Partners to a civil union often deal with the same marital issues as any couple, so there can be many questions when the relationship comes to an end. One of the most important aspects to dissolution of a civil union is what happens to minor children, and Illinois law does specifically address parental responsibilities in the Religious Freedom Protection and Civil Union Act. You should discuss the details of your situation with a DuPage County parental responsibilities lawyer, but the following includes answers to some common questions.

It may seem like there are “experts” all around you when you share that you are considering divorce. Friends, family, neighbors, and others without a legal background will tell you all about their own experiences. However, it is important to take their advice with a grain of salt: You should only trust a qualified Illinois divorce attorney with these types of proceedings to ensure protection of your legal rights. Look out for some of the most common myths about divorce and steer clear of taking any action based on misinformation.

If you are planning to file for divorce in Illinois and have already set up an appointment with a lawyer, you have made a wise decision. Having an experienced attorney on your side ensures protection of your legal rights throughout the divorce process. You can take another step in the right direction by being prepared for the meeting because you will gain the most out of the consultation when you know what to expect. While every case is different, here is a checklist of some of the items you may discuss with an Illinois divorce attorney during your initial appointment.

If you are in a situation where you fear for your own safety due to the actions of another person, Illinois law does provide you with options to protect yourself. Sometimes termed a “restraining order,” an order of protection can prevent harm by mandating that an abuser avoid contact or communication with you. It is critical to consult with an experienced DuPage County restraining order attorney about the three different types of orders of protection right away, before any further violence impacts your life.

Whether you are caring for a minor child, a developmentally disabled adult, or another person with special needs, certain situations may require you to go through guardianship proceedings to act on that person’s behalf. Illinois law provides for different types of guardianship matters depending on your circumstances.

If you are a parent who receives financial support for minor children by court order, you may be familiar with certain Illinois laws that allow you to pursue the payor to enforce payment for amounts due. However, the matter may be more complex if the paying parent lives or has moved to another state.

Typically, the order finalizing your divorce contains the arrangement for the decision-making, parenting time, and other details regarding raising a minor child. However, it may not be so clear what happens if the residential parent seeks to move. The legal requirements of relocation depend on where the child currently lives and the distance of the new address, so you should discuss the specifics of your situation with an experienced DuPage County parental responsibilities attorney.

If you receive a notification involving child abuse allegations from the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS), it is important to understand your options if you want to contest the claims. The DCFS is entrusted with the protection of children and the agency takes investigations seriously, but you do have rights under the law. A DuPage County DCFS defense lawyer can provide more detail about your specific situation; however, answers to the more common questions may be useful.

Your circumstances can change considerably in the months and years after your divorce, especially your financial situation. The spousal maintenance arrangement ordered by the court as part of the dissolution of marriage process may not be appropriate anymore, but you do have options for amending the terms. While you should discuss the specifics for modifying spousal support with an Illinois divorce lawyer, an understanding of certain general information may prove helpful.

Child support is not just an issue that is between parents, but also a matter of concern for the state of Illinois. The state has an interest in making sure that all of the children in it are provided for. Therefore, the state has child support services that both parents can use to help make sure that child support is paid on time and in full.

If you are currently going through divorce proceedings, you are probably aware that the court will address the needs of minor children. There are many considerations that will factor into a judge’s decision on parental rights and obligations, all of which focus on an arrangement that accounts for the best interests of the child. You should consult with a DuPage County parental responsibilities lawyer about your situation; however, some general information is a good start.

A prenuptial agreement is probably the last thing you want to think about when you are planning a romantic wedding, but it is a smart approach for many couples starting a life together. A prenup is a way for couples to decide certain issues for themselves, rather than relying on divorce laws that may result in an unbalanced situation.