Raising a child can be one of the most challenging yet rewarding experiences of someone’s life. In some cases, a couple may not be able to have a biological child of their own, so they may turn to adoption. According to the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute, approximately 61,000 children were adopted in 2018. More than half of these children were adopted by foster parents, and 35 percent were adopted by a relative. Families in Illinois may choose between a “closed” or an “open” adoption. In a closed adoption, sometimes referred to as a private adoption,…
Continue Reading What Are the Advantages of an Open Adoption in Illinois?

The emotional toll brought on by divorce is not something that can be prepared for, especially when the news of the split is sudden. While some couples experience a gradual, slow decline in the quality of their marriage, others are thrust into the turmoil with little warning, which can make it difficult to remain calm and focus on healing and moving forward. Divorce, like many other losses in life, prompts a grieving process that requires time, patience, and ample support both financially and emotionally to promote a healthy quality of life after the split.
Knowing When to Reach Out
Everyone…
Continue Reading What Role Does Emotional Support Play in the Divorce Transition?

Studies show that when it comes to parenting time (visitation) after divorce, the quality of time spent, not just the quantity of time spent, matters greatly. The moment that parents decide to end their marriage, they are flooded with a plethora of emotions. Mixed feelings such as confusion, anger, and fear are common, especially when the subject of parent-child relationships surface. It is understandable to be concerned about the logistics of your child’s future relationship with the other parent, as well as how your child will fare emotionally and mentally as he or she experiences the transition.
The Purpose…
Continue Reading Are Your Parenting Time Arrangements in Your Child’s Best Interests?

Under Illinois law, if you are a married woman and you have a baby, your husband is legally presumed to be the father of your child. However, if you have a child while you are unmarried, you may assume that the father’s willingness to help raise the child is sufficient to ensure that your son or daughter has the support necessary for a comfortable life. However, without taking action to establish legal paternity, you may run into issues as time goes on. In many cases, establishing paternity is easy to do, and it provides significant benefits for mothers, fathers,…
Continue Reading How Establishing Legal Paternity in Illinois Helps the Entire Family

If you and your spouse have come to a mutual decision to get a divorce and you are confident in your ability to cooperate on an agreement, an uncontested divorce can be a great option that allows you to save money, time, and stress, and retain control over important decisions that affect your family’s future. Many couples considering an uncontested divorce fear that involving attorneys will only complicate the process and therefore choose to work toward an agreement on their own. However, the right attorney can be a valuable asset even in an uncontested divorce and can help you ensure…
Continue Reading Should I Hire an Attorney for an Uncontested Divorce in Illinois?

When you get married to someone who is already a parent, you often form a close bond with his or her children as well. In some cases, you may decide that it is in the children’s best interest for you to become their legal parent. Step-parent adoptions can be a great way to ensure that children are provided for and supported by a two-parent household, and if you believe this option is right for your family, you can take the necessary legal steps to make sure the adoption goes smoothly with the help of a family law attorney who is…
Continue Reading How to Prepare for a Step-Parent Adoption in Illinois

Buying a home can be one of the most exciting events in your life, but it can also be overwhelming, especially for first-time homebuyers who are unfamiliar with the process. Before you close on your home, you will likely be working with a variety of people who can help make your closing possible, including a real estate agent, a mortgage lender, and a real estate attorney. The more you know about what each of these parties can do for you, the smoother your home search and closing process will be, allowing you to celebrate the purchase and the future…
Continue Reading Understanding the Different Roles in an Illinois Home Closing

Open adoption allows a child’s birth parents to have additional rights and future access to their child. However, they must form a solid relationship with the adoptive parents to utilize said rights. Whether you are looking to release yourself from the allocation of parental responsibilities, or gain them through adoption, be sure to consult with a knowledgeable adoption attorney.
Open Adoption Overview
An open adoption is a form of adoption that allows the birth parents to have some sort of relationship or contact with their child even after he or she has been adopted. After the adoption process is complete,…
Continue Reading What Rights Do Birth Parents Have After an Open Adoption in Illinois?

For many individuals, purchasing a home is a dream come true. Unfortunately, that dream can quickly turn into a nightmare if proper precautions are not taken. To protect your rights and interests in this major purchase, it is imperative to confide in a knowledgeable real estate attorney, who understands the laws in Illinois.
A Title Search Overview 
Performing a title search is the first step to clearing a title. A title search uncovers any potential issues with the property that could affect your purchase. When performing a title search, a real estate attorney will assess the following elements:

• All Public

…
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Going through a divorce is never an easy task. Emotions are high, marital assets must be divided equally, and financial instability can cause issues. When one or both spouses are members of the military, things can become even more complicated. Fortunately, you have options to protect you, your rights, and your responsibilities. If you or your spouse is an active member of the military and are seeking a divorce, it is important to contact a skilled legal professional to help navigate your case. 
Waiting Period
Members of the military, especially those overseas, are subject to safeguard under the Servicemembers Civil…
Continue Reading What Issues Are Involved in an Illinois Military Divorce?

You have just found your dream home, and your offer has been accepted. You may think the hard part is over, but complications can still arise. Although the home inspection may have been completed without any major issues, you may have an uneasy feeling about the home inspector and his or her judgment regarding a few elements of the property. Fortunately, you have options that can protect you, your offer, and your financial situation. Seeking the legal guidance of an experienced real estate attorney can make sure your rights are protected during the process of buying your home. 
Home Inspection…
Continue Reading Should a Real Estate Attorney Review My Illinois Home Inspection?

Going through a divorce involves much more than signing a few papers. For a stay-at-home parent, divorce includes emotional, legal, and financial preparation. A mother or father who stays at home typically manages the household, takes care of the kids, and completes many different day-to-day tasks. It really is a 24/7 job. As a stay-at-home parent, the end of your marriage can be extremely daunting, since you may be concerned about your ability to support yourself and your children, and you will want to understand how divorce will affect child custody and whether you will need to return to work. Therefore, it is…
Continue Reading 6 Tips for Getting Divorced as a Stay-at-Home Parent in Illinois

Typically, only parents are allowed to make decisions based on their child’s well-being. However, in certain situations, parents may be unable or unwilling to care for their children, and someone who is not the parent of the child may become their legal guardian. A guardian is able to make sound decisions for a child and assume the parental role in the child’s life. It is important to note that guardianship can also apply to disabled adults. Before anyone takes on this responsibility, it is crucial to understand what it entails by seeking professional legal guidance from an experienced family law attorney. …
Continue Reading How Is Guardianship of a Minor Established in Illinois?