Your ex is getting paid off the books, under the table…whatever expression you like. If you’re expecting them to pay child support, it’s not just the IRS who needs to know more about that money and how much of it there is.
Parents getting paid in cash to avoid paying child support is more common than you might think, and it is incredibly frustrating. If your ex is hiding income, know that there are tools to fight back and make sure your child gets the support they deserve. A Skokie child support attorney can help you use them.
Does
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What Is Aggravated Unlawful Possession of a Weapon in Illinois?
Aggravated unlawful possession of a weapon (AUPW) is a felony weapons charge in Illinois. It usually involves carrying or possessing a firearm illegally. This includes violating state rules like not having the required firearm identification or carrying a gun in a prohibited manner.
If you are facing gun crime charges in 2026, our Cook County, IL gun crimes defense lawyer can explain what you are charged with, what the state must prove, and how to fight the case.
How Does Illinois Law Define Aggravated Unlawful Possession of a Weapon?
Under 720 ILCS 5/24-1.6, AUPW applies to situations where someone
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Can Police Arrest Me for DUI Without Field Sobriety Tests?
In Illinois, police can arrest you for DUI without field sobriety tests. If an officer believes you are impaired based on what they see and hear, they have the authority to place you under arrest. No roadside test is required. This surprises a lot of people, but it happens more often than most drivers realize.
If you’ve been arrested for DUI in 2026, our Chicago, IL DUI defense lawyer can help you understand your rights and what comes next.
What Does Illinois Law Say About DUI and Impairment?
Under 625 ILCS 5/11-501, a person can be charged with DUI
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The “Wait and See” Trap: Why minimizing your injury can cost you thousands
After a car accident, your first instinct is usually to get back to normal as quickly as possible. If you can walk away from the scene and your car is still drivable (or even if it is not), you might tell yourself that you are fine. You might think it is just a little soreness and that you do not want to make a big deal out of the situation.
It is a tempting thought. No one wakes up wanting to start a legal claim. But in the world of personal injury, “minor” is a dangerous word. Here is why
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Hospital Policies vs Patient Safety: Where Systems Fail
Hospital policies vs patient safety is a critical conflict in medical care, as administrative decisions often conflict with clinical needs. Patients expect that all procedures and protocols are designed to protect them, but the reality can be different. Sometimes, hospital policies focus on maximizing efficiency or cutting costs, which can create a fertile ground for errors. When a facility prioritizes efficiency over clinical judgment, the gap between policy and actual safety widens, putting patients at risk. If you or a loved one suffered harm due to systemic medical failures in Illinois, contact Ankin Law at 312-600-0000 to discuss your legal
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Two Illinois Alums Come Together for An Ankin Law Commercial
One of the latest commercials from Ankin Law feature two Chicagoans who have one major thing in common: The University of Illinois. Attorney Howard Ankin along with men’s basketball legend Deon Thomas are both proud Illini graduates and showed that during the spots they recorded for the 2025-2026 Illini basketball season. They enthusiastically recorded four commercials at the WCIU studios late in 2025 as each spoke about their passion for the orange and blue along with their careers. Howard is now in his 28th year running Ankin Law, a prominent personal injury law firm in Chicagoland. Deon, a Chicago native and
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Illinois State Bar Association Statement Concerning Attacks on the Judiciary and the Erosion of Institutional Respect
At its meeting on Feb. 27, 2026, the ISBA Board of Governors adopted the following statement on behalf of the Association:
The President of the United States recently admonished the U.S. Supreme Court Justices who ruled against his tariffs, describing the six justices as a “disgrace to our nation.” He further attacked the justices who ruled against his tariffs in personal terms, suggesting that they hated our country, were “disloyal to the Constitution,” and were motivated by foreign powers. Two justices who were appointed by this president, were singled out and attacked as “an embarrassment to their families.” These statements
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Illinois Appellate Court Affirms Ballot Removal of Gubernatorial Candidates for Falling Short of 5,000 Signatures
The First District Appellate Court has confirmed the removal of Joseph “Joe” Severino and Rantch Isquith from the March 17, 2026 Republican primary ballot for Governor and Lieutenant Governor after they failed to meet the 5,000-signature requirement for statewide candidates. Severino v. Illinois State Board of Elections, 2026 IL App (1st) 260151-U (Feb. 20, 2026). While the case is not groundbreaking, it is instructive to future candidates.
The candidates filed nomination papers containing 6,336 signatures. An objector challenged 2,520 of them. After a records examination, the State Officers Electoral Board sustained objections to 1,588 signatures, leaving the candidates
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Wrongful Death from Heart Surgery Errors
A wrongful death from heart surgery errors occurs when a patient loses their life because a surgeon, hospital staff member, or medical facility fails to follow accepted medical standards before, during, or after a cardiac procedure. Families may have the legal right to pursue compensation if negligence such as surgical mistakes, anesthesia failures, delayed treatment, or improper monitoring directly caused the death. In many cases, these incidents are preventable and involve breakdowns in communication, inadequate preparation, or failure to respond to complications in time. Under Illinois law, surviving family members can file a wrongful death claim to seek accountability
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Medical Malpractice Cardiac Catheterization
Medical malpractice during cardiac catheterization occurs when a doctor, hospital, or medical professional fails to follow accepted medical standards before, during, or after the procedure, leading to preventable injury, heart damage, stroke, infection, or death. Although cardiac catheterization is commonly performed to diagnose and treat heart conditions, mistakes such as improper catheter placement, delayed response to complications, medication errors, or failure to monitor a patient can cause serious harm. When these errors occur because proper care was not provided, injured patients or their families may have legal grounds to pursue a medical malpractice claim.
Cardiac procedures demand precision, preparation,
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Semi’s Load Strikes Bridge, Shuts Down I-55 in South Suburbs: ISP
Accident News | Chicago, Illinois
A semi-truck incident caused major traffic delays Thursday morning along the Stevenson Expressway (I-55) in the south suburbs after the vehicle’s load struck an overpass bridge in Hodgkins, according to Illinois State Police. The crash occurred at approximately 4:25 a.m. in the northbound lanes near La Grange Road, prompting an extensive emergency response during the early morning commute.
Authorities said the impact led to hazardous conditions on the roadway, and hazmat crews were called to the scene as officials worked to determine what materials may have spilled onto the expressway. As of late morning,
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How to Report Nursing Home Abuse in Illinois: Step-by-Step Guide
If you suspect nursing home abuse in Illinois, you should immediately ensure the resident’s safety, document the signs of mistreatment, report the incident to the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) through its Nursing Home Hotline at 1-800-252-4343, notify local law enforcement if there is immediate danger, and consider speaking with an experienced Illinois nursing home abuse attorney to protect the resident’s legal rights. Reporting can be done by family members, staff, or anyone with knowledge of abuse, and Illinois law protects whistleblowers from retaliation.
Abuse in long-term care facilities is a serious issue that affects families across the state,
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Chicago Woman Charged in SW Side Hit-and-Run Crash That Critically Injured Teen: Police
Accident News | Chicago
A Chicago woman is facing felony charges after police say she struck a teenage scooter rider and fled the scene Wednesday morning on the city’s Southwest Side, leaving the victim critically injured. According to the Chicago Police Department, the crash occurred around 7:41 a.m. in the 3800 block of West 68th Street near Marquette Park. Authorities said a 16-year-old boy was riding a scooter when he entered the street from an alley and was hit by a black SUV in the roadway.
Police later identified the driver as 37-year-old Maria Gonzalez, who has been charged
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Can You Cancel a Real Estate Contract Without Losing Your Deposit?
You can cancel a real estate contract without losing your deposit, but only under the right conditions. Whether you get your deposit back depends on when you cancel, why you cancel, and what protections your contract includes.
According to a January 2026 Redfin report, over 16 percent of home purchase agreements nationwide were canceled in December 2025, the highest rate on record. Many of those buyers had a legal path to walk away and keep their money. Others didn’t, and they paid for it.
If you’re buying or selling property in Lake County and want to know where you
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What to Do if You Are Contacted by a Restaurant’s Insurer
In the early stages of a food poisoning claim, it’s fairly common for a restaurant’s insurance company to reach out to the person filing the claim. While this may not seem like a major concern, this is actually where many people hurt their own claims. An Illinois food poisoning attorney can help you avoid common missteps and speak on your behalf during negotiations with the insurer.
At Newland & Newland, LLP, we have years of experience handling food poisoning claims, having secured millions in compensation from nationwide and local outbreaks. We will guide you through the process of filing a
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Defending Against Domestic Violence Charges in Joliet: Illinois Domestic Battery Laws, Penalties, and Defense Strategies in 2026
You arrive home after a heated argument with your spouse, and within hours, Joliet police knock on your door with an arrest warrant for domestic battery. Even if you never intended to harm anyone or acted in self-defense, you now face criminal charges that could result in jail time, permanent felony records, loss of firearm rights, and destruction of your family relationships. Domestic violence charges in Illinois carry severe consequences that extend far beyond the courtroom, affecting employment opportunities, housing options, child custody arrangements, and your reputation in the community. The Illinois Domestic Violence Act under 750 ILCS 60 and
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