured by a defective product, the type of lawyer you need is a product liability lawyer. These attorneys specialize in cases where a faulty or unsafe product causes harm to a consumer. At Phillips Law Offices in Chicago, Illinois, experienced product liability lawyers help injured victims recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering caused by defective or dangerous products. They work to hold manufacturers, designers, and distributors accountable for selling unsafe items to the public.
    Understanding What Defective Product Injury Claims Mean
    A defective product injury claim arises when a consumer is harmed…
    Continue Reading Which Lawyer Handles Defective Product Injury Claims?

    When you or someone you love suffers from injuries caused by a dangerous or defective drug, the person who helps is a dangerous drug injury lawyer. These attorneys specialize in handling cases where pharmaceutical companies, distributors, or healthcare providers fail to ensure the safety of medications. At Phillips Law Offices in Chicago, Illinois, our experienced attorneys help victims of unsafe drugs recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain, and suffering. We understand how devastating it can be when a medication meant to heal causes serious harm, and we’re here to guide you every step of the way toward justice…
    Continue Reading Who Helps With Dangerous Drug Injury Lawsuits?

    When a truck driver for the City of Chicago’s Public Library Department was injured unloading boxes of books, he reached out to Ankin Law for help. Attorney Scott Goldstein was happy to answer the call and help the injured driver receive fair compensation for his injury. The 57 year-old driver was hurt when he was unloading boxes of books at the Harold Washington Library Center. He tripped on a temporary dock plate and fell on his right side, primarily impacting his right shoulder and hip.

    The following months were spent battling the pain in his right shoulder through various injections…
    Continue Reading Chicago Library Department Worker Receives Shoulder Replacement Surgery

    Chicago, IL personal injury lawyerRefineries are among the most dangerous workplaces in Illinois. Fires, explosions, and chemical leaks can cause severe burns, breathing problems, and permanent disabilities. If you were hurt in a refinery accident, you may be able to file a personal injury claim to recover your losses. Our Chicago, IL personal injury lawyers have handled many accidents involving negligence and know how to protect injured workers and their families.
    Common Causes of Refinery Accidents in Illinois
    Refineries use heavy equipment and dangerous chemicals every day, so safety protocols are crucial. Federal law requires refineries to follow safety rules created by the Occupational…
    Continue Reading How Can a Personal Injury Attorney Help After a Refinery Accident?

    If you’ve suffered an injury in Illinois and are considering legal action, you may be worried about how a pre-existing condition could impact your case. You are not alone. Many people assume that having a prior injury or medical issue disqualifies them from receiving compensation. That’s simply not true. While it may complicate your case, it does not eliminate your rights. To better understand your options, contact attorney Michael J. Brennan today for a free legal consultation and personalized guidance on how to move forward.

    Understanding What Counts as a Pre-Existing Condition

    A pre-existing condition refers to any injury, illness,…
    Continue Reading How Pre-Existing Conditions Affect Your Personal Injury Claim in Illinois

    Estate planning often feels complex, leading many people to rely on assumptions that can have devastating consequences for their loved ones and their legacy. From who can make decisions for you to whether you need an estate plan, common myths can stand between you and a secure future.
    Let’s debunk these widespread misconceptions and reveal four essential truths about effective estate planning.
    Myth 1: My spouse can make all my healthcare and financial decisions because they are my spouse.
    Reality: This is a dangerous misconception that can lead to significant stress and financial hardship for your family. While your spouse…
    Continue Reading Estate Planning Truths: Debunking Common Misconceptions

    When a serious accident happens, the effects often spread far beyond the person who was hurt. A spouse may lose companionship, intimacy, and the sense of partnership that once defined their relationship. These personal and emotional losses are real, and Illinois law provides a way to seek recognition and compensation for them through what is known as a loss of consortium claim.

    Loss of consortium is a legal term that covers the harm suffered by the uninjured spouse when their partner’s injury changes the nature of their marriage. It recognizes that trauma does not end with the physical pain of…
    Continue Reading Understanding Loss of Consortium Claims in Illinois Injury Cases