In the eyes of the law, a child can only have two parents. Although stepparents and other family members often play essential roles in a child’s life, they do not have the same rights and responsibilities as parents unless they formally adopt the child.
Whether you are interested in a relative adoption, private adoption, or another type of adoption, it is important to understand how the termination of parental rights may play a role in your case.
Voluntary Termination of Parental Rights
In some cases, a child’s parents willingly give up their parental rights. A parent may make the decision
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Leaving Money to a Non-Family Caregiver? Read Illinois Law First
Home health aides, skilled care providers, personal care aides, and other types of home care workers provide a valuable service to individuals who require consistent, ongoing care. If you suffer from health conditions and require assistance with medical needs or daily living tasks, you may grow very close to your caregiver. You may even come to think of the caregiver as if he or she was family.
Some people wish to express their gratitude for a home care worker by leaving them an inheritance in an estate plan. If you intend to leave money or other property to a
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What Should I Do If My Child’s Other Parent Is Not Following the Parenting Time Schedule?
Separated and divorced parents often worry about how the separation will impact their relationship with their children. It can be extremely hard for a parent who is used to tucking their child into bed every night to go days or weeks without seeing the child.
Most divorced parents are subject to a parenting time schedule that describes when each parent will spend time with the child. Parents are expected to comply with this schedule and transfer the child on time. While most parents will understand a few late drop-offs or early pickups, when the parenting time schedule is repeatedly violated,
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How a Special Needs Trust Can Help You Provide for a Child With Cerebral Palsy
The average lifetime cost of medical care and assistance for a person with cerebral palsy is estimated to be just under $1,000,000. If your child has cerebral palsy, ensuring that your child has access to the support, medical care, and assistance he or she needs is probably at the top of your mind.
A special needs trust is an estate planning tool that allows for the transfer of assets to a disabled person. When compared with transferring assets through a will, a special needs trust offers significant advantages.
Special Needs Trusts for Disabled Individuals in Illinois
Doctor’s appointments, speech therapy,
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Five Ways a Spouse Might Hide Money During a Divorce
Almost all of the property that was accumulated during the marriage by either spouse is considered marital property, meaning it is jointly owned by both parties.
Both spouses have a right to an equitable share of marital property. However, some individuals attempt to block their spouse from receiving his or her fair share by hiding assets during divorce.
Transparency regarding finances is essential during a divorce, and Illinois courts demand honesty. If you suspect that your spouse is hiding assets, contact a skilled divorce attorney for help right away.
Transferring Money to Friends and Family
A spouse who is
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Advice for Fathers Going Through a Divorce
Going through a divorce can be a stressful, sorrowful time, especially for fathers. Fathers going through a divorce may have concerns about their financial stability, their relationship with their children, and their future. If you are a father going through a divorce, make sure to make your concerns known to your divorce attorney, as an experienced family law attorney will likely have valuable insight on how to make the best out of this challenging situation.
Tips Fathers Should Consider
Here is some advice for fathers going through a divorce to help them navigate the process and protect their rights,
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What to Know About Beneficiary Representation When an Estate is Being Improperly Handled
When a loved one passes away, it can be a difficult and emotional time for family members. In addition to grieving, family members may also have to deal with the deceased person’s estate. Unfortunately, in some cases, estates are not handled properly, which can lead to disputes and legal issues. If you are a beneficiary and believe that an estate is being improperly handled, seeking legal representation right away is crucial.
Considerations for Beneficiaries
Here is what you need to know about legal representation for a beneficiary in this situation:
- Seek legal counsel – If you are a beneficiary and
Steps to Take as You Prepare for Mediation
Divorce mediation is a process in which a third party assists divorcing couples in reaching a settlement agreement. Mediation is often a more cost-effective and less-adversarial way to resolve disputes during divorce. The alternative is the often highly unpleasant litigation process in court. If you are considering divorce mediation, it is essential to prepare for the process. Remember that while you prepare and throughout the actual process, it is wise to consult with a divorce attorney to ensure your rights remain protected and your best interests are advocated for.
Firstly, it is important to understand the mediation process. Mediation
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What You Need to Know Regarding Contested Wills
A contested will can throw a family into turmoil, causing emotional distress and threatening the intended distribution of assets. Understanding the basics of contested wills and the grounds for contesting a will can help you navigate this challenging and delicate situation. Those going through a contested will process must be made aware of the reasons for contesting a will and the legal process involved.
What is a Contested Will?
A contested will arises when someone disputes the validity of a will or its provisions. This often happens when a family member or other interested party believes the will does not
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My Elderly Loved One is Refusing to Create a Will. What Should I Do?
We hear all the time how, regardless of your age, estate planning is essential for the future. At the foundation of many estate plans is a will. As a result, it can be highly distressing to learn that an elderly loved one does not have a will and is refusing even to make one. Today, we will discuss what you should do if your loved one refuses to make a will and some tips to approach this delicate situation. Remember, to start the estate planning process, contact an attorney to guide you through the process to ensure everything is
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What is Undue Influence, and How Does it Relate to Estate Planning?
Estate planning is an important process involving various decisions about how a person’s assets will be distributed after death. However, there are situations where the estate planning process can be influenced by outside parties, which can lead to serious legal challenges. One such situation is undue influence. Today, we will discuss what precisely undue influence is and how it can affect estate planning. For any questions or concerns regarding estate planning, contact an estate planning attorney to ensure the process is followed lawfully.
So, What is Undue Influence, and What Factors Can Help Establish Its Existence?
Undue influence is
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Hiring a Divorce Attorney 101: Red Flags to Be Mindful of When Going Through the Selection Process
Hiring the right divorce attorney is crucial for achieving a favorable outcome in your divorce case. However, with so many divorce lawyers to choose from, it can be challenging and downright overwhelming to determine which one is the right fit for you. Today, we will review common red flags that you may encounter as you look to hire a divorce attorney. For anyone looking to get a divorce, hiring an attorney with high levels of knowledge and experience are vital attributes to look for when hiring a divorce attorney.
Look Out for These Red Flags
Here are some red flags
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Healthy Ways for Adults to Cope with Their Divorce
Aside from the financial implications of a divorce, the psychological repercussions of ending a marriage can be devastating. It is not uncommon for people who are getting divorced to suffer from problems like depression, anxiety, or even substance abuse. As a result, those going through a divorce must take care of themselves and be aware of their needs.
In December, we wrote a blog that discussed healthy ways parents can help their children cope with divorce. Today, we will review several healthy coping mechanisms for adults going through a divorce. If you are considering getting a divorce, consider contacting
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Understanding the Common Problems that Can Arise During Estate Planning
Estate planning is the process of arranging for the management and distribution of a person’s assets after they pass away. While estate planning can provide peace of mind and ensure that loved ones are cared for, several potential problems can arise. Today, we will discuss some of those potential problems. If you need assistance with estate planning matters, contact a qualified attorney to ensure your estate planning goals can become a reality.
Problems that May Arise During Estate Planning
One of the biggest challenges of estate planning is ensuring that all assets are accounted for and adequately valued. This
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What Are the Benefits of a Will Over a Trust?
Regarding estate planning, two of the most popular options are wills and trusts. While both can be effective tools for passing on assets to beneficiaries, some key differences between the two may make one option more favorable than the other for certain individuals.
Last month, we wrote a blog that discussed the benefits of a trust over a will. Today, we will review the benefits of a will over a trust. If you are interested in creating a will, a trust, or another form of estate planning, contact an estate planning attorney who will ensure that you
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Understanding the Rights of the Father During an Illinois Divorce
Child custody issues during Illinois divorce can often be contentious, as both parents may have strong opinions about their children’s future. Many fathers worry about their rights during a divorce. They assume that Illinois divorce courts favor mothers over fathers. However, it is essential to remember that Illinois law recognizes both parents’ involvement in their children’s lives as equally vital to safeguard the children’s best interests, regardless of the gender of the parents.
During a divorce case, the court will decide issues regarding custody and parenting time in accordance with the children’s best interests. In Illinois, there is a presumption
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