When you adopt a stepchild, you become the child’s legal parent. This means that you will be granted certain rights and have legal responsibilities toward the child as if he or she were born to you. Adoption, therefore, requires careful planning and attention to the legal process. Adoption law can be complex, which is why you should consult with an experienced attorney who can walk you through it. 
Factors to Consider Before Adopting a Stepchild
Here are a few basic questions you might want to ask yourself before adopting a stepchild:

• How old is the child?
• Where are the child’s

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Continue Reading What Should I Know Before Adopting a Stepchild in Illinois?

By nature, humans are an optimistic species. We do not want to think of a future where we can no longer take care of ourselves and need hired help to get us through the day. While many people end up living in nursing homes, most of them probably never pictured that when they were younger, preferring instead to imagine they would be forever young, healthy, and strong. Unfortunately, that is not the reality for most of us.
While it is human nature to prefer focusing on a rosy future, people can also manage to overcome that to plan for a…
Continue Reading Two Reasons to Give Someone Power of Attorney in Illinois

People draw up wills to dictate how their assets will be distributed after they die. In general, whatever is included in a will is respected as the last wishes of the person whose will it is, otherwise known as a testator. However, there are some circumstances in which the people left behind challenge a will because they do not believe it reflects the real wishes of the person who signed it. There are various reasons given for such doubt, but a major claim is that the person lacked testamentary capacity when they signed it. This can be a very complicated…
Continue Reading How Does Testamentary Capacity Impact Contested Wills in Illinois?

Divorce can be a tumultuous time for a family. With parents splitting up, children are sometimes left feeling confused and unstable. In such a time of change and transition, it can be difficult for anyone involved to be able to put their own wishes aside and try to think about what would be in the best interest of someone else, but parents going through divorce are expected to do just that. They are tasked with reaching a settlement and parenting plan that would best serve their children, even if it does not accommodate everything they would want. For couples in…
Continue Reading How Does an Illinois Judge Determine What Is in the Best Interest of the Child?

In Illinois, the process of adoption can be complex, involving various legal requirements and procedures to ensure the best interests of the child. One important aspect of adoption, particularly in uncontested adoption cases, is the home study conducted by a licensed social worker. This evaluation plays a crucial role in determining the suitability of the adoptive parents and ensuring a safe and stable environment for the child. It is also important to ensure that you retain legal assistance from an attorney as you look to navigate and successfully complete the uncontested adoption process. 
Why is there a Home Study…
Continue Reading Is There a Home Study in an Uncontested Adoption in Illinois? 

Estate planning is a legal process that determines how your assets will be distributed according to your wishes after you pass away. While do-it-yourself (DIY) solutions have gained popularity in certain areas of law, using DIY estate planning kits is not worth the risk they pose. Suppose you are interested in estate planning and are currently weighing your options on whether to use a DIY estate planning tool or hire a lawyer. In that case, the following are critical reasons why you should hire an attorney instead of a DIY kit
Lack of Personalization
Estate planning is not a…
Continue Reading Why Using Do-It-Yourself Estate Planning Kits is a Bad Idea 

Contesting a will in Illinois is a complex legal process that requires careful planning and understanding of the specific laws that address this process. No matter why you want to contest a will, to increase your chances of success, it is crucial to avoid common mistakes that can jeopardize your case. To give yourself the best chance of success, contact a trained attorney.
Missing the Statutory Deadline
In Illinois, there is a strict deadline for contesting a will. Generally, a will must be contested within six months after it is admitted to probate. You will need to file your…
Continue Reading Mistakes to Avoid When Contesting a Will 

Divorce mediation is an alternative dispute resolution process that allows couples to work together with a neutral mediator to reach mutually agreeable solutions. However, it is essential to recognize and understand the power dynamics that can exist within these proceedings. Suppose you are considering mediation in your divorce. In that case, it may be helpful to understand how power dynamics between couples can play a significant role in the success or failure of mediation. Discuss any questions or concerns with your attorney in Illinois to ensure you can give yourself a fair shot at successfully navigating the divorce and mediation…
Continue Reading Power Dynamics in Divorce Mediation Proceedings

As a parent, it can be heartbreaking to contemplate the adverse effects your divorce could potentially have on your child’s life. These negative effects are often sparked by intense interpersonal conflict between parents. As a result, parental communication can suffer significantly, making the process harder for everyone, particularly the children. If you have serious concerns about your divorce and what it may mean for your children, your situation may call for the help of a parenting coordinator. Discuss this possibility with your lawyer in Illinois to understand your options and how you can safeguard your children’s well-being.
Three Clues a…
Continue Reading Three Signs a Parenting Coordinator is Needed in a Divorce

Egg donation is a generous act that can bring hope and happiness to individuals and couples struggling with infertility. However, the legal aspects of egg donation can be complex and require careful consideration. In Illinois, engaging an experienced family lawyer is important in ensuring that all parties involved in an egg donor agreement are protected and their rights are upheld.
Drafting and Reviewing the Egg Donor Contract
Regardless of what area of law you are dealing with, attorneys are essential guides to anything related to a contract, such as contracts between the intended parents and the egg donor. This…
Continue Reading How an Attorney Assists in Egg Donor Agreements in Illinois

Contemplating whether to contest a will can be difficult, often influenced by factors like emotional attachments, perceived injustices, and potential legal complexities. If you are considering whether to contest a will, it may be wise to sit down with an experienced attorney and discuss your situation. Qualified estate planning attorneys can help you weigh your options, ensuring that your decision is the best for your circumstances.
Valid Reasons for Contesting a Will
Before deciding whether to contest a will in Illinois, assessing the validity of your reasons for doing so is essential. Valid reasons may include suspension of undue…
Continue Reading Should I Contest a Will or Forget About It?

Estate planning is often associated with married couples and those who are wealthy. However, single parents who are solely responsible for their children’s well-being should also prioritize estate planning. As a parent, you likely care deeply about your child’s future. Estate planning is a phenomenal way to proactively plan for the future and the various unknowns that come with it. To get the process started, contact an estate planning attorney. As your legal representative, they will ensure that you utilize the estate planning tools that are most beneficial to your situation.
Setting Up Guardianship of Minor Children
For single…
Continue Reading Should Single Parents Have an Estate Plan?

Creating a complex estate plan may be a reality for individuals with larger estates, diverse assets, and intricate family dynamics. While the process may seem daunting and potentially expensive, there are strategies to keep costs down without compromising the quality and effectiveness of the plan. If you are looking to create an estate plan but are concerned about the complexity of your estate and how much it may cost to make your plan, an experienced lawyer can assist you. Whether you want to create an Illinois will or something else, help is available.
Plan Ahead and Organize 
Before meeting with…
Continue Reading Keeping Costs Down When Creating a Complex Estate Plan