Posted on September 11, 2026 in Sexual Harassment

It's not unusual for romantic relationships to develop between coworkers who spend a lot of time together. Although these relationships may start consensually and may not violate any workplace agreements or codes of conduct, when they end, the awkwardness and unpleasantness of a personal breakup often carry over into the workplace.

Unfortunately, one former partner may continue to act in a sexually aggressive way or make unwanted advances at work. If you are the target of this type of harassment, it is important to know that a past relationship does not give a former partner permission to continue unwanted behavior. If you are dealing with workplace sexual harassment from a former partner in 2026, a DuPage County, IL sexual harassment attorney can explain your rights.

Can a Former Partner's Conduct Become Sexual Harassment in Illinois?

Under 775 ILCS 5/2-101, the Illinois Human Rights Act defines sexual harassment to include unwelcome sexual advances and requests for sexual favors. It can also include sexual conduct that substantially interferes with a person's work or creates a hostile or offensive work environment.

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 Posted on September 06, 2026 in Family Law

Married couples often combine their lives financially and legally. Ending a marriage is not as simple as deciding you no longer want to be married. For many people, one of the greatest barriers to separating is their living situation, especially if they cannot afford to pay for a second home while a divorce is underway.

Fortunately, spouses are not required to live in separate homes before they can get divorced in Illinois. If you want a divorce but you and your spouse are still living together in 2026, a Kane County, IL divorce attorney can explain how your living situation may affect the process.

Do I Have to Move Out Before Filing for Divorce in Illinois?

Illinois does not require one spouse to move out of the marital home before a divorce can be filed. Spouses may begin the divorce process while they continue living at the same address.

Under 750 ILCS 5/401, Illinois recognizes irreconcilable differences as the main basis for divorce. This means the marriage has broken down and attempts to repair it have failed or would not be practical for the family. Continuing to share a home does not prevent spouses from showing that their marriage has broken down.

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 Posted on September 01, 2026 in Family Law

Divorce can create financial concerns for a spouse who has spent years caring for children or managing the home. Without a regular paycheck, you may wonder how you will support yourself once you and your spouse live apart.

Illinois law recognizes the work a homemaker or stay-at-home parent contributes to a marriage. Your role at home may affect issues like spousal maintenance (commonly called alimony) and property division. If you are a stay-at-home parent considering divorce in 2026, a DuPage County, IL divorce attorney can help you understand your financial options.

Can a Stay-at-Home Parent Receive Spousal Maintenance in Illinois?

A stay-at-home parent may qualify for spousal maintenance. Maintenance can provide financial support during or after a divorce.

Under 750 ILCS 5/504, Illinois courts consider several factors when deciding whether maintenance is appropriate. The court will look at your individual incomes and financial needs. They can also consider how the marriage affects your present and future ability to earn income.

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 Posted on August 30, 2026 in Family Law

Divorce mediation gives spouses a chance to settle disagreements without asking a judge to make every decision. However, even when both spouses enter mediation hoping to reach an agreement, they may find that some issues are too difficult to resolve.

An unsuccessful mediation does not mean your divorce process has to start over. If your divorce mediation stalls, a Kane County divorce attorney can help you decide what to do next.

What Happens When Spouses Cannot Agree During Illinois Divorce Mediation?

A mediator helps spouses work through disputed issues and explore possible solutions. Unlike a judge, the mediator cannot make decisions for you or require either of you to accept an agreement.

When mediation reaches a standstill, the divorce can still move forward. You and your spouse may continue negotiating through your attorneys. If you still cannot reach an agreement, the court can decide the remaining issues.

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 Posted on August 25, 2026 in Sexual Harassment

Most of us are more familiar with sexual harassment in the workplace coming from a co-worker or a boss. In many instances, sexual harassment in the workplace is from clients or customers of the business. This is more common among those in the hospitality industry, but it can also occur in many other industries.

A waitress could be sexually harassed by a customer, a grocery store cashier could be inappropriately touched by a customer, or a nurse could have a patient who constantly makes sexually inappropriate jokes. Sexual harassment by customers, clients, and patients occurs more often than most people would think.

Those who suffer the sexual harassment may be unsure whether their employer can be held liable in these instances. If you have been sexually harassed by a client, customer, or patient, it is important that you speak to an experienced Wheaton, IL sexual harassment lawyer as soon as possible after the incident.  

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 Posted on August 20, 2026 in Family Law

Many unmarried fathers want to be involved in their child’s life but are unsure what legal rights they have. A father may provide support and have a close relationship with his child, but he may still have questions about what happens if the other parent disagrees about parenting decisions.

In Illinois, an unmarried father’s rights begin with legal parentage, also known as "paternity." Once parentage is established, a father can ask for parenting time and decision-making responsibilities. If you have questions about your rights as an unmarried father in 2026, a DuPage County family law attorney can explain your options.

Does an Unmarried Father Automatically Have Parental Rights in Illinois?

Being a child’s biological father does not always create immediate legal rights. Illinois law uses the term legal parentage to describe the legal relationship between a parent and child.

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 Posted on August 15, 2026 in Sexual Harassment

Work does not always stay inside the office. Employees may attend conferences, travel with coworkers, go to company parties, or talk with supervisors after hours. When inappropriate behavior happens outside your usual workplace, it can be difficult to navigate what rights you have.

Workplace sexual harassment does not have to happen at your workspace or inside your employer's building. Illinois law may cover conduct outside the workplace when it is connected to your job. If you experienced sexual harassment, a Wheaton, IL sexual harassment attorney can help you understand whether you may have a legal claim.

What Does Illinois Law Say About Harassment Outside the Workplace?

The Illinois Human Rights Act defines sexual harassment as unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or other sexual conduct that meets certain legal rules. Under 775 ILCS 5/2-101, this can include conduct that affects a person's job or creates an intimidating or offensive work environment.

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 Posted on August 10, 2026 in Family Law

After a divorce, a parenting plan is meant to give both parents clear rules for raising their child. However, problems can arise when one parent stops following those terms.

If your ex keeps violating your parenting plan in 2026, you should file a motion to ask the court to enforce it. Our DuPage County, IL family law attorney can explain what you can do to protect your rights and your time with your child.

The appropriate enforcement procedure may depend on which provision of the parenting plan has been violated. Illinois law provides a specific expedited procedure under Section 607.5 for violations involving allocated parenting time

What Steps Can I Take if My Ex Is Not Following Our Parenting Plan in Illinois?

Start by reviewing your parenting plan to make sure you understand what it requires. A disagreement between parents does not always mean that someone has violated the court order.

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 Posted on August 05, 2026 in Kane

A divorce can take a long time, but your household expenses and responsibilities as a parent don’t stop while the case is pending. You may need to decide how you will support yourself or how you and your spouse will divide parenting time long before the divorce is final.

Illinois courts can enter temporary orders to address these concerns while a divorce is underway. If you are going through an Illinois divorce, a Kane County divorce attorney can help you determine what temporary relief may help provide stability until the court enters a final judgment.

What Financial Support Can You Request During a Divorce in Illinois?

Under 750 ILCS 5/501 of the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act, either spouse may ask for temporary maintenance or child support.

Temporary maintenance can help a spouse who does not have enough income to pay regular expenses. This could be particularly relevant for a parent who stayed home with the children during the marriage and may need help paying for groceries and utilities after the spouses separate.

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 Posted on July 30, 2026 in Sexual Harassment

Many people don’t immediately report sexual harassment. Some hope the behavior will stop. Others are afraid they will lose their jobs, damage their careers, or be blamed for what happened. Some may also need time to fully understand that the behavior they faced was serious enough to violate the law.

Not making an immediate report does not always prevent you from bringing a claim. However, the delay can change how a case is handled because it might affect what evidence is available, whether the employer is responsible, and whether legal action can be taken now.

If you are considering a sexual harassment claim in 2026, speak with a DuPage County sexual harassment lawsuit attorney as soon as possible.

Do I Have to Report Sexual Harassment to Human Resources First?

You do not always have to report harassment to human resources before filing a charge with a government agency. A company’s internal complaint system and the formal legal process are separate.

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