SAFETY AND SECURITY FIRST
As family law attorneys we deal with issues arising from domestic relationships of all kinds: marriage, domestic partnerships, civil unions, and other family and various religious and cultural structures, both traditional and non-traditional. Dissolution of these relationships through divorce or separation gives rise to matters most commonly handled by experienced family law practitioners, notably parenting time, a child’s potential primary residence and child support, if appropriate, the division of assets and liabilities between the parties, and spousal maintenance (formerly known as alimony).
ABOUT US
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Other related aspects of a family law practice include domestic violence, paternity, annulment, adoption, surrogacy, fertility issues, births, child abduction (domestic and international), termination of parental rights, and pre-nuptial and post-nuptial agreements. The statutes and case law of individual states determine most domestic matters, although there are also uniform laws adopted by all of the states, as well as international treaties that relate to parentage, child custody, parental abduction, and child support enforcement. For Illinois matters, we rely on the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution Act most times interpreted by Illinois Appellate Courts and Supreme Courts caselaw.
Some financial aspects of family law are highly complex. Family attorneys must have proficiency in other areas of law that impact these financial issues and a roster of outside experts to assist them when necessary. Knowledge of tax law as it pertains to maintenance (formerly known as alimony), the recently revamped child support allocation guidelines, asset allocation, filing status, and dependency exemptions is essential. Familiarity with accounting principles, financial statements and balance sheets, retirement plans (i.e. pensions, vested and not yet vested stock, and 401k plans), asset (including business) valuation, health insurance following divorce, the effect of bankruptcy, wills and trusts, life insurance, and real estate also is important.
The psychological aspects of family law are also highly complex. Dealing with families in conflict, often emotional and highly charged, requires special sensitivity and a broad array of skills. A good family lawyer must have, in addition to substantive knowledge, the ability to listen, to counsel, to investigate, to negotiate, to plan, to draft, to defuse conflict, to advocate and, when necessary, to litigate. Recognizing that out-of-court settlements are vastly preferable for most clients. It is more feasible financially and is less damaging on the dynamics of the entire family. Knowing how to gently direct your client for her best outcome is something that she is grateful for once the situation is complete. With the growing burden on court dockets, and the increasing number of practitioners that are using alternative dispute resolution, including mediation, and those who have been trained collaboratively, see it as such a benefit and as the newer way of non-litigious settlements. Being involved in a divorce or break up can be the most emotionally draining time in your life.
OUR MISSION
Our Mission is to help families survive the struggle of separaration and divorce with as little pain and emotional toll as possible. We protect our clients as best as we can from the many times unpleasantness that comes with the splitting of the parties. As more learn about alternative was to separate, there is a more cordial outcome. Unfortunately sometimes a party sees this as the last big fight and wants to be "all in". We assist with those cases and more times than not, are successful. But at what cost. Usually the children become involved. If no children then the less emotionally strong parent. We empathize with all folks going through these ordeals. We have been here helping since 1996. Give us a call.
