Posted on April 24, 2025 in Divorce

While most divorces in Illinois are resolved through settlement, sometimes litigation becomes necessary. When negotiations break down or major disagreements remain over issues like property division, child custody, or spousal maintenance, a trial may be the only way to resolve matters. If you are heading toward a divorce trial in DuPage County, knowing what to expect can help reduce stress and improve your ability to make informed decisions.

At Weiss-Kunz & Oliver, LLC, we prioritize mediation and collaboration whenever possible. These methods are often more efficient, less emotionally draining, and better able to give spouses more control over the outcome. However, we also know that some divorces—especially those involving high-value assets or deeply entrenched disputes—require strong courtroom advocacy. Our Elmhurst, IL divorce attorneys are prepared to fight for you when necessary, and we are committed to offering responsive, strategic representation every step of the way.

Continue Reading ››

 Posted on April 10, 2025 in Child Custody

Frequently Asked Questions About Illinois Child Custody Cases

When parents are facing a divorce or separation, or when unmarried parents decide to co-parent from separate households, one of the most challenging legal issues they will face involves the care of their children. In Illinois, child custody is addressed through a legal framework known as the "allocation of parental responsibilities" and "parenting time." While the terms may have changed from the older concepts of legal and physical custody, the concerns parents face remain the same: Who will make decisions for the children? Where will the children live? How can both parents stay actively involved?

At Weiss-Kunz & Oliver, LLC, we guide parents through every stage of the custody process. Whether you are filing for divorce, resolving parenting issues as an unmarried parent, or modifying an existing court order, our Illinois family law attorneys are here to help you understand your rights and protect your relationship with your children. Below are answers to some of the most common questions we receive about Illinois child custody law.

Continue Reading ››

 Posted on March 26, 2025 in Child Custody

When parents cannot agree on how to divide parenting time (visitation) or parental responsibilities (decision-making authority) after a divorce or separation, the court may bring in a child custody evaluator to help determine what arrangement would be in the child’s best interests. This can feel overwhelming, especially if you have never been through a custody case before.

Below, our Illinois child custody lawyers answer some of the most common questions about custody evaluators in Illinois to help you better understand what to expect, as well as what you can proactively do to protect your role in your child’s life.

What Is a Child Custody Evaluator?

A child custody evaluator is a professional — usually a licensed psychologist, social worker, or other mental health expert — who is appointed by the court to evaluate the family situation and make recommendations about parenting time and decision-making responsibilities. In Illinois, this process is governed by Section 604.10 of the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act.

Continue Reading ››

 Posted on March 13, 2025 in Divorce

Divorce is a sensitive personal matter with high stakes, especially when significant assets, business interests, or child custody disputes are involved. In these complex cases, choosing the right legal representation can make all the difference.

While some may assume that larger law firms offer superior services, a boutique family law firm with outstanding, focused attorneys often provides the personalized attention, strategic advocacy, and in-depth legal knowledge necessary for navigating a challenging divorce.

If you are facing divorce or other family law challenges in Illinois, Weiss-Kunz & Oliver, LLC offers distinct advantages that can directly impact your case's outcome. Below, we explore why working with our elite team of dedicated Illinois family lawyers can provide the best possible results.

What Sets Our Boutique Family Law Firm Apart?

The term "boutique" refers to a law firm that focuses on a particular area of practice rather than spreading its resources across multiple legal disciplines. Boutique family law firms dedicate their time, resources, and personal focus exclusively to cases involving divorce, child custody, financial settlements, prenuptial agreements, and other matters of family law.

Continue Reading ››

 Posted on February 24, 2025 in Divorce

Mental health conditions like depression and anxiety can drastically affect the course of divorce proceedings. Not only can they impact the tone of the divorce, but they can also play a role in decisions about child custody, financial support arrangements, and other important issues.

If you are planning to get a divorce and your spouse has a diagnosed or undiagnosed mental illness or other health issues, it is important to understand your rights. With representation from an experienced Illinois family law attorney who understands the potential for mental illness to affect divorce, you can protect your interests and determine the best ways to resolve any disputes you may encounter. At Weiss-Kunz & Oliver, LLC, we can help address these concerns during the divorce process, and we are prepared to fight for your rights and interests as you work to end your marriage successfully.

Continue Reading ››

 Posted on February 10, 2025 in Divorce

Divorce is a challenging experience for any family, but for children, it can be particularly unsettling. As parents, your primary concern is ensuring that your children continue to feel loved, secure, and supported during this transition. While the legal aspects of divorce can be complex — especially for high-net-worth individuals navigating demanding careers, managing important financial considerations, and sometimes even juggling a private life and a public persona — it is equally critical to focus on the emotional well-being of your children.

At Weiss-Kunz & Oliver, LLC, we understand that divorce is not just about legal resolutions; it is about creating a stable future for your family. By taking intentional steps, you can help your children adjust to their new reality while maintaining a warm and loving home environment. Below, our Illinois divorce lawyers explore key strategies for guiding children through divorce with compassion and care.

Continue Reading ››

 Posted on January 29, 2025 in Family Law

In family law cases, the parties involved will often find themselves at odds with one another.

Difficult disagreements can arise, and a couple going through a divorce or parents who need to address issues related to child custody may ask a family court judge to make decisions and issue orders detailing how certain matters should be handled.

However, conflicts may still continue even after a judge makes these decisions, and one party may accuse the other of violating the court's orders or failing to meet their requirements or obligations. In these situations, one party may ask that the other be held in contempt of court.

Addressing contempt in family law cases can be a complex matter. Someone who is charged with contempt may face serious consequences, and will usually try to prove that they did not commit the alleged violations. The other party will need to provide compelling evidence showing that willful violations of court orders occurred.

Continue Reading ››

 Posted on January 10, 2025 in Divorce

Being served with a subpoena or a notice of deposition can be unsettling, especially if you are not directly involved in the divorce or family law case in question. But significant others, grandparents, social workers, and other third parties may unexpectedly find themselves drawn into divorce litigation, facing the prospect of providing testimony, documents, or other evidence. Understanding your rights and obligations in these situations is essential to both protecting your interests and following the law.

At Weiss-Kunz & Oliver, LLC, we help third parties who are subpoenaed or deposed in legal cases. Whether you have been asked to testify, submit records, or appear in court, our Illinois family law attorneys are here to guide you through the process.

Continue Reading ››

 Posted on December 27, 2024 in Divorce

 What You Need to Know About the Divorce Process in Illinois

Divorce is a reality that affects many couples in Illinois. While couples who get married usually intend to stay together for the rest of their lives, a marriage can fall apart for a variety of reasons. In some cases, disagreements about money or other issues can result in the end of a relationship, while in others, a couple may have children and find that they are unable to put enough energy toward their relationship while also managing parental responsibilities.

Even if a couple has the best intentions, they may find that they simply are not compatible. Regardless of the reasons for the end of a marriage, there are certain steps that will need to be followed during the divorce process, and understanding these procedures can help anyone in this situation navigate a divorce successfully with the help of an Illinois divorce attorney.

Continue Reading ››

 Posted on December 10, 2024 in Child Custody

Divorce is never easy, especially when children are involved. Determining child custody arrangements is often one of the most challenging aspects of the divorce process. Parents want what is best for their children, but figuring out the best arrangement can be complicated. 

Illinois law offers various custody options designed to suit different family dynamics and circumstances. Understanding these options can help you make informed decisions. An Illinois child custody attorney can guide you through the process and help create a parenting plan that prioritizes your child's well-being.

What Is Child Custody in Illinois?

In Illinois, the legal concept of child custody is divided into two parts: parental responsibilities and parenting time. Parental responsibilities are the ability to make major decisions about the child's upbringing, such as their education, healthcare, religion, and extracurricular activities. Parenting time, on the other hand, determines when the child physically spends time with each parent, whether it is during weekdays, weekends, holidays, or vacations.

Continue Reading ››