Blog
- Why Second Parent Adoption in Illinois Is a Smart and Loving Choice
Feb 23, 2026
Co-parent or second parent adoption has become an essential step for many families in Illinois—especially for same-sex couples and blended families. While marriage equality has granted many rights to LGBTQ+ couples, and Illinois state law is protective of LGBTQ+ families, co-parent or second parent adoption remains a powerful legal tool to ensure both parents are fully recognized under federal law or in certain adoption scenarios. What Is Co-Parent or Second Parent Adoption? Co-parent adoption allows...Read More - Dealing with a High-Conflict Divorce? Tips for Navigating Stormy Waters
Feb 23, 2026
Divorce is rarely without conflict, so what exactly constitutes a “high-conflict divorce?” High-conflict divorce is typically defined as intense and ongoing hostility between the parties involved. Communication breaks down, emotions run high, and every decision becomes a battleground. Common triggers for high-conflict divorces include infidelity, financial issues, and disagreements over child custody. The conflict may be caused by one party or both parties may be equally contributing to a high-conflict environment. High-conflict divorces are emotionally...Read More - Don’t Let Tax Surprises Derail Your Home Purchase at the Closing Table
Feb 23, 2026
As real estate attorneys, we’re often the last professionals involved before a transaction becomes official—which gives us a clear view of what’s happening at the closing table. Lately, we’ve seen a troubling pattern: real estate closings falling through at the last minute because of property taxes. Even after a buyer is pre-approved, the deal can fall apart in the final stages—not because of the property itself, but because a reassessment causes the projected monthly payments...Read More - Real Estate Transaction Nightmares: Why You Need a Real Estate Attorney
Feb 23, 2026
Spooky season is nearly over, and even if you’re someone who loves a good scare, there’s one thing that should never send shivers down your spine—your real estate transaction. Yet, without the guidance of a seasoned real estate attorney, your home purchase or sale can quickly turn into a horror story! Imagine discovering after purchasing your new home that the HOA can fine you for leaving your Halloween decorations up too long. Or waiving an...Read More - Questions to Ask When Meeting with an Attorney for a Prenuptial Agreement
Feb 23, 2026
As you consider your future with your partner or prepare for marriage, you may be considering a prenuptial agreement. If you are not sure why a prenuptial agreement may be the best choice for you, you can check out our article on five reasons to have a prenuptial agreement. Whether you are in the early stages of making plans with your partner or are certain you want to move forward with a prenuptial agreement, an...Read More - What To Expect From A Divorce if You’ve Caught Your Spouse Cheating
Feb 23, 2026
Affairs are a hot topic in a divorce firm, and we field questions every week on how it can impact your divorce case. An affair can cause a wide range of negative emotions for one or both parties within a divorce, and those emotions can often bring a whole new slew of questions and considerations. Here, we answer the three most common questions we get about the effects of an affair on divorce litigation. Can...Read More - Back-to-School Challenges for Divorced Parents: How to Navigate the New School Year
Feb 23, 2026
The start of a new school year can be exciting for kids, but for divorced or separated parents, it often comes with its own set of challenges. Even parents who have successfully navigated previous years can find themselves running into familiar—or new—obstacles. Here are some of the most common issues co-parents face, along with practical strategies for handling them. 1. Confusion Around Schedules New school years mean new routines: different start times, after-school programs, bus...Read More - Illinois Divorce Law Update: Maintenance Payments Now Required During Incarceration
Feb 23, 2026
A significant update to Illinois divorce law now clarifies that maintenance payments must continue even if the paying spouse is incarcerated. This change, effective January 2025, alters the previous expectation that maintenance could be paused automatically during imprisonment. What Changed? Under the new law, alimony no longer pauses automatically when the paying spouse is incarcerated. Instead: Payments continue to accrue while the individual is in prison. Any unpaid amounts become arrears, which can be collected after...Read More - Protecting Your Business and Home in Illinois with Prenuptial and Postnuptial Agreements
Feb 23, 2026
When love and life intertwine, it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of planning a future together. But if you own a business or a home—or both—taking proactive legal steps can protect your assets and preserve your peace of mind. In Illinois, prenuptial and postnuptial agreements are valuable tools that can help you safeguard your investments in the event of divorce or death. What Are Prenuptial and Postnuptial Agreements? A prenuptial agreement is...Read More - Understanding the Role of a Guardian Ad Litem and Child Representative in Your Custody Dispute
Feb 23, 2026
When parents are going through a divorce — or when they are not married but share a child and are engaged in a dispute over custody (now known as allocation of parental responsibilities) — the wellbeing and best interests of the children can be inadvertently overlooked. The court is tasked with making decisions based on the best interests of the children. In order to do this, the court often appoints a Guardian Ad Litem or...Read More