Most people have experienced family disputes at one time or another, but sometimes family issues become too consequential for individuals to deal with themselves. For example, getting a divorce, trying to establish parenting rights or trying to enforce court orders are processes that could involve numerous legal requirements and filings.

For help with these and other family law issues, get in touch with a Joliet family lawyer from Reidy Law Office LLC. Our attorneys are familiar with Illinois law and could use our expertise to help you with your problem.

We could review your situation and answer any questions you may have. Then, we could work with you to map out a plan to help resolve the issue. If necessary, our attorneys could even represent you in court and make sure we fully defend your rights.

What Does Family Law Cover?

A Joliet family lawyer could assist you with various different types of family law issues, including:

Annulments

In Illinois, you may obtain an annulment only if your marriage was prohibited by law. Under 750 Illinois Compiled Statutes 5/212, prohibited marriages include:

  • Marriages between first-degree cousins
  • Marriages between other close relatives, such as uncle and niece
  • Marriages between one or more individuals that are already married

In these cases, either party to the marriage may obtain an annulment, according to 750 ILCS 5/302. You may also obtain an annulment if either you or your spouse lacked the mental capacity to enter a marriage at the time of the marriage ceremony, as per 750 ILCS 5/301. This may occur due to a mental illness, incapacity due to drugs or alcohol, force or duress, or other similar causes.

Divorces

Generally, if you do not qualify for an annulment, you must file for divorce in order to terminate your marriage, typically with the help of a qualified attorney. Illinois family law allows for so-called “no-fault” divorces, meaning that neither party is at fault for the breakdown of the marriage.

Under 750 ILCS 5/401, courts presume there has been an irretrievable breakdown of the marriage if both involved parties have lived separate and apart from each other for a continuous period of six months or more. Either spouse may file for divorce, as long as the person filing has lived in Illinois for at least the preceding 90 days. It is important to speak with an experienced Joliet family attorney who could help you understand the specific requirements and qualifications.

Adoptions

Under 750 ILCS 50/2, any adult may generally adopt a child in Illinois, as long as they have been a resident of the state for the preceding six months or more. Additionally, 750 ILCS 50/3 allows the adoption of adults, as long as the adult has been living with the prospective adopting individuals for at least two years.

To adopt an individual, the prospective parents in Joliet—or their family lawyer—usually file an adoption petition in state court, providing biographical information about themselves and the child. Before a court finalizes an adoption, however, the child must usually live with the adoptive parents for at least six months, according to 750 ILCS 50/14. This helps ensure that the child and the parents are a good fit for each other.

Speak With a Joliet Family Attorney

Dealing with family issues can be stressful, especially if they involve the legal system. You may be unsure of exactly what to do and where to turn to for help. The good news is that Reidy Law Office LLC is available to assist you.

A Joliet family lawyer from our team could be committed to helping you solve your problem to the best of our ability. They could sit down with you and talk about your specific situation, research different possible solutions, and consult with you on how to proceed.

Once we have decided on a plan of action with you, we could execute that plan on your behalf and efficiently pursue a positive outcome. For help with family law issues, get in touch with us today.