In some family law cases, establishing paternity is a critical step that will protect the legal rights of parents and ensure that child custody issues can be handled correctly by parents. Paternity refers to the legal recognition of someone as the father of a child. It is important for both mothers and fathers to understand when it is necessary to establish paternity in order to protect their interests and secure the best possible outcome for their children. When addressing issues related to paternity and child custody, it is important to work with an attorney who can provide guidance on how to handle these concerns and legal representation in any court proceedings that may be necessary.

The Importance of Paternity

Establishing paternity provides numerous benefits for both parents and children. Some of these benefits include:

• Legal rights: Once paternity is established, both parents will have legal rights and responsibilities toward their child. A father who is recognized as a child’s legal parent will have the right to reasonable visitation or parenting time, and he may also share decision-making authority regarding the child's upbringing. Parents will also be able to access a child’s medical and school records, and the child will have inheritance rights following the death of either parent.
• Financial support: After paternity is established, both parents will be required to provide financial support for the child. When addressing issues related to child custody, child support orders can be put in place so that the child’s ongoing needs will be met.
• Health history: Children have a right to know about their genetic background, including potential health issues inherited from either parent. A legal relationship with a parent will allow a child to access family medical history, which can ensure that they will be able to receive the proper medical treatment when necessary.
• Social Security benefits: In cases where one parent passes away or becomes disabled, a child may receive Social Security benefits through that parent. Establishing paternity will ensure that the child will be able to access these benefits when necessary.

Paternity Laws in Illinois

In Illinois law, there are two primary ways to establish paternity:

Sexual harassment is a pervasive issue that affects people in many different industries. It can have devastating effects on victims, leading to emotional distress, career setbacks, and even physical harm. While sexual harassment can occur in any workplace, there are some industries that have higher rates of harassment. Workers who have experienced sexual harassment will need to understand their legal options for addressing this issue, and they can do so with the help of an attorney who has experience in these types of cases.

Industries where sexual harassment is especially prevalent include:

The Hospitality Industry

Employees frequently interact with customers in settings such as hotels, restaurants, bars, and resorts. The customer-facing nature of this type of work can expose people to a higher risk of sexual harassment from both guests and colleagues. The fast-paced nature of these environments may also contribute to a lack of oversight or accountability. Many of these jobs are low-paying, and they are more likely to be held by women. Workers may be at risk of sexual harassment due to power imbalances and the need to rely on tips to earn income.

The process of divorce can be complex, especially for spouses who need to determine how to divide assets such as family businesses. One important aspect to consider during a divorce is the valuation of any businesses owned by either spouse. For business owners and their spouses, determining the value of business assets is a crucial aspect of ensuring an equitable distribution of marital assets. When addressing issues related to business valuation and division, an attorney who has experience handling these concerns can be an invaluable resource, and they can advocate for a fair division of marital property.

What Is a Business Valuation?

A business valuation is an assessment conducted by financial experts to determine the fair market value of a company. This valuation provides an accurate picture of how much the business is worth. A comprehensive valuation of business assets can play a significant role in property division negotiations during divorce proceedings.

Why Is Business Valuation Necessary in Divorce Cases?

Determining the value of a business during divorce can help ensure that each spouse will receive their fair share of marital assets. Without a proper valuation, both spouses may not understand the actual monetary value of business assets. A review of a business’s financial information may also uncover discrepancies, and it can ensure that a spouse cannot use a business to hide assets or unfairly influence the property division process.

In family law cases involving divorce, child custody, or related issues, the traditional method of resolving conflicts is through litigation. In these situations, spouses, parents, or other family members will address their legal concerns in the courtroom during hearings or trials. However, there is another alternative that is gaining popularity in family law cases: mediation. During the mediation process, a neutral third party will help the parties involved reach a mutually acceptable agreement by encouraging communication and negotiation.

Mediation offers several benefits over litigation, and it often provides the easiest and most effective way to resolve family law disputes in ways that will be satisfactory to all parties involved. To ensure that issues can be addressed and resolved correctly, divorcing spouses, separated parents, or other family members can work with an attorney who has experience assisting with mediation.

Maintaining Control

A major benefit of choosing mediation over litigation is that it allows the parties to have more control over the outcome of their case. Instead of leaving important decisions about a family's future up to a judge who may not fully understand the unique circumstances of a case, spouses or parents can actively participate in crafting agreements that work best for everyone involved. Since they will have a say in the decisions made, both parties will be more likely to follow the terms of their agreement in the future.

Originally published: March 26, 2020 -- Updated: October 9, 2023

Update: As discussed below, sexual harassment in the workplace can affect men just as much as it does women. Men may experience unfair treatment when they report inappropriate behavior, and they could face issues such as retaliation or termination. For anyone who has experienced these issues, it is important to understand what legal options may be available. To do so, victims of sexual harassment can consult with an attorney who has experience representing both men and women in these types of cases.

The specific remedies that may be available will often depend on the type of sexual harassment that has occurred and the ways a victim has been affected. Cases involving quid pro quo harassment or hostile work environment harassment may be treated differently, and a victim will need to understand what steps may be taken to address these issues.