Posted on March 11, 2026 in Sexual Harassment

Asking someone from work out on a date may be okay, but it totally depends on the circumstances. But it’s wise to proceed with caution when considering a workplace romance in 2026, as there can be real legal risks. If you are being bothered at work by someone who keeps asking you out, our DuPage County sexual harassment attorney can help you understand your options.

Can Asking a Co-Worker Out Be Considered Sexual Harassment?

A single, respectful request that gets dropped if the person says "No" is not enough to rise to the level of sexual harassment under the law.  However, several things can change that.

Both Illinois law (Illinois Human Rights Act 775 ILCS 5/2-102(D) and federal law prohibit sexual harassment in the workplace. There are two legally recognized forms:

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 Posted on March 11, 2026 in Family Law

Many people who go through a divorce worry about paying for their lawyer. Attorney fees in a divorce case can add up quickly, especially when things get dragged out. If you are going through a divorce in 2026 and are unsure how you’ll be able to pay, or if you can pay at all, a Wheaton, IL divorce attorney can help you understand your options.

How Are Attorney Fees Structured in Illinois Divorce Cases?

A baseline understanding of how attorneys charge can be helpful in knowing what kinds of fees you will incur. Most divorce attorneys in Illinois use one of the following fee structures:

• Hourly billing: You pay for the time your attorney spends on your case. Rates vary based on the lawyer's experience and the complexity of your case.
• Retainer fees: This is a large up-front payment that the attorney draws from as they work on your case.
• Flat fees: Some attorneys offer a set price for straightforward, uncontested divorces. This is less common in complex cases.

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 Posted on March 11, 2026 in Family Law

Before changes to the law, certain tax breaks were given to people paying child and spousal support. This was allowed by something called "unallocated support." If you are getting divorced and expect to make support payments, you may wonder if unallocated support is still an option in 2026, and if so, how to take advantage of it. A St. Charles divorce attorney can help you with these questions.

What Is Unallocated Support?

Unallocated support is a single monthly payment that combines what would otherwise be two separate payments: maintenance (sometimes called spousal support or alimony) and child support. The agreement does not spell out exactly how much goes toward each – hence the name "unallocated."

In current Illinois law, maintenance and child support are governed by separate statutes. Maintenance is addressed under 750 ILCS 5/504, and child support under 750 ILCS 5/505.

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 Posted on February 28, 2026 in Sexual Harassment

 If you are being sexually harassed at work, one of the most important things you can do right now is start writing things down. A sexual harassment log is a personal record of every incident of harassment you experience. It is a powerful tool available to you if you decide to take legal action. In 2026, Illinois law gives workers strong protections against workplace sexual harassment but proving that harassment occurred often comes down to your documentation.

If you are dealing with sexual harassment at work, a Wheaton sexual harassment attorney can help you understand your rights and your next steps.

What Is a Sexual Harassment Log?

A sexual harassment log is a written record you keep that details every incident of sexual harassment you experience. You can keep it in a personal notebook or on a personal device. Do not use an employer-provided phone or computer to store this information.

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 Posted on February 28, 2026 in Family Law

Someone who is behind on child support payments who just came into an inheritance of some kind might wonder if the courts will make them use it to pay the unpaid back child support.

The answer is generally yes. If you have questions about how an inheritance might affect your future child support obligations in 2026, a DuPage County family law attorney can review your case and explain your options.

Is an Inheritance Considered Income for Child Support in Illinois?

Child support calculations are based on your income. The Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act, specifically 750 ILCS 5/505, defines what counts as income for child support purposes. This includes:

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 Posted on February 28, 2026 in Family Law

Parenting time for special needs children can be much more complicated than for other kids. Unfortunately, marriages involving special needs children are much more likely to end in divorce. A study from the National Library of Medicine shows that parents of children with autism had almost twice the divorce rate of a control group.

Is a 50/50 parenting time arrangement going to be good for your child with unique medical, emotional, or developmental needs? If you're not sure, a Kane County family law attorney can help you with a parenting plan that prioritizes your child's wellbeing in 2026 and beyond.

Does Illinois Law Say Anything About Parenting Time for Special Needs Children?

There are no separate legal rules about special needs children. The question is not whether your child deserves equal time with both parents; it's whether equal parenting time serves their best interests. Under 750 ILCS 5/602.7, courts must consider the best interests of any child when making decisions about parenting time. This includes looking at the child's needs, each parent's ability to meet those needs, and the child's adjustment to their home, school, and community.

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 Posted on February 11, 2026 in Sexual Harassment

While sexual harassment has been officially illegal since the 1980s, it has remained an issue in workplaces. In recent years, sexual harassment has led to worker strikes and outside reviews of companies. Everyone from celebrities to ordinary workers have become advocates against it. About 10 years ago, there was a surge of sexual harassment reform, started largely by the #MeToo movement.

Many companies have responded with updated policies. The question now is: Are things better in 2026? Have the statistics on workplace sexual harassment improved?

Even if the answer is "yes," that doesn’t mean it has stopped altogether. If you are currently experiencing sexual harassment in the workplace, a DuPage County harassment attorney can help you understand your rights and legal options.

Have Sexual Harassment Reports Decreased?

There is evidence that reports of sexual harassment have dropped. Different sources give somewhat different pictures of the situation. The Clayman Institute for Gender Research says that reports in federal workplaces declined by more than 50 percent between 1987 and 2016. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) reported that in the two years after #MeToo kicked off, reporting increased.

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 Posted on February 11, 2026 in Family Law

When parents disagree about parental responsibilities or parenting time, the court sometimes needs help deciding what is best for the child. In these cases, a guardian ad litem may be helpful.

When parents cannot agree on custody terms, or when there are concerns that one parent may be improperly awarded custody, a party may seek the appointment of a guardian ad litem (GAL). Understanding the role of a GAL, the circumstances under which a court may appoint one, and how that appointment can affect a custody case can help parties better anticipate the process and prepare as the case proceeds. If you have questions about your parenting case in 2026, a St. Charles custody attorney can explain your options.

What Does a Guardian ad Litem Do in an Illinois Parenting Case?

A Guardian ad Litem, (GAL), is a neutral, professional person chosen by the court to represent a child's best interests during the case. Illinois requires GALs to be licensed attorneys. A GAL will investigate the child's situation and make recommendations to the court. The GAL does not represent either parent.

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 Posted on February 11, 2026 in Family Law

Many couples live separately before deciding whether they should divorce. This is often easier than jumping straight into the divorce process. Separating can give you the feeling that there is still time to figure things out. It may also be hard for you to give up the financial benefits of being married. However, long-term separations can create some legal and financial problems that make your situation worse, not better.

If you have been separated from your spouse for months or years in 2026, it may be time to decide if divorce is the better choice. Understanding the risks of extended separation can help you make an informed decision about your future. A DuPage County divorce attorney can help you look at your situation and determine the best path forward.

Separation Versus Divorce in Illinois

While there is a legal process called "legal separation" under law 750 ILCS 5/402, most couples who separate never go through this formal process. Instead, they simply move into different homes and live separately. This is called "informal separation."

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 Posted on January 23, 2026 in Family Law

When a family member cannot make important decisions on their own due to a disability, you may want – or need – to become their legal guardian. "Guardianship" is a big responsibility that gives you legal authority to make decisions for someone who cannot make them alone.

In 2026, many Illinois families are caring for disabled adults. These family members need help managing their finances, healthcare, and daily living. If you are considering guardianship for a disabled adult, our Kane County guardianship attorneys can help you understand the process.

What is Guardianship for a Disabled Adult?

"Guardianship" is where a court gives one person the authority to make decisions for another person who cannot make those decisions themselves. The person who needs help is called the "ward," and the person making decisions is the "guardian."

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