Lisle Family Law Attorneys

Lawyers Assisting With Divorce, Child Custody, and Paternity Cases in Lisle, IL

Family relationships can be complex, and there are a number of legal issues related to these relationships that may arise. Family law cases may address a wide range of matters, from divorce and child custody to establishing parental rights or obtaining protection against abuse. When dealing with these issues, legal representation from an experienced family law attorney can be crucial.

At Goostree Law Group, we understand that family law matters can be deeply personal, and they may involve complex emotional issues. We have decades of experience handling different types of cases, and we can provide the legal help you need to address your family law concerns effectively. Whether you are considering legal separation, need to establish paternity, require protection from domestic violence, or want to create a marital agreement, our law firm is here to help you achieve the best possible outcome to your case.

Call and let us help your family.

Legal Separation as an Alternative to Divorce

In situations where a couple may not want to get a divorce, legal separation is another option that may be available. A legal separation will allow spouses to live apart without ending their marriage, and it will ensure that agreements are put in place to address issues such as property division, spousal support, child support, and the allocation of parental responsibilities. This can serve as an alternative to divorce for couples who have religious or personal reasons for staying married, or it may allow spouses to maintain certain benefits of marriage while living apart.

The process of legal separation is similar to divorce in many respects, and courts will address many of the same issues. However, at the conclusion of a legal separation proceeding, a couple will still be legally married. This means neither spouse will be allowed to remarry unless they dissolve the marriage through divorce.

Legal separation may be an option for couples who need time apart to work on their relationship or decide whether reconciliation may be possible. During a legal separation, spouses can establish formal arrangements for living separately, dividing financial responsibilities, and sharing parenting duties. A separation agreement will provide structure and legal protection as a couple determines whether to proceed with a divorce, resume living together, or continue living separately.

Our attorneys can help you determine whether legal separation is the right choice for your situation. We will explain the differences between legal separation and divorce, including how each option may affect your legal rights and financial obligations. If you decide to pursue a legal separation, we will guide you through the process, help you negotiate a fair separation agreement, and ensure that your interests are protected.

Establishing Paternity

Paternity refers to the legal recognition of a man as the father of a child. Establishing paternity will create legal rights and responsibilities for the father, and it can provide benefits for the child as well. When parents are married at the time of a child's birth, Illinois law presumes that the mother's husband is the child's legal father. However, when parents are not married, paternity will need to be established.

There are several reasons why one or both parents may wish to establish paternity. A child will have the right to receive financial support from both legal parents. They will be able to inherit assets from both parents, and they may be eligible for benefits such as Social Security or veterans' benefits. They will also be able to access important family medical history. For fathers, establishing paternity will be a necessary step before they can address concerns related to child custody or request parenting time with their child.

One common method of establishing paternity is through a Voluntary Acknowledgment of Paternity (VAP), which is a form that both parents can sign. Once signed and filed with the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services, this acknowledgment will establish legal paternity without the need for court involvement.

If parents do not agree to acknowledge paternity, or when there is uncertainty about who the biological father is, paternity can be established through genetic testing and court proceedings. Either parent can file a petition with the court to establish paternity. The court may order DNA testing, which will typically involve a simple cheek swab from the mother, child, and alleged father. These tests are highly accurate, and they can definitively prove that a person is a child's biological parent.

If you are a mother seeking to establish paternity so you can obtain child support or ensure that your child will have a legal relationship with their father, our lawyers can help you navigate the process. If you are a father who wants to establish parental rights, or if you are facing a paternity claim and have questions about your legal obligations, we can provide you with legal guidance and representation. We can make sure the proper steps are followed to establish parentage and address related issues involving child custody and child support.

Addressing Domestic Violence

Spousal abuse, child abuse, and other forms of domestic violence are a serious issue that affects many families throughout Illinois. Abuse can take many forms, including physical violence, threats, harassment, intimidation, or confinement. When someone is experiencing domestic violence, legal protections are available to help protect their safety and the safety of their children or other family members.

A person who may be at risk of harm due to domestic violence may address these issues in family court and request an order of protection. This type of court order will prohibit an alleged abuser from engaging in certain acts. An order of protection may prohibit a person from contacting or coming near the alleged victim, exclude a person from the family's home, grant temporary custody of children to one parent, and include other remedies meant to prevent further acts of abuse.

A person can request an emergency order of protection if immediate protection is necessary. This type of order may be issued without hearing testimony from the alleged abuser, and it will usually go into effect immediately and remain in place for a certain period of time. A hearing will then be scheduled to determine whether ongoing protection will be needed. At this hearing, both parties may present testimony and evidence. If a judge determines that a long-term order of protection is justified, they may issue a plenary order of protection, which may remain in place for up to two years.

Our attorneys can provide compassionate representation for people who have experienced domestic violence, helping them obtain orders of protection that will keep them and their children safe. For those who are facing accusations of abuse or violence against family members, we can provide guidance on how to respond to an emergency order of protection, and we can provide representation during court hearings, helping them take steps to protect their rights. We work to make sure these issues are addressed correctly during family law cases, helping our clients address safety concerns while protecting their rights.