Illinois Family Law Insider

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...