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What Are the Biggest Hurdles to Adoption in Illinois?

2026-04-14 00:00:00

Adoption isn’t always straightforward. The legal process involves court hearings, background checks, and often, home studies. Many cases also need the consent of birth parents, who may not be on board. If you're thinking about adopting in 2026, knowing what stands between you and finalization can help you prepare. A DuPage County adoption lawyer can walk you through what to expect and where the process tends to stall.

Why Do Adoptions in Illinois Tend To Take So Long?

Adoption in Illinois is a multi-step legal process that can stretch months, or even years, depending on the type of adoption. The Illinois Adoption Act (750 ILCS 50) governs requirements for all prospective adoptive parents.

Among the most time-consuming steps is the home study. Home studies involve a licensed child welfare professional visiting your home. They will:

How Can I Help My Illinois Divorce Go Smoothly?

2026-03-26 00:00:00

Divorce is almost never easy, but there are steps you can take to make things move forward more smoothly. Even if your spouse is digging their heels in on one issue or another, you can ease your own mind by being organized and doing some basic preparation for the divorce process. A Schaumburg divorce attorney can help you understand what you can do to make the most difference as you approach your divorce negotiation and settlement.

Understanding the Illinois Divorce Process in 2026

In Illinois, divorce is governed by the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act (750 ILCS 5). This law sets the rules for how courts handle issues that are addressed during the divorce. This includes dividing marital property and debt, determining whether either spouse will pay maintenance, and establishing parenting time and decision-making responsibilities for any children involved.

What Is Ex Parte Custody, and How Do I Know If I Need It?

2026-03-12 00:00:00

Most 2026 custody cases in Illinois move through the court system over weeks or months. But some situations cannot wait. If your child is in immediate danger, Illinois law permits a parent to request an emergency custody order from a judge without the other parent being present. This is called an "ex parte" order, and understanding when and how it applies could make a critical difference if your child is in danger.

If you believe your child is at risk and you need to speak with someone right away, a Barrington family law attorney can help.

What Does "Ex Parte" Mean in a Custody Case?

"Ex parte" is a Latin term that means "from one side only." In a custody context, it refers to a court proceeding where a judge hears from one parent and makes a temporary ruling without notifying or including the other parent.

This is the exception, not the rule. Illinois courts strongly prefer that both parties have a chance to be heard before any order is issued. Ex parte orders are reserved for genuine emergencies where waiting for a standard hearing could put a child in harm's way.

How Should I Prepare for a Custody Evaluation in Illinois?

2026-02-25 00:00:00

If you are going through a custody dispute in Illinois, the court may order a custody evaluation. Imagining an unknown person talking to you and your child or coming into your home can be very anxiety-inducing. This is especially true when you know they have the power to alter your custody arrangements based on what they report to the judge. Knowing what to expect and how to prepare can ease your mind. A Downers Grove child custody attorney can help you understand what the evaluator is looking for and how to present yourself in the best light.

What Is a Custody Evaluation in Illinois?

A custody evaluation is a review ordered by the court to help a judge decide what custody arrangements are best for a child. An evaluator – usually a licensed psychologist or social worker – meets with both parents, the children, and sometimes other people in the child's life.

How Long Can I Receive Spousal Support in Illinois?

2026-02-23 00:00:00

If you are getting divorced in 2026 and expect to receive spousal support (also known as alimony), one of your biggest questions is probably how long those payments will continue. Spousal support, which Illinois calls "maintenance," is meant to give financial help as you rebuild your life after divorce.

Understanding how long you can receive maintenance is important for planning your future. If you need help with spousal support questions, a Western Springs divorce attorney can explain how Illinois law applies to your situation.

How Does Illinois Law Decide on Spousal Support Duration?

Illinois has a formula to determine how long spousal support should last. This formula is found in law 750 ILCS 5/504 and is based on the length of your marriage. The law uses percentages that increase slightly for each year the length of the marriage increases.

Can You Include Pets in a Pre or Postnuptial Agreement?

2026-01-28 00:00:00

When couples think about protecting their assets before or during marriage, they usually focus on homes, retirement accounts, and bank accounts. However, for many people in 2026, their pets are just as important as financial assets. If you share your life with a beloved dog, cat, or other animal, you might wonder whether you can include provisions about your pet in a prenuptial or postnuptial agreement.

Usually, the answer is yes. Illinois law now allows couples to include pet-related terms in marital agreements. If you want to make sure your pet is protected in case of divorce, a Burr Ridge family law attorney can help you create an agreement that works for you.

How Does Illinois Law Treat Pets in Divorce?

Illinois used to treat pets the same way it treated furniture or other personal property. That changed when Illinois passed 750 ILCS 5/503(n) in 2018. This law recognizes that pets have value beyond money. Now, when a couple divorces, Illinois courts can consider the well-being of the pet when deciding who gets custody. Judges can look at who takes care of the pet, who pays for vet bills, and what living situation would be best for the animal.

What is Collaborative Divorce, and When is it a Good Option?

2026-01-15 00:00:00

If you are considering ending your marriage in 2026, you may wonder what options you have besides stressful, public courtroom trials. One option is something called "collaborative divorce." Collaborative divorce gives couples a way to end their marriage with less conflict and without going to court. This often also means saving money. A Hinsdale, IL divorce attorney can help you understand whether this approach might work for your situation.

What is Collaborative Divorce?

Collaborative divorce is a way for couples to work together to settle their own divorce without going to trial. Both spouses hire specially trained lawyers and sign an agreement promising not to go to court. Everyone commits to being honest, sharing information openly, and focusing on solutions that work for the whole family, including the spouse they are divorcing.

Modifying Parenting Time as Children Get Older

2025-12-31 00:00:00

Parenting plans and child custody orders are meant to provide for a child’s best interests. However, they can’t always account for what the future holds. As a child grows up, he or she may have changing needs that have to be addressed. Sometimes, this means that a parent’s share of parenting time will have to be adjusted. If you need help with a modification issue, reach out to a Wheaton, IL child custody attorney today.

At Roberts PC, we can help you deal with stressful custody cases. We have over 40 years of history behind us, and in that time, we have represented many parents in family law cases. Our attorneys can review your petition for modification and work toward a feasible solution.

Why Parenting Plans Change When Children Get Older

As children get older, their lives naturally become more complex. School schedules get busier. Sports, clubs, and social lives start to become more involved. What worked when a child was five may not make sense when that child is thirteen. An article published in the National Library of Medicine found that a "majority of divorces affect younger children since 72 percent of divorces occur during the first 14 years of marriage," highlighting how parenting plans are typically drafted with younger children in mind.

What Makes Dividing a Business Difficult in a Divorce?

2025-12-15 00:00:00

It is not easy to go through a divorce as a business owner. If you depend on your business for your livelihood, a messy divorce involving a contested division of your business could come with a heavy price. Dividing a business in a divorce is often difficult for several other reasons. It will usually involve determining whether it is marital or separate property, getting a professional valuation, and splitting it appropriately with your spouse.

At Roberts PC, our Wheaton, IL family law attorneys have assisted DuPage County clients with complex divorce issues for over 40 years. Moreover, Attorney Chuck Roberts has personally represented business owners and individuals with private practices throughout contentious cases. When you work with our firm, you will receive hands-on counsel and representation to help you properly evaluate and divide up your business.

How Is Child Support Enforced in Illinois?

2025-11-26 00:00:00

Court orders of child support are designed to provide for a child’s needs when parents divorce or separate. When the paying parent, or obligor, refuses to follow the court order, the other parent can take legal action. If you need help enforcing a child support order, reach out to a Wheaton, IL family law attorney with Roberts PC.

We help our clients reach swift solutions in family law cases, drawing on decades of past experience to determine the best course of action. Throughout your case, we will remain in communication with you so that we can quickly answer any questions you have.

Contempt of Court for Non-Payment of Child Support

When somebody directly or indirectly goes against a judge’s authority, that party can be held in contempt of court, which carries serious penalties. In the courts of family law, refusing to pay child support can result in a parent being held in contempt.