In Illinois, courts decide child support for same-sex parents the same way they do for heterosexual couples. They focus on the child’s best interests and each parent’s ability to provide support. The gender or sexual orientation of the parents does not impact these decisions.
However, same-sex couples often face unique questions about biology, adoption, or surrogacy. These details can make a case more complicated. If you and your partner are separating or divorcing, it helps to understand how Illinois law decides who pays child support. Work with a Naperville, IL child support lawyer to find out how Illinois law
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If Both Parents Are on the Birth Certificate, Who Gets Custody?
When a child is born in Illinois and both parents are listed on the birth certificate, many people assume that means they automatically share equal custody rights. While this may seem logical, reality is more complicated. The birth certificate confirms who a child’s parents are, but it does not say anything about custody or visitation.
Child custody (officially known as “the allocation of parental responsibilities” in Illinois) is decided either by agreement between the parents or by a court order. If you and the other parent cannot agree on custody, the court will step in and make…
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Top 10 Reasons People Get Divorced in Illinois
Divorce represents the end of a relationship that was once full of hope, trust, and commitment. But for many couples in Illinois, divorce is the only option left when a marriage becomes untenable. Understanding the reasons behind divorce can help people who are thinking about divorce feel a sense of normalcy and peace with their decisions; knowing you are not alone is often the first step toward making a significant change.
This blog explores the top 10 reasons why people get divorced in Illinois. For help with your specific case, talk to our Naperville divorce attorneys. We work with…
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Getting a Divorce in Illinois: What Are Your Options?
Divorce is never one-size-fits-all. Some couples part ways peacefully, wrapping things up with minimal stress. Others face drawn-out legal battles over property, parenting, and financial support. No matter where your situation falls on the spectrum, the way you handle your divorce can shape your future just as much as the decision to end the marriage.
In Illinois, there are several legal paths you can take. Some are cooperative, some are contentious. Knowing your options is the first step toward making informed decisions that protect your rights and set you up for a smoother transition.
A Naperville, IL divorce attorney can…
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What Happens When Business Co-Owners Divorce in Illinois?
Divorce can turn life upside down, but the stakes are even higher when you and your spouse co-own a business. Not only is your personal relationship ending, but your shared livelihood may also be on the line. Questions about ownership, valuation, and the division of business assets can make the process overwhelming. A knowledgeable Will County divorce lawyer who is experienced in asset distribution can help you navigate these challenges and work toward a solution that preserves as much stability as possible.
Is a Business Considered Marital Property in Illinois?
Under state law, most property obtained during a marriage…
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Should I Sell My House Before or After an Illinois Divorce?
For many divorcing couples, the family home represents far more than bricks and mortar. It is a place where children grew up, holidays were celebrated, and countless memories were made.
Deciding what to do with the house can feel like an emotional and financial crossroads. Should you sell it before the divorce is final to simplify the process, or wait until after to make a decision? A Naperville property division attorney can help you navigate this difficult decision and protect your financial interests.
How Does Illinois Law View the Marital Home?
In Illinois, most property acquired during the marriage…
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What If My Spouse Does Not Want a Divorce?
Few things are more frustrating than being ready to move on from a broken marriage, only to have your spouse refuse to let go. Whether he or she is in denial, trying to control the situation, or simply unwilling to cooperate, his or her refusal can make an already painful process even more stressful. The good news is that in Illinois, the law supports your right to seek a divorce, even if your spouse objects. A DuPage County divorce lawyer can help you take the proper steps and protect your interests every step of the way.
Can I Still…
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What Are the Benefits of Mediation in an Illinois Divorce?
Tension across the dinner table. Silent car rides. Arguments over parenting, money, and what comes next. A divorce can leave both spouses feeling frustrated, exhausted, and unsure where to turn. But in Illinois, there is an alternative to airing grievances in open court: mediation.
This structured, private process empowers spouses to negotiate fair solutions without the hostility of a courtroom battle. Paired with the support of a knowledgeable Will County divorce attorney, mediation can help make a high-conflict separation into a constructive step toward closure and stability.
How Does Mediation Work in an Illinois Divorce?
Mediation involves a…
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What Can I Do If My Ex Stops Paying Child Support?
When a parent refuses to pay court-ordered child support, the consequences can cause immense stress. The custodial parent may suddenly be left to cover all of the child’s expenses, from groceries and school supplies to medical bills and housing. Worse yet, the child may face disruptions to his or her routine, education, or overall stability.
If your ex has stopped making child support payments, it is important to understand your legal options. A Will County, IL family law attorney can guide you through the proper steps to ensure your child receives the support he or she is legally entitled…
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Will a Divorce Ruin My Retirement Plans?
Divorce is not just an emotional transition, but a financial turning point that can reshape your future. For many people, one of the biggest concerns is whether years of retirement savings will vanish in the process.
If you have spent decades planning for your golden years, the thought of dividing those hard-earned assets can be deeply upsetting. Whether you are approaching retirement or already living on a fixed income, a DuPage County, IL divorce lawyer can help you understand how Illinois law handles retirement accounts during divorce.
What Happens to Retirement Accounts in a Divorce?
In Illinois, retirement accounts are…
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What Documents Are Required to Start a Divorce in Illinois?
Starting a divorce can feel like stepping into unfamiliar territory. Whether the decision was mutual or one-sided, most people quickly realize that ending a marriage involves more than emotions; it involves paperwork.
When you decide to file, the court expects specific forms that start the legal process. Knowing what is required ahead of time can reduce stress and help you avoid expensive delays. A Will County, IL divorce lawyer can help you ensure everything is filed correctly and completely in a timely manner.
What Is the First Document You Need to File?
To begin a divorce in Illinois, you…
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Dividing Your Assets in a Divorce After Retirement
If you are retired or nearing retirement when you get divorced, dividing your assets can be more complicated than it would likely be earlier in life. Getting your fair share of marital assets is also of utmost importance.
In Will County, couples who spent decades building a life together often face the difficult task of separating shared retirement income, pensions, and property at a time when they cannot simply “earn it back.” The stakes are high, and careful legal planning is critical.
As of 2025, Illinois divorce law still follows the principle of equitable distribution, meaning the court will…
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What Is the Discovery Phase of an Illinois Divorce?
The discovery phase of the divorce process entails the exchange of important information. Most of the information is financial and related to the property division element of divorce. Illinois law requires both spouses to fully disclose financial information during divorce proceedings to ensure the fair and equitable distribution of assets and debts. Consider some basic elements of the discovery process, and talk to a knowledgeable Will County, IL divorce attorney about how it applies to your case.
Is Discovery a Court-Ordered Process in Illinois?
If your divorce is contested, meaning that you and your spouse cannot agree on the main…
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How Do Collaborative and Traditional Divorces Differ in Illinois?
In Illinois, there is more than one way to divorce, and some options are better suited for couples depending on their situation. Collaborative divorce, as the name implies, takes much of the fight out of the divorce process. Consider some key differences between collaborative and traditional divorces. If you have questions about which option could be right for you, a Will County, IL divorce attorney can help you by assessing your situation and the legal options that would best serve you and your spouse.
What Is a Collaborative Divorce?
When you think of divorce, the litigation process is…
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Understanding Litigation in an Illinois Divorce
Many people are unaware that there is more than one way to go about getting a divorce in Illinois. Sometimes, you can resolve disputes and reach an agreement without ever entering a courtroom. However, more often than not, divorce litigation is necessary, and this can be a complicated process. If you are facing a contested or complex divorce, learning more about the litigation process is important, and a Will County, IL divorce litigation attorney can help.
What Are the Types of Divorce Litigation in Illinois?
The broad definition of divorce litigation is that it is a process used to resolve…
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I’m Worried About the Impact of Divorce on My Kids. What Can I Do?
For many parents, the hardest part of divorce is worrying about how it will affect their children. Kids may not understand why their family structure is changing, and they often experience a wide range of emotions, from sadness and confusion to fear and anger. Fortunately, there are many concrete steps parents can take to reduce the emotional impact of divorce and help their children adjust in healthy ways.
At the Law Office of Ronald L. Hendrix, P.C., our Will County, IL divorce and child custody lawyer understands these concerns and works with parents to proactively protect kids during divorce. Call…
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