Family Law Attorney
When families disintegrate, the emotional and financial results can be devastating. Divorce, child custody disputes, and many other family law issues that arise are sensitive and life-changing. They can rarely be resolved amicably on your own, and trying to do so often complicates matters even more. That’s when you need a family law attorney to help you through this difficult time. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Sed quis rhoncus risus, ut mollis mauris. Ut sollicitudin tortor in pellentesque convallis. Sed vel enim magna.
The experienced and compassionate Illinois family law attorneys at Wolfe & Stec, Ltd., always focus on our clients’ needs and feelings, and we work to resolve the issues they are facing in the most effective and efficient manner. Whether you need advice about a divorce or help with guardianship, we offer free consultations and will help you find the best solution for your individual situation. With office locations in Woodridge and Chicago, we represent clients throughout the entire Chicagoland area.
Call our DuPage County family law attorneys today at 630-305-0222 or 312-388-7882 to schedule your free initial consultation.
Family Law Attorneys Serving DuPage & Cook Counties
Family law is complex and encompasses a range of issues, including marriage, divorce, child custody, adoption, paternity, and other matters related to the family structure. Family laws also address controversial issues such as abortion rights and same-sex marriage, and also criminal matters like domestic violence and child abuse. Illinois family laws may differ somewhat from those in other states. For example, in 2003 the Illinois Supreme Court ruled that a man who acknowledges paternity cannot reverse this later on the basis of DNA testing. And in 2013, the state legislature legalized same-sex marriage. Our experienced attorneys at Wolfe & Stec know the system and can help you through the myriad laws dealing with family issues.
Wide Range of Family Law Concerns
Our family law attorneys handle a variety of legal concerns facing families in Illinois. In addition to divorce and child custody issues, our lawyers assist clients with:
- Abuse & Neglect
- Adoptions -- Illinois Adoption Laws include areas such as who may be adopted; the age of consent for adoption; home residency requirements.
- Domestic Abuse - If you are in immediate danger seek legal help and call the National Domestic Violence Hotline, 1-800-799-SAFE.
- Orders of Protection -- Illinois Protective Order Laws, which are commonly called "restraining orders” are often needed if you are a victims of domestic violence or threatened or stalked by former spouses.
- Paternity
- Wills, Trusts, and Guardianships and Estate Planning
Our Lawyers Know that Sensitivity Matters
Family law issues can stir up a lot of negative emotions for people – pain, sadness, embarrassment, resentment – but there is help available, and you may find comfort in knowing a lawyer is on your side. The seasoned attorneys at Wolfe & Stec handle all Illinois family law cases with sensitivity, respect, and discretion.
At Wolfe & Stec, Ltd., we made our reputation one client at a time, and we put every ounce of our ability into every case. There are no ready-made solutions in divorce and family law – every case needs to be considered on its own merit. Our lawyers take the time to delve deeply into the problem and to understand your goals and concerns. Then we develop a legal strategy designed to achieve those objectives.
There is no charge for the first consultation, and we are happy to schedule appointments at either of our offices, located in Woodridge and Chicago. Delaying can only complicate your situation and make matters worse. Call us today for your free consultation at 630-305-0222 or 312-388-7882 or contact our team online.
Major Problems We Deal With Include...
Divorce & Separation in Illinois
Divorce: Divorce is one of the most common family law issues. In Illinois, both fault and no-fault grounds are allowed; or you can base your divorce on the fact that you’ve been separated from your spouse for at least two years (six months if both parties agree). There is a residency requirement that at least one spouse must be a resident of Illinois for 90 days before filing for divorce. Property is divided by equitable division.
Even if a marriage ends amicably, you need legal guidance, as one small mistake could have serious consequences. Once a divorce decree is final, it cannot be changed, and you’re most likely stuck with its terms.
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Child Custody & Support in Illinois
Child Custody: When it comes to the lives of your children, you want to come to an agreement that will provide the best possible outcome for their futures, but you also need to protect your financial well-being. Parents should never try to negotiate custody or support obligations without the help of experienced child custody lawyers. The laws and guidelines can be difficult to interpret, and making a mistake could mean returning to court and nasty drawn-out battles that adversely affect your children.
Illinois courts begin with a presumption that it’s best for a child to have frequent and continuing contact with both parents after a divorce. If possible, judges want to support joint custody arrangements. Illinois Child Custody Laws govern child custody decisions and procedures, including information about the availability of grandparents' visitation rights.
Custody issues our Illinois family law attorneys handle with our clients include:
- Child Support: Illinois requires all parents to support their children. The amount of child support depends primarily on each parent’s income and other resources and how much time each parent spends with the children. Here are some child support calculators to give you an idea of state guidelines.
- Child Custody Removals
- Parenting Agreements/Plans
- Non-Parent Custody
- Visitation
Family Law Reviews
How can I get off on drug charges?
February 8, 2023 / Drug Charges
If you are left wondering, “how can I beat a drug charge with minimal repercussions,” you may want to speak with an Illinois drug lawyer. Although attitudes toward some drugs are changing throughout the country, facing drug charges in Illinois is serious. Depending on the outcome of your case, you could face severe repercussions. How … Continue reading How can I get off on drug charges?
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What Does Second Degree Manslaughter Mean?
February 8, 2023 / Violent Crimes
In Illinois, this charge carries serious implications. Punishments can include decades-long jail sentences and tens of thousands of dollars in fines. If you or a loved one has been charged with second degree manslaughter, you are likely to have questions about the legal process and how to defend yourself in court. What Does Second Degree … Continue reading What Does Second Degree Manslaughter Mean?
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What Is Considered an Asset in Divorce?
February 4, 2023 / Divorce
Divorce. The word itself marks a significant life change, one that often comes after a great deal of thought and with a broad range of emotions. When a couple separates, their single household becomes two, and important decisions must be made. One of the most confusing and often contentious deals with the division of assets. … Continue reading What Is Considered an Asset in Divorce?
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Does it matter who files for divorce first?
January 16, 2023 / Divorce
Divorce is rarely easy for either party. However, there may be strategic advantages to filing for divorce first in some cases. From the element of surprise, to choosing the court location and regaining control over your life, being the first to file for divorce can sometimes be an effective strategy. So, we answer the critical … Continue reading Does it matter who files for divorce first?
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What Is the Average Jail Time for Drug Possession?
November 29, 2022 / Drug Charges
What is the average jail time for drug possession? You might be contemplating this very question if you have recently been arrested for this charge. The answer depends on a multitude of factors. What Is the Average Sentence for Drug Possession in Illinois? Under the Illinois Controlled Substances Act (ICSA), possession of all drugs (besides … Continue reading What Is the Average Jail Time for Drug Possession?
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Is it Worth Getting a Divorce Lawyer?
November 29, 2022 / Divorce
A divorce can take an emotional toll, even in marriages where both parties agree to end it. This type of divorce is called an “uncontested divorce.” In uncontested divorces, you might wonder if it’s worth getting a divorce lawyer. You might also wonder if you should get a lawyer if you have been married for … Continue reading Is it Worth Getting a Divorce Lawyer?
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Can I Appeal a Child Support Order?
November 29, 2022 / Child Support
If you believe a family court judge has ordered you to pay too much child support or hasn’t awarded you enough child support, you may be able to appeal the order. Like other court decisions, child support orders first come from a trial court, and then the losing party has the right to appeal to … Continue reading Can I Appeal a Child Support Order?
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Am I Responsible for My Spouse’s Debt after Separation?
November 12, 2022 / Divorce
The basic answer to this question is “no, you are not responsible for your spouse’s debt after separation.” However, this answer requires further explanation. Typically, you would not be responsible for your spouse’s new debt incurred after legal separation. You and your spouse would each individually pay your own new debt you run up after … Continue reading Am I Responsible for My Spouse’s Debt after Separation?
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How to File for Full Custody in Illinois
November 11, 2022 / Child Custody
While a child having both parents fully present in their lives is preferable, some situations may arise that make that impossible or unhealthy. If you’re seeking full custody of your child in Illinois, work with a child custody lawyer at Wolfe & Stec, Ltd. Our firm has extensive experience assisting clients with child-related matters. If … Continue reading How to File for Full Custody in Illinois
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What Are the Rights of a Custodial Parent vs. a Non-Custodial Parent?
September 24, 2022 / Child Custody
What is a Non-Custodial Parent? Child custody terminology can be confusing. But understanding the basic principles of what it means to be a “custodial parent” and what “legal custody” means will help you understand each parent’s different rights and responsibilities. In a divorce or child custody case, the court determines what rights each parent has. … Continue reading What Are the Rights of a Custodial Parent vs. a Non-Custodial Parent?
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Should you get an attorney for a DUI?
September 15, 2022 / DUI
Being charged with a DUI is a stressful event. This is especially true if you are based in Illinois, where DUI charges and the associated penalties are severe. It may leave you pondering an important question: Should you get an attorney for a DUI? Sometimes a DUI attorney is exactly what you need. Read on … Continue reading Should you get an attorney for a DUI?
