Elmhurst Lawyer Practices in All Areas of Family Law: Divorce, Child Custody, Paternity, Guardianship, Adoption
The law has a stake in our identities and family relationships from cradle to grave. From the time that Illinois or any other state issues a birth certificate, society spells out through laws our rights and responsibilities as members of families. At times of family change, such as marriage, divorce or adoption, people often turn to a family law attorney for legal protection and guidance and to facilitate transactions such as guardianships.
At the Law Offices of Laura M. Urbik Kern, our attorneys are knowledgeable, experienced and compassionate. Most of all, we are committed to putting children's and families' well-being at the forefront of our law practice. We handle Illinois family law matters and other legal matters, including the following:
Prenuptial Agreements and Postnuptial Agreements: Before marriage, or at any time during a marriage, a couple can make their own "contract" or agreement spelling out how they will divide property in the event of a divorce and how they will manage assets during a marriage.
Divorce: All divorces must address the question of property division. Where there are children, a divorce must include child custody and child support orders.
Child Custody and Parental Responsibilities: Parental responsibilities are just as important as parental rights when it comes to custody and visitation of children during and after a divorce, or when unmarried parents are separated.
Child Support: State guidelines generally spell out how child support will be calculated according to the income of the nonresidential (or noncustodial) parent.
Paternity: A child's father may be legally determined through legal action and through DNA testing when parents are not married to each other.
Adoption: By way of adoption, a child is transferred to a new family line, with all the rights of a natural born child of that family.
Property Division/Spousal Support: Property division and spousal support are often considered in relationship to each other. A dependent spouse may agree to accept property in lieu of spousal maintenance or alimony, for example.
Property Division FAQ's: There are many questions to answer regarding property division for most people approaching divorce. Talk to an experienced attorney for personalized advice and representation.
Mediation and Collaborative Law: In mediation (facilitated by a neutral mediator) or in collaborative four-way meetings (including a divorcing couple and each person's lawyer), couples can control and guide their own property settlement and child custody agreements without harmful adversarial litigation.
Conflict Resolution: While divorce is almost never a happy event, the legal process of divorce can be handled in less adversarial ways than through traditional litigation.
Collaborative Law: In collaborative law settings, divorcing spouses and their respective attorneys craft divorce settlement agreements in private and on the parties' timelines.
Grandparents’ Rights: There are a number of legal ways in which a grandparent can strengthen or solidify bonds with and responsibilities for a grandchild.
Juvenile Law: Whether your teenager is arrested for assault or you must defend yourself as a parent against unfounded accusations of abuse and neglect, contact a lawyer at the Law Offices of Laura M. Urbik Kern.
DCFS: It is critical if you are notified of an investigation or your child is a part of an investigation as a victim or a the accused that you consult with an attorney as soon as possible before anyone from DCFS (Department of Children and Family Services) interviews you, as soon as you have been notified of an investigation.
Traffic Tickets: A speeding ticket for a teenage driver is not simply a minor technicality to be resolved by paying a fine. It is usually worth your while enlisting the assistance of an attorney to help the young driver obtain the least punitive outcome to prevent driver's license suspension or higher auto insurance rates.
Guardianship: When a child's parents cannot or will not care for a child for any reason, the court may appoint a guardian such as a grandparent or other relative or friend of the family to take legal responsibility for the child or, if an adult is disabled and unable to manage his or her personal or financial affairs, a guardianship may be appropriate.
Real Estate: When changes in family structure require you to buy or sell your home or commercial real estate, our law offices can help negotiate buy-sell agreements and represent you at closing.
To schedule a consultation regarding any legal matter affecting your children or your family in Illinois, call or e-mail the Law Offices of Laura M. Urbik Kern.
