If you live in Evanston, Cook County, Illinois and are a member of a family, you may find the need to seek help from lawyers. If this is the case, you need to look for specialists in this field. These are family law attorneys. They are professionals in the area classified as family law.
What Is a Family in Evanston, Illinois?
In Illinois, the concept of family under the law has grown. It once referred directly family members who were legally married, their children and their relatives and/or household members. However, recently, under the law, same-sex partners are now also included. Today, Illinois law defines a family as
- Those who are related by blood
- Individuals once or currently married
- Individuals who people who may or believe they have a child together or have a blood relationship through a child
- Individual who are dating, once dated or are currently engaged
In 2003, the state decided that someone who had declared himself a parent of a child could not reverse the decision to accept the child even if the DNA was to find otherwise. However, the major changes over the past decade has been the acceptance of same sex couples as forming a family unit. This took place in 2013. More recently, a law expanded the definition of family to include individuals they refer to as “fictive kin.” These are people who are what the agency terms “family figures in a child’s life.” They must fit a certain criteria to be recognized as such under the law e.g. over 21.
What Is Family Law?
Family law is not a narrow field. Family law attorneys can choose from a wide field of practice or can focus on one specific area. Family law includes the following issues that are part of the family in modern society:
- Abuse
- Adoption
- Child custody
- Child support
- Child neglect
- Divorce
- Family violence
- Marriage
- Paternity
- Spousal support
- Termination of parental rights
Many family law attorneys chose to specialize in those matters or issues that are related to divorce. This includes child custody, child support and spousal support. These are often civil rather than criminal matters. Other lawyers focus on abusive relationships including child abuse and domestic violence. Such matters involve a comprehensive understanding of criminal law. It is best to consider what type of attorney will be the most effective before you choose to go with one or the other.
Family Law Attorneys
If you are involved in a matter that involves specific family issues in Evanston, IL, consider the benefits of contacting a lawyer. If you want to be sure you have the best representation possible, be sure to contact a specialist and not a generalist. When it comes to divorce, child support and related family matters, be sure to contact family law attorneys to help you resolve the matter as effectively as possible.
Family law requires specific expertise in this delicate area. If you require a consultation and guidance, do not hesitate to contact the firm of Gordon & Perlut, LLC. As Chicago and Evanston Family Law Attorneys, we are there for you whenever you need us. Our professionals have the expertise and the experience to help you in these trying times. To discover more about our firm, and how we can help you, visit familylawadvocate.com. Let us fight for your rights!
