Posted on April 19, 2024 in Main

In many family law cases, child support is a crucial issue. Both parents have financial obligations and will be required to contribute to the basic needs and expenses of raising their child. One parent will typically be required to make payments to the other, and when these payments are not made on time or in full, the child's quality of life can be significantly affected

Fortunately, there are several legal avenues that a parent can explore to enforce child support orders and collect past-due payments. An experienced attorney can help determine the best ways to address these situations and can provide representation during legal proceedings while working to ensure that the child's best interests will be protected.

Understanding Child Support Enforcement in Illinois

A variety of legal measures may be taken to ensure that a parent pays child support. A parent who is owed child support may have a number of options for collecting the past-due support and ensuring that payments will be made in the future. These include:

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 Posted on April 08, 2024 in Kane

There are many situations where parents may wish to modify parental allocation judgments put in place by a family court. While these orders are usually meant to reflect a family's situation and ensure that parents can work together to provide for their children's needs, circumstances may change. One parent may believe that it would be better for his children to live with them more often, or both parents may agree that adjustments to parenting time schedules are necessary because of a parent's health issues. Regardless of the reasons for a potential modification, it is important to follow the correct procedures to ensure that the best interests of children will be protected.

A parent who believes a modification to a parenting plan is necessary may request these changes in family court. A judge will review the request to determine whether it will provide for the best interests of the child or children involved. Whether a modification is based on one parent's desires or an agreement by both parents, it is important to work with an attorney in these situations to make sure all legal requirements are met.

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 Posted on April 08, 2024 in Main

Getting a divorce can be challenging for anyone, but business owners will face some unique concerns. In addition to considering their own financial needs, they may need to take steps to protect the future of their companies. Understanding how to safeguard a business during a divorce is crucial. An attorney who is experienced in both family law and business matters can provide essential guidance and support throughout the divorce process.

Understanding the Implications of Divorce on Your Business

As a business owner, your company is not just a source of income. When you have built a successful business, it can be a part of your identity, and it can serve as a testament to your hard work and dedication. However, during your divorce, your business will be viewed as one of the assets you and your spouse own, and ownership of your business may need to be addressed during the property division process.

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 Posted on April 08, 2024 in Main

Sexual harassment in the workplace is a serious issue that affects many people across many industries. People who experience sexual harassment are likely to suffer a number of negative effects, including a loss of income and emotional trauma that may affect their life and their ability to work and earn income in the future.

To help address this problem, federal and state laws provide important protections for victims of sexual harassment. An experienced attorney can provide invaluable legal help for those facing such challenges, helping victims understand their rights and their options for addressing sexual harassment they have experienced.

Federal Laws Protecting Victims of Sexual Harassment

At the federal level, the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VII) is the primary legislation that addresses sexual harassment. This law applies to employers with 15 or more employees, and it prohibits discrimination based on sex, which includes sexual harassment. Under Title VII, victims of sexual harassment can file a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) within 180 days from the day the sexual harassment occurred. The protections available to sexual harassment victims include:

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 Posted on March 28, 2024 in Kane

After a divorce, circumstances can change for either party or for a couple's children. These situations may lead a parent to seek a modification of the child parenting arrangements that were put in place during the divorce process. If you have experienced changes in your life after your divorce, it is important to understand when and how child parenting agreement modifications can be made. An attorney with experience representing clients in family law cases can guide you through the process, ensuring your child's best interests are prioritized and your parental rights are protected.

When Can You Modify A Parental Allocation Judgment in Illinois?

In Illinois, it is possible to modify both the allocation of parental responsibilities (formerly referred to as legal custody) and parenting time (formerly referred to as visitation). According to the state's laws, modifications can usually only be made to the allocation of parental responsibilities after two years have passed since the completion of a divorce or since a child custody order was put in place. However, modifications can be made at any time if they are necessary to serve the best interests of the child or children.

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 Posted on March 20, 2024 in Main

Sexual harassment is an ongoing issue in workplaces throughout the United States. It affects countless people, and victims may experience a variety of hardships, including the loss of their jobs, the loss of income, and damage to their mental health and welfare. Despite the efforts that have been made to combat this misconduct, many cases go unreported, and the enforcement of sexual harassment policies often falls short. An experienced attorney can provide essential guidance and support to those who have experienced sexual harassment, ensuring their rights are protected and their voices are heard.

The Underreporting of Sexual Harassment

Approximately 75% of sexual harassment cases are not reported. Even when policies are in place to address sexual harassment, victims may fear retaliation, or they may worry that they will not be believed. This highlights the importance of educating employees about sexual harassment and ensuring that the correct policies and procedures are in place to respond to complaints effectively.

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 Posted on March 19, 2024 in Main

Originally published: November 5, 2020 -- Updated: March 19, 2024

Update: As discussed below, some parents may choose to remain married while they raise their children rather than getting a divorce. In these situations, it may be beneficial to pursue a legal separation, which will allow a couple to remain legally married while detailing the rights and obligations that will apply to each party. With a legal separation, a couple may choose to live in different homes, or they may continue living together while focusing on parenting responsibilities and keeping their lives separate as much as possible.

A legal separation can provide a number of benefits, such as the ability to maintain family health insurance coverage. The creation of a separation agreement will ensure that both spouses fully understand how certain matters will be handled, including how they will make child-related decisions and, if they are living separately, when children will spend parenting time with each parent. If a couple has taken steps to separate their finances, one spouse may pay child support or spousal support to the other.

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 Posted on March 18, 2024 in Kane

When a marriage comes to an end, particularly under circumstances where one spouse is primarily responsible for the divorce, emotions can become heated. In some cases, a person may believe that their spouse should be punished for infidelity or other actions that led to the breakdown of their relationship. If you are planning to end your marriage in Illinois, you may wonder whether being the "innocent" spouse might impact your eligibility for alimony, also known as spousal maintenance. As you address this issue and other divorce-related concerns, it is important to understand the nuances of Illinois law regarding spousal maintenance and fault in a divorce. An experienced attorney can guide you through the complexities of divorce law and help you understand your rights and options.

Spousal Maintenance in Illinois: An Overview

Spousal maintenance is not automatically granted in Illinois divorces. The court will consider several factors to determine whether maintenance is appropriate and, if so, its amount and duration. However, it is important to understand that the purpose of spousal support is to maintain equality between spouses and ensure that they will both have enough financial resources to support themselves. Spousal maintenance will typically consist of monthly payments by one party to the other, and it is meant to ensure that a person who earns less than their former partner will be able to continue living at the standard the spouses were accustomed to while they were married.

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 Posted on March 04, 2024 in Main

When parents go through a divorce or need to address child custody issues in other family law cases, the well-being of their children is the most important factor to consider. Child custody evaluations can play a pivotal role in these legal proceedings, and an evaluator's assessments may influence the court's decisions regarding parenting time and responsibilities. If you need to work with a custody evaluator during your divorce or family law case, an experienced attorney can provide the guidance and representation you need.

What Are Child Custody Evaluations?

Child custody evaluations are assessments conducted by mental health professionals to provide the court with a comprehensive understanding of the family dynamics. Their reports and opinions can help determine what would be in the best interests of the child. These evaluations are particularly common in contentious divorce or child custody cases where parents cannot agree on the best arrangements for their children.

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 Posted on March 04, 2024 in Main

Sexual harassment is a distressing experience that can have a lasting impact on the victim's emotional well-being, their career, and other aspects of their life. If someone you know has faced sexual harassment, your support can play a crucial role in their recovery and pursuit of justice. There are a number of legal avenues available for victims, and an attorney who has experience in these matters can provide guidance on the best ways to proceed. With this understanding, a victim will be empowered to stand against injustice.

Here are several ways you can offer support and encourage a victim of sexual harassment to explore their legal options:

Listen and Validate Their Feelings

The first step in supporting a victim of sexual harassment is to listen without judgment. Affirm their feelings and experiences, ensuring they know they are not alone and that their emotions are valid. A supportive, empathetic ear can provide a solid foundation for their healing process.

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