Courts often appoint a Guardian Ad Litem (GAL) to represent the best interests of children in a child custody case and providing timely and accurate information without offering more than necessary is the best way to protect parental rights. Guardian Ad Litem Represents the Children Under … [read more]
Pre-approval for a mortgage is a necessity for home buyers who want their offer to buy to be taken seriously. Many buyers seek assistance from a real estate lawyer or real estate broker to better understand the Chicago home market and the need for mortgage pre-approval before making an offer on a … [read more]
Parents with disabilities may lose custody of their children when government agencies claim that the disability prevents the parents from adequately caring for them. To regain custody, disabled parents are forced to turn to the courts to demonstrate their ability to properly care for their … [read more]
The emergence of tiny houses in the Chicago market may provide a solution for those seeking home ownership, but buyers should be aware that purchasing a tiny house is a real estate transaction with the same legal requirements as a traditional home purchase and may also be subject to other … [read more]
A bill before the Illinois legislature proposes 50/50 child custody, or equal parenting time, in all divorce cases involving children. However, equal parenting time may not always be in the best interests of children. The law's 50/50 standard may complicate efforts by parents and their family law … [read more]
Mortgage interest rates are expected to rise with the improving economy, but home buyers have options to protect themselves from increasing costs. As of March 1, the rate for a thirty-year fixed mortgage had risen to 4.43%. Rising interest rates can cost home buyers thousands of dollars in increased … [read more]
The primary concern of courts in determining parental custody is structuring a settlement that is in the best interests of the children. When parents interfere with the agreed upon parenting time of the other, they place their own custodial rights in jeopardy. In repeated cases of custodial … [read more]
Home buyers are faced with many decisions when purchasing a house and it is essential that they ask the necessary questions to protect their rights before signing the closing documents. Questions All Buyers Should Ask There are some questions even experienced home buyers should ask: 1 - … [read more]
Illinois family law does not allow common law marriage between persons who choose to cohabitate, however, the state law does recognize common law marriages that began legally in other states. Persons who entered a legal common law marriage in a state that allows them must seek a divorce before … [read more]
Sellers of new construction homes are required by Illinois law to provide full disclosures regarding any defects in materials, workmanship, construction quality or safety. Standard purchase agreements don't always represent a buyer's best interests or contain language to protect his or her … [read more]
