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Mediation vs Collaborative Divorce Illinois When couples want to end a marriage without a prolonged court battle, two options come up frequently: mediation and collaborative divorce. Both are designed to reduce conflict and give families more control over outcomes. But they work differently, involve different professionals, and suit different situations. Understanding those differences helps you […]

Stalking is a serious criminal offense in Illinois. The consequences can be life-altering. What many people don’t realize is just how broadly the state defines stalking behavior, and that matters whether you’re trying to protect yourself or you’ve been accused. What Counts As Stalking In Illinois Illinois law says stalking happens when someone engages in […]

Parents going through custody disputes ask this question all the time. When does my child get to decide where they want to live? It’s completely understandable. You want to know if there’s a specific age when your teenager can tell the court they’d rather live with you. Illinois doesn’t work that way. There’s no magic […]

Divorce changes everything about where and how you live. Sometimes those changes mean moving to a new city or even a different state. But here’s what you need to know: when you share custody of your child, you can’t just pack up and leave. Illinois has specific legal requirements you’ll need to follow before relocating […]

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 […]