Illinois Family Law Insider

When does Illinois family law require litigation instead of negotiation? In this Illinois Family Law Insider episode, Sterling Hughes Managing Partner Katie VanDeusen sits down with Senior Partner Ali Isroff to break down the litigation process from start to finish. They explain when court intervention becomes necessary and share strategic insights from their extensive trial experience.  We explor...

Filing for divorce in Illinois? The financial damage might already be done before you even walk into court. In this episode, Sterling Hughes’ CEO and lead attorney, Jeff Hughes, reveals the six critical money moves that could save you thousands—because what you don't protect, you'll likely lose.  We cover: How to document assets properly to prevent thousands in losses during property div...

Facing paternity or parentage issues in Illinois? In this Illinois Family Law Insider episode, Sterling Hughes Managing Partner Katie VanDeusen sits down with Partner Nina Kelly to break down everything unmarried parents need to know about establishing parental rights and obligations.  They explore: How to establish paternity through voluntary acknowledgment, birth certificates, or DNA testing Why...

Facing paternity or parentage issues in Illinois? In this Illinois Family Law Insider episode, Sterling Hughes Managing Partner Katie VanDeusen sits down with Partner Nina Kelly to break down everything unmarried parents need to know about establishing parental rights and obligations. They clarify common misconceptions and explain the strategic considerations that can make or break your case.  We...

Are you worried about losing your family home in an Illinois divorce? In this episode, Sterling Lawyers CEO and Co-Founder Jeff Hughes breaks down five critical strategies to help you keep your home and protect your financial future during Illinois divorce proceedings. Why the "divorce buyout loan" myth could cost you your home How to qualify for refinancing with post-divorce income chan...

Confused about child custody in your Illinois divorce? In this Illinois Family Law Insider episode, Sterling Hughes Managing Partner Katie VanDeusen sits down with Partner Nina Kelly to break down the child-related legal issues you'll face in divorce proceedings. They clarify Illinois's modern approach to what was once called "custody" and explain why this isn't a one-size...

Confused about how finances work in an Illinois divorce? In this Illinois Family Law Insider episode, Sterling Hughes Managing Partner Katie VanDeusen sits down with Partner Nina Kelley to break down the key financial issues you'll face. They dispel common misconceptions about this critical aspect of divorce. Unlike some states with automatic 50/50 divisions, Illinois takes an "equitable...

Are you worried about losing half your life's work in an Illinois divorce? In this video, Sterling Hughes CEO and Co-Founder Jeff Hughes breaks down critical steps to safeguard your finances during an Illinois divorce. Whether you're concerned about protecting inheritance, retirement accounts, or pre-marital assets, understanding Illinois' approach to property division is essential....

What are my initial divorce process options in Illinois? In this episode, Sterling Hughes Managing Partner Katie VanDeusen and Partner Nina Kelly explore the different paths available when starting divorce proceedings. Unlike the single-track approach many assume exists, Illinois offers multiple options with varying timelines and costs.  We talk about: The uncontested divorce route that can be com...

How are property and debts divided in an Illinois divorce? In this Illinois Family Law Insider episode, Sterling Lawyers CEO and Co-Founder Jeff Hughes and Sterling Hughes Managing Partner Katie VanDeusen explore how courts approach this critical aspect of divorce. Unlike some states with automatic 50/50 divisions, Illinois follows an "equitable" approach that gives judges significant di...

Facing false allegations in your Illinois custody case? In this Illinois Family Law Insider episode, Sterling Hughes CEO and Co-Founder Jeff Hughes outline three powerful strategies to counter a narcissist's tactics in court: A proven approach to respond without giving them ammunition How to create compelling evidence that courts find persuasive Focusing on what Illinois courts actually care...

Is maintenance (Illinois' term for alimony) confusing you? In this Illinois Family Law Insider episode, Sterling Hughes Managing Partner Katie VanDeusen breaks down how courts determine spousal support. Unlike some legal issues with clear formulas, maintenance decisions vary between judges and counties.  We explore:  What makes someone eligible to receive maintenance in the first place The fo...

Wondering how judges decide children's issues in Illinois divorces? In this Illinois Family Law Insider episode, Jeff Hughes sits down with Katie VanDeusen, Managing Partner at Sterling Hughes, to walk through the entire process. We break down: The two main children's issues judges must decide: allocation of parental responsibilities (decision-making) and parenting time The court-ordered...