Chicago Family Lawyers

Family Law Practice Areas in Illinois

Our firm handles the full range of family law matters that arise under the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act, from straightforward proceedings to cases involving significant financial complexity or cross-border complications. Whether you’re exploring your options for the first time or need representation at trial, we can help.

We represent clients in matters including:

• Divorce: contested divorce, uncontested divorce, and high net worth divorce involving business interests or complex asset portfolios
• Allocation of Parental Responsibilities: Illinois law uses this term for what many people call child custody, governing both decision-making authority and parenting time
• Child Support: calculation, modification, and enforcement under Illinois guidelines
• Spousal Support & Maintenance: alimony determinations, duration, and post-decree modification
• Property Division: equitable distribution of marital assets under Illinois law, which divides property based on fairness rather than an automatic 50/50 split
• Prenuptial & Postnuptial Agreements: drafting and review to protect separate property and clarify financial expectations
• Separation Agreements
• Mediation: certified mediation as an alternative to contested litigation
• Modifications & Enforcement: post-decree changes when income, relocation, or a child’s needs shift materially
• Domestic Violence Protection Orders
• Hague Convention Cases: international child abduction and cross-border custody matters
• International Advisement: cases involving parties or assets in the EU, Canada, or elsewhere

We serve clients in Chicago and Hinsdale and across Cook County, DuPage County, Will County, and Kane County. We represent families from all walks of life and don’t discriminate against any person or group.

Establishing Parentage in Illinois

Under the Illinois Parentage Act of 2015, a parent-child relationship can be established voluntarily through a signed and witnessed Voluntary Acknowledgment of Parentage. When properly filed with the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services, a valid acknowledgment is equivalent to a court adjudication of parentage and can support a child support order without further parentage proceedings.

A signatory may rescind an acknowledgment or denial within 60 days of its effective date or before a related judicial or administrative proceeding, whichever occurs first. After that period, a challenge based on fraud, duress, or a material mistake of fact requires a verified petition filed within two years of the effective date.

Minor Guardianship in Illinois

Guardianship of a minor is governed by Article XI of the Illinois Probate Act of 1975. Before a guardian can act for a minor, the court in the proper county must make the appointment. A proposed guardian must be at least 18 years old, a United States resident, of sound mind, and free from specified legal disqualifications.

A minor age 14 or older may nominate a guardian, subject to court approval. A parent whose rights haven’t been terminated may also appoint a short-term guardian in writing for up to 365 days without court approval.

Illinois Adoption Consent Rules

The Illinois Adoption Act generally prohibits signing a consent or surrender during the 72 hours immediately following a child’s birth. A father may sign before birth, but he may revoke that consent or surrender within 72 hours after the birth.

A consent or surrender signed at least 72 hours after birth is irrevocable except upon a showing of fraud or duress. An action to void it must begin within 12 months after signing. An adoptee who’s age 14 or older must also consent before an adoption judgment may be entered.