My practice is dedicated to working with families experiencing trauma and transition. My background in government work and in private practice enhanced my sensitivity to the unique concerns and dynamics associated with families in distress. My practice model favors an amicable approach but, as a confident and accomplished litigator of over 25-years, I am unafraid…
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Illinois law recognizes that a strong, active relationship with both parents is vital to a child’s well-being. Despite this legal foundation, many fathers find themselves fighting an uphill battle to protect their parental rights during a divorce or separation. The perception that courts favor mothers can create uncertainty and fear, leaving fathers concerned about their…
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In Illinois, significant income disparity between parents is addressed through the Income Shares Model. Under the statute 750 ILCS 5/505, the court combines both parents’ net incomes to establish a total child support obligation. This amount is then prorated, meaning each parent is responsible for a percentage of the total based on their individual contribution…
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In Illinois, modifying a parenting time schedule generally requires filing a petition with the court to demonstrate that a substantial change in circumstances has occurred since the last order was entered. Under 750 ILCS 5/610.5, the court’s primary focus is whether the modification serves the best interests of the child, not just the convenience of…
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The most effective way to reduce the stress on your children during a separation is to legally and emotionally uncouple the marital conflict from your parental responsibilities. In Illinois, this is achieved by using the Allocation of Parental Responsibilities framework to create a detailed, conflict-proof Parenting Plan. Divorce is a complete restructuring of a child’s…
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Divorce is never a simple financial process. For individuals facing the dissolution of their marriage in Illinois, the settlement process can feel like a daunting and confusing maze of asset division, debt allocation, spousal support, and long-term financial planning.  The decisions made during this critical period will shape your financial reality for years, if not…
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Divorce is a profound life transition marked by emotional turmoil, financial uncertainty, and the redefinition of self. As experienced family law attorneys at Manassa Law P.C.—including a trusted Barrington divorce & separation lawyer—we provide the legal guidance necessary to protect your rights and assets. We also recognize that true healing requires more than just legal skill. It…
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Divorce is rarely easy, but it doesn’t always have to be a costly, drawn-out battle. When both parties are willing to work together and agree on the essential terms of their separation, an uncontested divorce offers a faster, less stressful, and more affordable path to a fresh start. At Manassa Law P.C., our team includes…
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An uncontested divorce in Illinois offers a faster and less expensive path to dissolution when both parties agree on property division, parenting plans, support obligations, and other major terms. Whether you qualify for Joint Simplified Dissolution or require a standard uncontested divorce with a comprehensive Marital Settlement Agreement, the process relies on complete financial disclosure,…
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I have been practicing law for more than 20 years and my work has primarily focused on helping clients through difficult and often stressful times in their lives. My practice covers divorce, custody, child support, DCFS investigations, juvenile cases, immigration and criminal defense. I have appeared in court for hundreds of hearings and trials, from…
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When parents can’t agree on how to share time or responsibilities for their children, an Illinois judge steps in to decide. The court applies a legal standard known as “the best interests of the child.” To determine what happens based on this standard, judges follow a specific set of factors outlined in the Illinois Marriage…
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When a court steps in to manage how and when you see your child, the situation feels confusing and distressing. A term you may hear is “supervised visitation,” but in Illinois, the law now refers to this as supervised parenting time.  This is a court-ordered arrangement where a parent only spends time with their child…
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A parenting time arrangement is a schedule that outlines when your child will be in the care of each parent. Common arrangements in Illinois range from equal 50/50 schedules to plans where one parent has the child more during the school week and the other has weekends. A well-thought-out parenting plan reduces conflict and provides…
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