Over the last few years, sexual harassment and other types of sexual misconduct have become extremely hot-button issues, and for good reason. However, there is often a great deal of confusion regarding what the various terms used to describe the types of misconduct actually mean—at least when it comes to the law. For example, it is not uncommon to hear someone complain about being sexually harassed on the street or in a bar, but “sexual harassment” is not a criminal offense in Illinois. There may be other criminal offenses that encompass harassing behavior of a sexual nature, but none is…

 Sexual harassment in the workplace continues to be a major problem throughout the United States. Hostile work environment sexual harassment and quid pro quo sexual harassment are in violation of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 as well as several other state, local, and federal laws. However, many victims of sexual harassment are afraid to report instances of sexual harassment because they have signed a non-disclosure agreement. If you or someone you know has suffered workplace sexual harassment, an experienced sexual harassment lawyer can help you understand your rights and ensure these rights are protected. How Are Non-Disclosure Agreements…

Making the decision to get a divorce is rarely easy but divorcing with children can be especially taxing. If you and your spouse have come to the conclusion that your marriage is beyond saving, you may be researching your options for how to resolve divorce issues with minimal conflict for the sake of your children. Divorces involving parenting issues is often much different from a divorce with no children because divorcing parents typically remain at least somewhat involved in each other’s lives. One way some parents are able reach an agreement about child-related issues is through a collaborative divorce.…

Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 expressly prohibits workplace discrimination on the basis of sex, national religion, race, color, national origin, and religion. In addition to this important piece of federal legislation, many other federal and state laws prohibit employer discrimination against employees. Employees who experience sexual harassment or any other type of workplace discrimination have the right to report the harassment. Employers are legally obligated to take steps to stop sexual harassment and prevent future harassment. Unfortunately, some employers attempt to retaliate against employees who report sexual harassment.   Understanding Sexual Harassment Sexual harassment is a type…

In television shows and movies, divorce is often portrayed as a highly-combative legal process involving more accusation and confrontation than actual problem solving. In reality, a successful divorce settlement that both parties can agree to can often be reached without the need for dramatic courtroom litigation – even when the couple disagrees about the terms of their divorce. If you are planning to divorce and you and your spouse do not agree about property distribution, parental responsibilities, or other divorce-related matters, one option that may help you reach an agreement is collaborative divorce. Finding Creative Solutions to Divorce Disputes…

Sexual harassment can make a workplace unbearable. If you have been the victim of sexual harassment, you know just how demeaning this particular type of harassment can be. Sexual harassment can consist of disparaging or offensive remarks about a person’s gender, unwanted sexual advances, and sexually-oriented behavior. Sexual harassment also occurs when a supervisor attempts to exchange sexual favors for employment benefits with a subordinate. One of the most important steps for anyone who has experienced sexual harassment is to keep a detailed record of each instance of harassment. This sexual harassment log will almost certainly be beneficial for recalling…

Regardless of the circumstances, getting a divorce can have a dramatic impact on your mental wellbeing. Divorce can bring on feelings of failure, despair, and anxiety about the future. Some people end up developing unhealthy coping mechanisms in order to deal with the torrent of emotion following the end of a marriage. Although going through a divorce can be extremely stressful, it is not only possible to get through the rough times most people end up much happier and healthier than they were before the divorce. Mental health experts encourage anyone going through a stressful divorce to avoid these common…

Workplace sexual harassment is an illegal form of discrimination prohibited by both federal and state law. It can take the form of offensive sexual or gender-based remarks and behavior, or sexual harassment can involve a person in a position of authority wielding this power for sexual gain. We most often think of sexual harassment victims as being those who are lower on the corporate ladder, but this is not always the case. A recent study suggests that women who have manager or supervisor positions may actually be more likely to experience sexual harassment than other employees. Women Who Supervise Men…

When a married couple divorces in Illinois, the court may require the higher-earning spouse to pay spousal support to the other spouse. Spousal support is also called spousal maintenance or alimony. The support is typically intended to be temporary and rehabilitative in nature, but there are exceptions. The higher-earning spouse provides payments to the recipient spouse until he or she can get back on his or her feet financially. The issue of the payment of spousal support may also be agreed upon ahead of time through a prenuptial agreement. Whether you are the payor or recipient of spousal support, you…

Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits employers from discriminating against a person because of their sex, national origin, race, or skin color. Since this essential piece of legislation, many more laws have been enacted to prevent employment discrimination, and most recently, workplace sexual harassment. Beginning in 2020, Illinois employers will be subject to new laws designed to prevent and address sexual harassment. If you have been a victim of discrimination or sexual harassment at work, a qualified sexual harassment attorney can help. Illinois Employers May No Longer Require Arbitration for Sexual Harassment Claims Illinois Governor…

Money-related concerns are often one of the most crucial aspects of a divorce. In Illinois, property is distributed according to equitable distribution laws. Instead of the marital estate being divided exactly 50/50, Illinois courts consider a wide variety of factors and then divide marital property fairly based on the spouses’ economic and life circumstances. However, when the court does not have accurate financial information from a spouse, the divorce settlement may not be equitable. There are many warning signs of financial fraud during divorce that could mean your spouse is attempting to manipulate the divorce process to gain an unfair…

The rise of cell phones and text messaging has completely revolutionized the way people communicate with each other. If you are like many employees in the United States, you probably text message, call, and email work associates on a regular basis. Unfortunately, the causal nature of text messages can sometimes cause people to make insensitive statements to their coworkers or employees. Increasingly, text messages are being used as evidence in sexual harassment claims. How do you know when a text message constitutes sexual harassment according to the law? Text Messages Can Create a Hostile Work Environment The two main types…