Blog

Category Archives: Main

Illinois paternityIn 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:

...

Industries with most sexual harassmentSexual 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.

...

Illinois Mediation attorneysIn 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.

...

Wheaton sexual harassment attorneysOriginally 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.

...

b2ap3_thumbnail_Untitled---2023-09-26T090324.117.jpgSexual harassment in the workplace is a serious issue that affects people in many industries and from all walks of life. Unfortunately, some employees who report workplace sexual harassment are ignored or not taken seriously by employers or supervisors. In these situations, it is crucial to understand your rights and your legal options. With the help of an experienced attorney, you can take steps to address the ways you have been affected by sexual harassment.

The Impact of Ignored Reports

When reports of workplace sexual harassment are not addressed correctly, this can affect both the victim and the overall work environment. Some potential effects of the failure to respond to sexual harassment complaints include:

  • Maintaining a hostile work environment: By ignoring complaints of sexual harassment, an employer allows a hostile work environment to persist. This not only affects the victim, but it also sets a precedent for others.
  • Silencing victims: When reports are dismissed without proper investigation or action to address harassment, this sends a message to other potential victims that their voices will not be heard either.
  • Lack of accountability: Failure to address sexual harassment claims creates a culture where harassers face no consequences for their actions. This lack of accountability allows abuse within workplaces to continue.
  • Negative impact on productivity: A toxic work environment due to sexual harassment can lead to decreased productivity among affected employees. They may experience increased stress and anxiety, and they may find it more difficult to complete their job duties effectively.

Your Rights When Reporting Workplace Sexual Harassment

If you have experienced sexual harassment in your workspace, and your initial report was ignored or overlooked by management, there are legal protections available to you that can help ensure your rights are upheld. You have rights under the following laws:

...

Recent Blog Posts

Archives

250 W. River Drive, Unit 2A
St. Charles, IL 60174
630-665-7300
Evening and weekend hours by appointment.

From our law office in Wheaton, IL the family law and civil litigation law attorneys of Mirabella, Kincaid, Frederick and Mirabella, represent businesses and individual clients throughout the western suburbs of Chicago, Illinois including Wheaton, Naperville, Oak Brook, Glen Ellyn, Carol Stream, Lombard, Downers Grove, Burr Ridge, Lisle, Elmhurst, Oakbrook Terrace, Winfield, Woodridge, Warrenville and throughout DuPage, Kane and Kendall Counties.

Make a Payment
© 2024 Mirabella, Kincaid, Frederick & Mirabella, LLC | 1737 South Naperville Road, Suite 100, Wheaton, IL 60189 | 630-665-7300
Kane County | Disclaimer Privacy Policy | Resources Sitemap
Take me to top
OVC, INC
Giving Back
Contact Us
Giving Back
Contact Us

In honor of the passing of our founder, Joseph F. Mirabella, Jr., our offices are closed Friday, January 31, 2020.I Agree