Illinois Family Law Insider
All about navigating Family Law in Illinois — your trusted source for expert answers on divorce, child custody, support calculations, and all family legal matters. Each episode features Managing Partner Katie Vandeusen having meaningful conversations with our seasoned attorneys who break down complex issues into practical guidance.
We exclusively focus on Illinois family law, translating complicated statutes and procedures into clear, actionable information. Our discussions address the real concerns faced by Illinois families, providing insights whether you're in the midst of a legal situation or simply want to understand your rights.
At Sterling Lawyers, we believe knowledge empowers better decisions during life's most challenging transitions. Subscribe to "Illinois Family Law Insider" to gain valuable perspective from attorneys who dedicate their practice to supporting Illinois families every day.
Discover additional resources tailored to Illinois family law at www.sterlinglawyers.com/illinois/ here our commitment to accessible legal guidance continues beyond each episode.
Episodes
70 episodes
Illinois Divorce & Taxes: Should You File Jointly or Separately? - #70
Tax season during a separation or divorce in Illinois comes with a question most people aren't prepared for: do you file jointly with a spouse you no longer trust — or separately, knowing it might cost you more? Jeff Hughes, attorney and founde...
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5:05
Where to File for Divorce in Illinois: Avoid Common Jurisdiction Mistakes - #69
Illinois residents assume they must file divorce papers where they were married, not realizing they can choose between the county where either spouse lives. Illinois divorce filing requires 90-day state residency for one spouse with venue choic...
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5:02
Illinois Custody Myths: Do Mothers Actually Automatically Get the Kids? - #68
Illinois parents believe mothers automatically get custody in divorce, not realizing courts abandoned gender-based tender years doctrine for gender-neutral best interests standards evaluating parenting involvement and stability. Illinois custod...
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3:50
Illinois Temporary Orders: Why They Can Make or Break Your Divorce - #67
You agreed to Illinois temporary parenting arrangements thinking they'd last a few months, not realizing they establish a status quo that becomes nearly impossible to change before final judgment. Illinois temporary orders address parenting tim...
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19:56
Illinois Divorce Timeline: Here's What Happens After You File - #66
Filing for Illinois divorce feels like the biggest step but you don't know what happens next or how long each stage takes from service through final judgment. After filing Illinois divorce, the responding spouse gets 30 days to respond followin...
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5:27
SECRET Tip on How to Legally Speed Up Your Divorce in Illinois - #65
Illinois couples who qualify and cooperate can finalize divorce in weeks instead of months by using Joint Simplified Dissolution or skipping the six-month separation requirement through mutual agreement. Speeding up divorce in Illinois requires...
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4:04
Gray Divorce Mistakes Illinois: What Destroys Your Retirement After 50 - #64
Divorcing over 50 in Illinois means settlement mistakes destroy retirement security you can't rebuild—QDRO errors, missed survivor benefits, and Social Security timing failures compound into hundreds of thousands lost. Illinois gray divorce mis...
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5:27
Gray Divorce Illinois: What Makes Divorcing After 50 Different - #63
You're over 50 facing Illinois divorce that will split decades of retirement savings, pensions, and real estate with no time to financially recover. Gray divorce carries higher stakes because you're dividing retirement futures instead of buildi...
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3:43
Illinois Divorce: Can You Lose Parenting Rights by Moving Out? - #62
You're considering moving out of your Illinois marital home during divorce thinking you'll maintain equal parental rights, not realizing you're establishing a status quo that could cost you majority parenting time. Illinois parents retain equal...
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19:56
Illinois Prenup Laws: What Can and Can't Be in Your Agreement - #61
You're being pressured to sign an Illinois prenup days before your wedding without legal counsel or full financial disclosure, not knowing if it will hold up in court. Illinois prenuptial agreements under the Uniform Premarital Agreement Act re...
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5:25
Illinois Alimony Calculator: How to Calculate Spousal Maintenance Correctly - #60
You're using online Illinois alimony calculators getting wildly different estimates because they use outdated income caps and miss the critical combined income cap rule. Illinois spousal maintenance uses a strict net income formula with a house...
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5:20
Guardian ad Litem in Illinois: What NOT to Do During Your Custody Case - #59
The Illinois court appointed a Guardian ad Litem to investigate your custody case and you're treating them like a therapist by venting about your ex, or you're coaching your child about what to say. Guardian ad Litem attorneys gather facts thro...
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5:11
Illinois Child Custody: The Shocking Truth About Absent Parents' Rights - #58
The other parent disappeared for years with no contact or support and now suddenly wants visitation rights in your Illinois custody case. Do Illinois courts automatically terminate parental rights for abandonment? Sterling Lawyers Lead Attorney...
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5:30
Illinois Divorce: How to Catch a Spouse Hiding Money - #57
Your spouse suddenly changed all the account passwords and you're seeing unexplained cash withdrawals but can't prove they're hiding assets in your Illinois divorce. Hidden assets involve business income manipulation, cash transactions, fake de...
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13:23
Grounds for Divorce in Illinois: What You Need to Know Before Filing -#56
You're gathering evidence of your spouse's affair thinking you need proof to file for divorce in Illinois, but the court doesn't want your screenshots or witness statements. Illinois recognizes only one ground for divorce. Sterling Lawyers Lead...
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8:28
Paternity in Illinois: Don’t Sign ANYTHING Until You Watch This! - #55
You signed the Voluntary Acknowledgment of Paternity at the Illinois hospital, thinking you secured your parental rights. But now the mother won't let you see your child, and you have no legal standing for custody or visitation. Establishing pa...
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Episode 55
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5:16
Child Custody in Illinois: The Biggest Mistake During Separation - #54
You've been the working parent supporting your Illinois family—now you're losing custody because the other parent was the primary caretaker for 24 months. Illinois courts weigh primary caretaker history, work schedules, cooperation, and the chi...
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Episode 54
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20:19
Illinois Child Custody: This Holiday Mistake Hurts Your Kids - #53
You finalize your Illinois custody agreement using a template form with vague holiday language—then find yourself back in court every few months fighting over birthdays, spring break, and who gets Thanksgiving. Illinois parenting plans require ...
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Episode 53
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20:50
Divorce in Illinois: What Makes Divorce So Expensive? - #52
You budget for attorney fees and court costs in your Illinois divorce—then get blindsided by a $15,000 custody evaluation, repeated retainer replenishments, and thousands spent fighting over a $3,000 couch. Illinois divorce costs in 2025 aren't...
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Episode 52
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9:04
Illinois Child Custody: The Truth About 50/50 Parenting Time - #51
You assume 50/50 parenting time in Illinois means no child support, or that judges automatically grant equal time because it seems fair. Illinois child custody laws don't presume equal parenting—courts prioritize the best interests of the child...
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Episode 51
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20:10
Illinois Child Support: Do This to End Payments The RIGHT Way - #50
Your child turns 18 next month and you stop child support payments—only to face enforcement actions, penalties, and interest because they haven't graduated yet. Illinois child support doesn't automatically terminate at 18, and one wrong assumpt...
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Episode 50
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5:14
Child Custody in Illinois: What to Do When They Violate the Parenting Plan - #49
Your ex stopped following the parenting schedule months ago, or your child's needs have changed, and the old arrangement isn't working. You want to modify custody in Illinois—yet you're wondering if your situation even qualifies. Sterling Lawye...
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Episode 49
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22:09
Child Custody in Illinois: Follow These Exact Steps to Win in Court - #48
Facing an Illinois custody hearing can be overwhelming. With mandatory deadlines, required parenting courses, and evaluators watching your every move, one misstep can mean losing decision-making authority or precious parenting time. Sterling La...
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Episode 48
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6:07
Illinois Divorce: How to Modify Child Support & Alimony - #47
You stopped paying support because you lost your job. Or you verbally agreed with your ex to lower payments. Now you're drowning in arrears and penalties. Illinois divorce doesn't end when judgment enters—and the biggest mistakes happen after c...
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Episode 47
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22:31
Divorce in Illinois: Do THIS Before You File - #46
You've decided to file for divorce in Illinois, but no one's handing you a guidebook. One wrong step could cost you parenting time, property, or support you're legally entitled to. Sterling Lawyers Lead Attorney and CEO Jeff Hughes reveals the ...
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Episode 46
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6:20