Woodridge Family Law Attorneys

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.

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.

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.

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