Posted on August 11, 2023 in Main

Sexual harassment is a pervasive issue that affects employees in various industries and workplaces. While many people are aware of the laws protecting employees from sexual harassment by their employers or co-workers, there may be some confusion about whether these protections extend to harassment from customers, clients, or other non-employees. By understanding their legal rights, employees can make sure sexual harassment by non-employees will be addressed correctly.

Employee Protections Against Sexual Harassment

The primary law that provides protection against workplace discrimination and harassment in Illinois is the Illinois Human Rights Act (IHRA). The IHRA prohibits employers from subjecting employees to a hostile work environment due to unwanted sexual advances or conduct. These protections extend not only to direct actions taken by an employer and other employees, they also encompass acts committed by non-employees. While under federal law, Title VII does not explicitly mention sexual harassment by non-employees, courts have interpreted its provisions broadly enough to also cover such instances.

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 Posted on August 07, 2023 in Kane

Divorce can be challenging for anyone, but the process of ending a marriage can be especially complicated for couples who have a high net worth. In addition to addressing the typical concerns about issues such as property division and child custody, determining how to resolve financial matters can take on a whole new level of complexity for couples with substantial assets. If you are going through a high net worth divorce in Illinois, it is crucial to work with an attorney who can help you understand the specific financial issues that may arise and how they could impact your future.

The Role of Asset Valuation

One significant challenge in high net worth divorces involves properly valuing all assets owned by a couple, both together and separately. This task can become particularly complex when there are diverse investment portfolios, business interests, real estate holdings, and other valuable assets involved. Accurate asset valuation is essential for ensuring an equitable distribution of marital property during the divorce proceedings.

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 Posted on July 31, 2023 in Main

Sexual harassment is a serious issue that affects many individuals in the workplace. It can have long-lasting effects on victims, both emotionally and professionally. If you have experienced sexual harassment in Illinois, it is important to understand your rights and the legal options available to you. One question that often arises is whether there is a statute of limitations for reporting sexual harassment and what actions you will need to take within the appropriate time limits.

Understanding the Statute of Limitations

The statute of limitations refers to the time period within which a victim must take action to address discrimination they have experienced due to sexual harassment. In the context of sexual harassment, the statute of limitations determines how long a victim has to report the harassment and seek legal recourse. The time limits will vary depending on the type of legal claim and the jurisdiction

In Illinois, the statute of limitations for reporting sexual harassment depends on the specific legal claim being pursued. It is important to note that the statute of limitations may vary depending on the circumstances of each case, so it is advisable to consult with an experienced attorney to understand the specific time limits that apply to your specific situation.

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 Posted on July 31, 2023 in Main

The divorce process can be challenging, and when a couple has a high net worth, the complexity of a case can increase significantly. In these situations, the division of assets becomes a critical aspect of the divorce settlement, and other legal and financial issues may also need to be addressed, such as spousal support or prenuptial agreements. High asset divorces often involve significant financial holdings, investments, and properties that need to be properly evaluated and divided. If you are going through a high net worth divorce in Wheaton, Illinois, it is important to understand the types of assets that may need to be addressed. An experienced divorce attorney can help ensure that your rights and interests are protected throughout the process. The different types of assets to address during your case may include:

Real Estate

Real estate properties are often some of the most valuable assets in a high net worth divorce. They can include primary residences, vacation homes, rental properties, and other commercial properties. It is important to determine the current market value of each property and consider factors such as mortgage debt, rental income, and potential tax implications. In some cases, it may be necessary to sell certain properties and divide the proceeds, while in others, one spouse may choose to keep a property and buy out the other spouse's share.

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 Posted on July 27, 2023 in Kane

Going through a divorce can be challenging, and couples will need to address multiple types of legal and financial issues. Many of the most significant concerns for divorcing spouses will be related to the division of assets and the family home in particular. If you are looking to maintain ownership of your home following a divorce in Illinois, there are several factors to consider. By working with a skilled divorce attorney, you can take steps to protect your interests and resolve financial issues successfully.

Understanding the Laws in Illinois

Before delving into the specifics of home ownership following divorce, it is essential to have a basic understanding of the laws in Illinois regarding property division. Illinois follows the principle of equitable distribution, which means that marital property is divided between spouses fairly but not necessarily equally.

Marital property includes any assets acquired during the marriage. If your family home was purchased after you got married, it will be a marital asset. However, if you owned the home before you got married, or if you received the home as a gift or inheritance, it may be considered non-marital property, and it could potentially be excluded from the division.

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 Posted on July 19, 2023 in Main

In the workplace, everyone deserves to feel safe and respected. Unfortunately, there are instances where individuals may experience sexual harassment, which can not only affect a person emotionally, but may also have an impact on their career and ability to earn an income. Many sexual harassment cases involve what is known as “quid pro quo” sexual harassment in which a person may be offered benefits or threatened with penalties based on their response to sexual requests. However, sexual harassment can also involve actions that create a hostile work environment, which may affect a person's ability to perform their duties while also having a detrimental impact on their emotional well-being. Employees need to understand how to address sexual harassment, and the steps to take to prevent and/or stop the illegal behavior.

What Is a Hostile Work Environment?

There are some situations in which an individual may experience unwanted sexual advances, inappropriate comments, or other conduct that creates an intimidating or offensive workplace. This is a form of sexual harassment that can affect anyone, regardless of their gender, sexual orientation, or age.

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 Posted on July 13, 2023 in Main

Divorce can be one of the most challenging and overwhelming experiences in a person's life. It brings a multitude of changes, emotions, and legal processes that can take a toll on your well-being. During this difficult time, it is crucial to prioritize self-care

Emotional Well-being

Divorce is emotionally draining and can lead to feelings of grief, anger, sadness, and anxiety. Self-care activities such as therapy, journaling, spending time with loved ones, and engaging in hobbies can help you process your emotions and promote emotional healing. Building a strong support system is essential when navigating a divorce. Creating a network of friends and family, or joining a support group, can provide emotional support, guidance, and understanding.

Physical Health

Stress and emotional turmoil can have a significant impact on your physical health. It is important to take care of your body by eating a balanced diet, getting regular exercise, and prioritizing sleep. Consider implementing breathing exercises, meditation, or other nervous system regulation practices into your daily routine. Taking care of your physical health when navigating a divorce can improve your mood, boost your energy levels, and aid in the healing process

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 Posted on July 10, 2023 in Main

The challenge of sexual harassment in the workplace affects employees across various industries. While reporting such misconduct is a crucial step in combating it, victims often face another insidious problem – retaliation. It is important for those who have experienced sexual harassment to understand how to address potential retaliation that may occur after reporting an incident.

Understanding Your Rights

Federal and state laws, including Title VII of the Civil Rights Act and the Illinois Human Rights Act, protect employees from retaliation for reporting sexual harassment. These laws prohibit employers from punishing employees who engage in “protected activities” such as filing a harassment complaint or participating in an investigation.

Recognizing Retaliation

Retaliation can take many forms. It may be blatant, such as demotion, job reassignment, pay cuts, or termination. However, it can also be more subtle, including things such as exclusion from meetings, negative performance reviews, or hostile treatment from supervisors or colleagues. Understanding what constitutes retaliation is the first step in addressing it.

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 Posted on July 10, 2023 in Kane

Understanding how and when paternity can be established is a crucial concern for both mothers and fathers in Illinois. Establishing paternity may be necessary before issues such as child custody, child support, inheritance rights, and medical care can be addressed. When paternity is established, a legal relationship will be created between the parent and child, ensuring that both of a child's parents can play an important role in their lives.

Presumed Paternity

Paternity is established automatically in specific circumstances under Illinois law. If a couple is married when a child is born, both spouses will be presumed to be the child's legal parents. If a couple's marriage ended within 300 days before the child's birth, the ex-husband is presumed to be the legal father. If the requirements for presumption of paternity have not been met, the father will not be considered the child's legal parent, even if both parents understand that he is the child's biological father.

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 Posted on July 07, 2023 in Kane

At one time, in order to file for divorce, a spouse was required to cite the reason why they wanted to end their marriage. The reason cited was referred to as "fault." Today, Illinois no longer has this requirement, and all divorces are "no-fault." In a no-fault divorce system, the only accepted grounds for divorce are irreconcilable differences or the breakdown of the marital relationship. This approach represents a significant shift in the way divorce is handled, aiming to simplify the process, reduce conflict, and promote a more amicable separation.

The following is a brief overview of no-fault divorce. For more detailed information about your particular situation, contact our office for legal assistance.

Advantages of No-Fault Divorce

One of the primary advantages of a no-fault divorce is that it eliminates the need to establish fault or assign blame for the end of a marriage. In traditional, fault-based divorce cases, individuals seeking divorce had to prove misconduct, such as adultery, abandonment, or cruelty, to justify the dissolution of the marriage. This often led to a protracted and acrimonious legal battle, exacerbating the emotional and financial strain on both parties. No-fault divorce streamlines the process, allowing couples to focus on resolving practical matters and moving forward with their lives.

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