Posted on September 14, 2023 in Main

Sexual harassment in the workplace can have devastating effects on survivors. It can not only impact their emotional well-being, but their professional lives may also be affected. It is vital for victims to understand that they have rights and options for addressing the harm they have suffered. An experienced attorney can provide guidance on how to proceed in these situations.

Understanding Workplace Sexual Harassment

Before looking at the options available to victims, it is crucial to understand what constitutes workplace sexual harassment. There are two general categories of sexual harassment:

• Quid pro quo: This occurs when a supervisor or someone with authority demands sexual favors in exchange for employment benefits or threatens negative consequences if those favors are not provided.

• Hostile work environment: This type of harassment will involve unwelcome and pervasive sexual conduct or language that interferes with a person's ability to perform their job effectively.

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 Posted on September 11, 2023 in Main

A postnuptial agreement is a legal document that a couple can enter into after they are married. It is similar to a prenuptial agreement, which is signed before a couple becomes legally married. A postnuptial agreement, or “postnup” may outline how assets and debts will be divided and other financial matters will be handled in the event of a separation or divorce. By understanding the benefits of a postnuptial agreement and working with an attorney to create and execute a document that will be valid and enforceable, couples can make sure they have the necessary protections in place if they decide to end their marriage in the future.

Why You May Want to Consider a Postnuptial Agreement

There are several reasons why couples might consider entering into a postnuptial agreement, including:

1. A change in wealth or power dynamics: If one spouse experiences an increase in the income they earn or the assets they own, it may be wise to have a postnuptial agreement in place to protect those assets. An agreement may address ownership of an inheritance, income earned following a promotion, or investments that a couple has made during the marriage.

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 Posted on September 07, 2023 in Kane

For parents, many of the most important issues to resolve during the divorce process will be related to child custody. In Illinois, the court's top concern when making decisions about child custody is the best interests of the child. That is, the court's rulings about how parents will make decisions for their children and the schedules for when children will spend parenting time with each parent will be based on what the court believes are the best ways to promote the children's well-being and development. There are a number of factors that will be considered in these cases. Parents who are working to resolve child custody issues can get legal help from an attorney who can advise them on the best ways to show that they can provide for their children's best interests.

Factors That May Affect Children's Best Interests

Illinois law lists a large number of factors that may be evaluated by family court judges in child custody cases. These include:

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 Posted on August 29, 2023 in Main

After a divorce or separation, parents must follow the orders put in place in family court. These orders will address child related matters, including the allocation of parental responsibilities (legal custody) and parenting time (physical custody). They will also address child support to ensure that parents are meeting their children's financial needs. In some cases, one parent may fail to follow the court's orders, and the other parent may need to enforce these orders.

If you need to make sure your ex is following your child support or parenting judgment, it is important to understand your options for enforcement. With the help of a skilled family law attorney, you can act to protect your children's best interests and resolve any issues related to violations of court orders.

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 Posted on August 29, 2023 in Main

Workplace sexual harassment is a serious issue that affects many people in various lines of work. It can have harmful effects on the victims, leading to emotional distress, career setbacks, and even physical harm. Even though it is far too common, there are still several myths about workplace sexual harassment that need to be debunked. For those who have experienced sexual harassment in the workplace, a skilled attorney can provide guidance on the legal options that are available.

Myth 1: Sexual Harassment Only Occurs Between Opposite Genders

Contrary to popular belief, sexual harassment can occur between any combination of genders. It is not limited to interactions solely between men and women. Both men and women can be victims or perpetrators of sexual harassment in the workplace.

Myth 2: Sexual Harassment Only Involves Physical Contact

Sexual harassment may include a wide range of behaviors beyond physical contact. Verbal comments, suggestive jokes or gestures, unwanted advances or requests for sexual favors, or displaying explicit materials in the workplace fall under the umbrella of sexual harassment. It is important to understand that any unwelcome behavior with a sexual nature can create a hostile work environment.

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 Posted on August 24, 2023 in Kane

If you are going through a divorce in Illinois, you may be wondering if mediation is the right option for you. Divorce can be a difficult and emotionally draining process, and many couples choose to use mediation instead of fighting legal battles in the courtroom. To determine whether mediation may be the right choice for you, it is important to understand how mediation works, the benefits it can provide, and the cases where it may not be the best option.

What Is Mediation?

Mediation is a form of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) that allows couples to work together with a neutral third party to negotiate their divorce settlement. Unlike litigation, where decisions are made by a judge, mediation allows couples to retain control over the outcome of their case.

In Illinois, a couple may be ordered to use mediation by a family court judge, or they may choose to hire a mediator on their own. While each mediator may have their own process, most cases will involve both parties meeting together with the mediator, discussing the issues that will need to be addressed, and working together to reach agreements on the terms of their divorce settlement.

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 Posted on August 11, 2023 in Main

The process of getting a divorce can often be complex and difficult. The dissolution of a marriage may involve disputes related to property division, child custody, alimony, and many other issues. Traditionally, divorce cases are resolved through litigation in which each party will hire their own attorney to represent them in court.

However, there is an alternative method that has gained popularity in recent years, and it is known as collaborative law. This option offers couples the opportunity to resolve their disputes amicably without litigation in court. During a collaborative divorce, open communication and cooperation between spouses will be encouraged, and they will work to find win-win solutions rather than taking an adversarial approach.

The Collaborative Law Process

In collaborative law, both parties hire separate attorneys who have training and experience in these types of dispute resolution methods. The spouses and their attorneys will sign an agreement stating that they are committed to resolving disputes without using litigation. If collaboration fails, the attorneys may be required to withdraw from the case, and the spouses may need to find other attorneys to represent them during litigation. This encourages all parties to resolve disputes outside of court and reach a settlement that both spouses will be satisfied with.

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 Posted on August 11, 2023 in Main

Sexual harassment is a pervasive issue that affects employees in various industries and workplaces. While many people are aware of the laws protecting employees from sexual harassment by their employers or co-workers, there may be some confusion about whether these protections extend to harassment from customers, clients, or other non-employees. By understanding their legal rights, employees can make sure sexual harassment by non-employees will be addressed correctly.

Employee Protections Against Sexual Harassment

The primary law that provides protection against workplace discrimination and harassment in Illinois is the Illinois Human Rights Act (IHRA). The IHRA prohibits employers from subjecting employees to a hostile work environment due to unwanted sexual advances or conduct. These protections extend not only to direct actions taken by an employer and other employees, they also encompass acts committed by non-employees. While under federal law, Title VII does not explicitly mention sexual harassment by non-employees, courts have interpreted its provisions broadly enough to also cover such instances.

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 Posted on August 07, 2023 in Kane

Divorce can be challenging for anyone, but the process of ending a marriage can be especially complicated for couples who have a high net worth. In addition to addressing the typical concerns about issues such as property division and child custody, determining how to resolve financial matters can take on a whole new level of complexity for couples with substantial assets. If you are going through a high net worth divorce in Illinois, it is crucial to work with an attorney who can help you understand the specific financial issues that may arise and how they could impact your future.

The Role of Asset Valuation

One significant challenge in high net worth divorces involves properly valuing all assets owned by a couple, both together and separately. This task can become particularly complex when there are diverse investment portfolios, business interests, real estate holdings, and other valuable assets involved. Accurate asset valuation is essential for ensuring an equitable distribution of marital property during the divorce proceedings.

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 Posted on July 31, 2023 in Main

Sexual harassment is a serious issue that affects many individuals in the workplace. It can have long-lasting effects on victims, both emotionally and professionally. If you have experienced sexual harassment in Illinois, it is important to understand your rights and the legal options available to you. One question that often arises is whether there is a statute of limitations for reporting sexual harassment and what actions you will need to take within the appropriate time limits.

Understanding the Statute of Limitations

The statute of limitations refers to the time period within which a victim must take action to address discrimination they have experienced due to sexual harassment. In the context of sexual harassment, the statute of limitations determines how long a victim has to report the harassment and seek legal recourse. The time limits will vary depending on the type of legal claim and the jurisdiction

In Illinois, the statute of limitations for reporting sexual harassment depends on the specific legal claim being pursued. It is important to note that the statute of limitations may vary depending on the circumstances of each case, so it is advisable to consult with an experienced attorney to understand the specific time limits that apply to your specific situation.

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