Posted on March 05, 2025 in Family Law

Grandparents hold a special place in their grandchildren's lives. Their presence offers love, support, and guidance, which helps to create a strong family bond. However, when family relationships become strained, grandparents may find themselves unable to see their grandchildren. This can be very painful, especially if a child has lost a parent or if a divorce or separation has caused family divisions.

In Illinois, grandparents have the right to ask for visitation with their grandchildren, but the law does not guarantee that visitation will be granted. Grandparents must first prove to the court that visitation is in the child’s best interests.

Speaking with an Illinois family law attorney about grandparents’ rights is a great step toward handling your concerns.

What Does Illinois Law Say About Grandparent Visitation?

Grandparent visitation rights are dictated by Illinois law, which says that a grandparent can ask for visitation only under specific circumstances. The law prioritizes parental rights and assumes that a typical parent's decision to deny grandparents visitation would be in the best interests of the child. However, a grandparent may ask for visitation if they can prove that the child would suffer serious harm if visitation were denied.

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 Posted on February 27, 2025 in Prenuptial and Postnuptial Agreements

A prenuptial agreement, or prenup, is meant to provide clarity and protection for both spouses in the event of a divorce. However, circumstances change, and you may find yourself questioning whether the agreement you signed before marriage is still fair. If you are facing divorce and wondering whether you can challenge your prenup, there are legal avenues that may allow you to do so and our Illinois family lawyer can help.

When Can a Prenup Be Contested?

Prenuptial agreements are legally binding contracts, but they are not always airtight. Illinois law allows a prenup to be challenged under certain conditions, including:

Lack of Voluntary Consent

A prenup must be entered into voluntarily by both parties. If one spouse was pressured, threatened, or coerced into signing the agreement, it may be invalidated. Courts take allegations of duress seriously, particularly if one spouse signed the agreement shortly before the wedding under intense pressure.

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 Posted on February 20, 2025 in Family Law

In 2015, the Supreme Court of the United States ruled that same-sex couples all over the nation had the legal right to marry. Illinois was ahead of the curve, passing the Religious Freedom Protection and Civil Union Act in 2011, allowing couples of any sex to enter into a civil union.

Although civil unions were originally created as an option for same-sex couples, they remain available to any couple who prefers them over marriage in Illinois. However, while civil unions provide many of the same rights as marriage at the state level, there are differences between the two, particularly when it comes to federal recognition and benefits. If you are considering a civil union, it is important to understand how these differences could affect you and our Illinois family lawyers are here to help.

Why Get a Civil Union Instead of a Marriage?

If couples in Illinois have the same legal rights in a civil union as they do in a marriage, why not just get married? The biggest difference is that civil unions are not recognized by the federal government. While this might not matter to some couples, it can have major financial and legal implications.

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 Posted on February 19, 2025 in Divorce

If you have decided to file for divorce, you are likely facing many questions about the process. In Illinois, divorce is governed by the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act, which outlines how property is divided, how child custody is determined, and whether spousal maintenance may apply.

Taking steps to prepare before filing can help you protect your financial interests, understand your rights, and reduce unnecessary stress, and you do not have to do it all alone. An Illinois divorce attorney with Andrew Cores Family Law Group is here to help.

Get Your Financial Documents Organized

One of the most important steps in preparing for divorce is having all the financial records you need. Illinois follows equitable distribution laws, meaning that marital property is divided fairly, though not always equally. Having clear financial records will help ensure a fair division of assets and debts.

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 Posted on February 13, 2025 in Collaborative Law

Many parents worry about how divorce will affect their kids, ranging from the emotional difficulty of processing the split to the changes the kids will have to make in their daily lives. While no divorce is completely stress-free, collaborative divorce can make the process much smoother for children by reducing conflict, encouraging teamwork, and keeping their well-being at the center of every decision.

If you are considering divorce, our Illinois divorce attorneys are well-versed in the collaborative approach and can help protect your child’s emotional and mental health.

How Collaborative Divorce Puts Kids First

Unlike a traditional divorce, which often involves court battles and legal disputes, collaborative divorce focuses on problem-solving instead of fighting. Parents work with a team of professionals to create a plan that benefits everyone, especially their children. Instead of leaving decisions to a judge, parents stay in control and work together to find solutions that work best for their families.

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 Posted on February 10, 2025 in Alimony/Spousal Support

If you are paying alimony and suspect your ex-wife is living with a new partner, you may be able to stop making payments. Under Illinois law, spousal support, also called spousal maintenance, can end if the receiving spouse starts living with a new romantic partner in a way that resembles marriage. 

However, proving this is not always easy and the burden of proof is on you. If you believe your ex is cohabiting with someone, an Illinois divorce lawyer can help you gather the right evidence and bring your case to court.

What Is Considered "Cohabitation" for Ending Alimony in Illinois?

Illinois courts do not automatically end spousal support just because your ex is dating someone. To stop paying, you must prove that she is living with her partner on a continuing basis and that their relationship is similar to a marriage. The court will look at several factors, including whether they share a home, combine finances, and present themselves as a couple. If they are simply spending time together without fully merging their lives, the court may not consider this cohabitation.

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 Posted on February 05, 2025 in Divorce

Divorce can create complicated family situations, especially when it affects relationships between grandparents and their grandchildren. Many grandparents worry about losing contact with their grandchildren after a divorce, particularly if one parent restricts or denies visits.

Illinois law does allow grandparents to request court-ordered visitation in some cases, but the law generally favors parents' rights to decide who can see their children. Unless a parent is unfit, absent, or incarcerated, a parent’s decision to limit or deny grandparent visitation usually stands. However, in specific situations, a court may grant visitation rights if it is in the child's best interests. An Illinois family lawyer can help grandparents understand their legal options and advocate for their rights.

When Can Grandparents Get Court-Ordered Visitation?

Under Illinois law, grandparents cannot automatically demand visitation rights. However, the court may grant visitation if the grandparents can prove one of the following: 

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 Posted on January 31, 2025 in Divorce

When spouses cannot agree on key aspects of their divorce and the case is litigated in court, expert witnesses may be brought in to provide professional opinions about disputed matters. These experts offer valuable insight on issues such as property valuation, child custody, and financial analysis. If you are wondering whether an expert witness could benefit your case, our Illinois divorce attorneys can determine whether expert testimony may strengthen your case and help secure a fair outcome.

What Is an Expert Witness?

An expert witness is a professional with specialized knowledge in a particular field who provides an unbiased opinion in legal proceedings. Unlike fact witnesses, who testify about what they have personally observed, expert witnesses rely on education, training, and experience to analyze information and explain complex issues to the court. Their testimony can be crucial in divorce litigation, especially when financial assets or child custody arrangements are contested.

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 Posted on January 28, 2025 in Divorce

When you are facing the end of your marriage, it is natural to wonder how the process will unfold. One of the most common questions people ask is, "Will my divorce go to court?" The good news is that most divorces settle out of court, meaning the majority of couples reach an agreement on the terms of their divorce without the need for a full trial. However, some cases do require litigation, particularly when disputes cannot be resolved through negotiation or mediation.

If you are going through a divorce, it is important to understand the process and know your options. Working with an experienced Illinois divorce attorney can help you navigate the legal steps involved and ensure your rights are protected, whether your case settles or goes to court.

The Divorce Process From Filing to Settlement

Most divorces follow a similar process meant to help couples resolve their differences and finalize the terms of their divorce. Here is an overview of the typical steps:

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 Posted on January 21, 2025 in Divorce

One of the most common questions people ask when considering divorce is, "Should I file first?" As with most matters in divorce, the answer depends on your specific situation. While there can be strategic advantages to filing first in some cases, in others, it may not make a difference. 

What matters most is having an Illinois divorce attorney who will focus on a strategy that serves your best interests — not the attorney’s own. At Andrew Cores Family Law Group, head attorney Andrew Cores is a Fellow for the Collaborative Law Institute of Illinois and tailors his approach to meet the unique needs of every client. Whether collaboration, negotiation, or litigation is the right strategy for you, we will help you make informed decisions at every step. 

When Filing First Might Be a Smart Move

Filing first can be beneficial under certain circumstances. Here are a few examples:

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