Blog | [[title]] | Business and Family Law

How Does Spousal Support Work in an Illinois LGBTQ+ Divorce?

2026-08-12 00:00:00

Spousal support in an Illinois LGBTQ+ divorce works under the same rules that apply to other married couples. And when facing divorce, you will likely have a lot of questions about spousal support. Will you have to pay support because you earn more than your spouse? Can you receive support if you stepped away from your career? How long could payments last?

If you are getting a same-sex divorce in 2026, knowing these rules can help you prepare for the financial changes ahead. Our Chicago LGBTQ+ divorce lawyer can explain how Illinois maintenance laws may apply to you.

Can a Same-Sex Spouse Receive Maintenance in Illinois?

Either spouse can request maintenance, also known as spousal support or alimony, during an Illinois divorce. The same rules apply regardless of the spouses’ sexes or sexual orientations.

Under section 750 ILCS 5/504 of the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act, a court can award maintenance to either spouse. A judge first decides whether support is appropriate based on the facts of the marriage. The law also says the court should make this decision without considering marital misconduct.

Five Common Retaliation Claims Chicago Employers Face and How to Fight Them

2026-07-21 00:00:00

The Chicago regulatory environment is very favorable to employees. An employee does not have to win an original discrimination, harassment, or wage complaint to bring a retaliation claim. In many cases, the employee only needs to show that they engaged in legally protected activity and then suffered some type of punishment because of it.

This creates major risk for employers because a legitimate disciplinary decision must often occur shortly after an employee complains about something. Our Chicago business law attorney can help employers dealing with employment law issues. Whether you need to respond to employee complaints or defend against retaliation allegations before they become expensive lawsuits, we are here to help.

What Can You Negotiate in a Residential Lease with Your Chicago Landlord?

2026-06-22 00:00:00

Most people treat a residential lease like a take-it-or-leave-it document. In reality, a lease is a contract, and like most contracts, many of its terms are open to discussion before anyone signs. Whether you are a renter looking to protect yourself or a landlord trying to set clear expectations, understanding what is negotiable can lead to a better arrangement for both sides.

Chicago leases are governed primarily by the Chicago Residential Landlord and Tenant Ordinance, or RLTO. This law sets a baseline of rights and responsibilities that neither party can sign away. Within that framework, though, there is often more room to negotiate than people realize. Our River North landlord/tenant attorney can explain more.

What Should I Do If I'm Charged with Theft in Illinois?

2026-05-27 00:00:00

Theft is one of the most commonly prosecuted property crimes in Cook County, with thousands of incidents reported each year, according to the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office Eight Year Report. A Chicago criminal defense attorney can help you understand your rights and your options, and build a defense.

What Happens After You're Charged with Theft in Illinois?

After a theft charge, you'll typically be given a court date. In more serious cases, you’ll be held for a pretrial detention date. Illinois eliminated cash bail under the Pretrial Fairness Act, so a judge now decides whether you'll be released before trial based on factors like your history and the nature of the offense.

Under 720 ILCS 5/16-1, Illinois generally categorizes theft by the value of the property and how the assets were stolen:

What Should I Include in a Business Partnership Agreement in Illinois?

2026-04-21 00:00:00

Starting a business with a partner is exciting. It can also become a legal and financial nightmare if the documents aren’t clearly drawn up from the beginning. Knowing what to include in your partnership agreement can either set you up for great success and a good working relationship with your business partner or create a bundle of problems you'll have to work out later on.

If you're forming a business partnership in 2026, a Chicago business formation lawyer can help you put together an agreement that protects everyone involved.

What Guidelines Does Illinois Law Provide for Business Partnership Agreements?

Illinois has a default framework for partnerships, the Illinois Uniform Partnership Act, 805 ILCS 206. This law defines what a partnership is, gives rules for how partnerships operate, outlines partner rights, duties, and liabilities, and sets up protocols for resolving things like disputes or exits. It’s a helpful starting point for fair business practice.

How is Child Custody Handled in a Chicago LGBTQ Divorce?

2026-03-31 00:00:00

Divorce for LGBTQ parents often comes with a set of legal questions that feel especially urgent. How will a court treat both parents if only one has a biological connection to your child? What happens when a parent was never able to legally adopt because of when or where you lived during your relationship? Does being an LGBTQ family change how a judge evaluates custody?

The short answer is that Illinois law is designed to evaluate custody based on your child's needs, not the makeup of your family. How that plays out in practice depends heavily on the specific facts of your case and how good your attorney is.

If you are getting a same-sex divorce in 2026 and you’re concerned about your parental rights, our Chicago LGBTQ family lawyer is here to help. We offer free consultations and a genuinely welcoming environment for LGBTQ and Jewish families throughout the Chicago area.

When Can You Break Your Lease in Chicago?

2026-02-16 00:00:00

Breaking a lease in Chicago can feel like risky business, especially when you are dealing with the kind of issues that lead people to break their lease in the first place. Many tenants in 2026 assume they have no options except to keep paying rent until their lease ends, even when staying seems impossible.

Thankfully, reality is more nuanced than that. Chicago has strong tenant protections under the Chicago Residential Landlord and Tenant Ordinance, often called the RLTO. This law gives renters specific rights to terminate a lease early under certain conditions.

If you are considering breaking your lease in Boystown, Andersonville, or anywhere else in Chicago, learning about your legal options is the first thing you should do. Our Chicago renters’ rights attorney is here to help.

The Basics of Illinois Employment Law that Every Small Business Should Know

2026-01-19 00:00:00

Running a small business in Chicago means juggling countless responsibilities, and employment law might not always be at the top of your mind. However, understanding Illinois employment regulations is essential for protecting your business from lawsuits. It also helps create a workplace where employees feel respected and valued.

Even unintentional violations can result in significant penalties, damaged reputation, and employee turnover. Whether you are hiring your first employee or managing a growing team, our Chicago employment law attorney can help you make informed decisions and avoid common pitfalls in 2026.

What Are the Minimum Wage and Overtime Requirements in Illinois?

Illinois minimum wage is higher than the federal minimum wage and continues to increase on a scheduled path. In January 2026, the Chicago minimum wage is $16.60 per hour for most workers.

What Should Professionals Charged with a DUI Do?

2025-12-18 00:00:00

If you’re reading this, you probably already made a mistake that so many people make: You got behind the wheel after a few drinks and you got pulled over. If you are a member of your local Chicago community, you might be worried about losing your license, your job, and your reputation. Will your colleagues find out about your DUI? What about your extended family? Your clients?

Take a breath. A DUI charge is serious, but it does not have to destroy your life. The CDC says that about a million people are arrested every year for DUIs; these cases are common and prosecutors often want to resolve them quickly.

Our Chicago DUI defense attorney is a former Special Assistant General Counsel with the State of Illinois who can help. We offer free consultations, speak English, German, Farsi, and French, and we welcome all clients. Let's talk about what you need to know right now.

Do You Need a Get for a Gay Jewish Divorce?

2025-11-20 00:00:00

If you are ending your same-sex marriage in 2025, and you and your spouse are both Jewish, you may want to honor your religious traditions while you navigate the civil divorce process. One question in particular might come up in this situation: Do you need a get, the traditional Jewish divorce document, if you are an LGBTQ+ Jew getting divorced?

Having a Chicago LGBTQ+ divorce attorney on your side who understands the issues involved in your marriage and divorce will make all the difference in your experience throughout your case. Call us at 312-489-8638 today to schedule a free consultation and meet our friendly local team.

What Does Illinois Law Say About LGBTQ Divorce?

The Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act under 750 ILCS 5/401 governs all divorces in the state and treats all marriages equally regardless of the gender of the spouses.