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When you’re going through a divorce, it’s easy to confuse the different professionals involved. A mediator serves a specific function that’s fundamentally different from what your attorney does. Understanding this distinction can help you use mediation more effectively and set realistic expectations. The Mediator’s Primary Function A mediator is neutral. They don’t work for you, […]

Parents get to decide who spends time with their kids. That’s just how it works. But Illinois law recognizes something important: grandparents matter in a child’s life. Sometimes parents cut off all contact without good reason, and that’s when courts might step in. So what separates reasonable parenting choices from unreasonable denial? It’s not always […]

Custody disputes rank among the most emotionally draining parts of divorce or separation. Most parents think court is their only option when they can’t agree on parenting time or major decisions. That’s not true. Mediation often gives families a better way forward, especially when both parents want to put their children first. Why Mediation Works […]

Finding out you’re not the biological father is devastating. There’s no way around that. The emotional impact hits immediately, but then you start thinking about the legal side. Can you just walk away? Does Illinois law let you remove your name from the birth certificate? Will you still owe child support? At Hurst, Kay, Allen […]

Maintenance disputes are hard enough when both sides cooperate. When your spouse actively works against you, they become nearly impossible without the right approach. I’m talking about hidden income. Incomplete financial disclosures. Sometimes flat-out lies about what they earn. These tactics can tank your chance at fair spousal support before you even realize what’s happening. […]

Parental Rights Parental rights are the foundation of family law, shaping how parents care for and make decisions about their children. These rights include both responsibilities and privileges that allow parents to guide their child’s upbringing. When families face separation, divorce, or disputes over custody, questions about these rights often arise. Knowing what they involve […]

Family Law Parental rights are a fundamental part of family law, giving parents the legal authority and responsibility to make important decisions about their children’s lives. These rights cover areas such as education, health care, and general welfare. When family disputes arise, such as divorce or separation, determining how these rights are shared or limited […]

A postnuptial agreement is a legal document that outlines how financial matters will be handled within a marriage or in the event of a separation or divorce. Unlike prenuptial agreements, postnuptial agreements are created after a couple is already married. They can help clarify financial responsibilities and protect individual interests, especially as circumstances change over […]

Division of Property and Assets When a couple decides to part ways, the division of property and assets becomes a central focus of the dissolution process. This often complex and emotionally charged process requires careful navigation, legal understanding, and strategic planning. Particularly in regions like Chicago, IL, where state laws and local regulations add layers […]

Dividing Debt in a Divorce Payment of debts during and following a divorce is often a difficult issue to resolve. The reality is that both spouses may struggle financially during a divorce, simply because one household has split into two separate households, each of which has its own share of expenses. Since non-payment of debts […]