Family Law Attorneys Near Chicago

Family law is the area of the law that addresses matters related to your family, and if you have a family law concern, it is an important issue. When your family’s well-being is involved, it is in your best interest to have an experienced family law attorney near Chicago in your corner. 

Family Law: Beyond the Terms of Divorce

Divorce is a common family law concern, and this includes the terms of a divorce, post-divorce modifications, and child custody and child support cases outside of marriage. Family law, however, goes beyond divorce-related matters, including:

• Contractual agreements, such as prenups and postnups
• Paternity
• Adoption

Let’s take a closer look. 

Prenuptial and Postnuptial Agreements

Prenuptial and postnuptial agreements are contracts that can help set parameters for certain aspects of divorce or the disbursement of your estate upon your death. These contracts must be freely entered by both spouses – and cannot be coerced (in order to be upheld). The difference between prenups and postnups is that prenuptial agreements are drafted and signed prior to marriage and go into effect only upon marriage. Postnups, on the other hand, are drafted, signed, and executed while the couple is married. Those matters that can be addressed by these marital contracts include:

• The division of your marital property
• The matter of alimony
• The distribution of your assets according to your wishes upon your death (in accordance with the law)

Those matters that cannot be included in either a prenup or a postnup include:

• Child custody arrangements
• Child support (unless the terms exceed those required by law)

Paternity

Paternity refers to the establishment of a child’s father, and if the parents are not married at the time of a child’s birth, action must be taken in order to establish paternity. This can include both parents signing a legal document that expresses their agreement regarding paternity or either parent requesting that the court require a paternity test that is established through DNA. 

Adoption

Adoption is a challenging legal process that allows both individuals and couples to become the legal parents of children in need. In order to pursue an Illinois adoption, the following must apply:

• You must be a legally competent adult who is at least 21 years old.
• You must have resided in the State of Illinois for at least six months (unless waived by the court)

While there are no rules regarding your level of education, homeownership, or the kind of job you have, the adoption agency or court must deem you capable of taking on the primary role of being a parent.

Don’t Delay Consulting with an Experienced Family Law Attorney near Chicago

The compassionate family law attorneys at The Law Offices of George M. Sanders – proudly serving the Chicago area – understand how pressing family law concerns can be and are well prepared to help you resolve yours favorably. Learn more by contacting us for more information today.