Illinois Family Law Insider

Stop Assuming You Have Father’s Rights — Do This in Illinois Courts! - #10

Sterling Lawyers Episode 10

Facing paternity or parentage issues in Illinois? In this Illinois Family Law Insider episode, Sterling Hughes Managing Partner Katie VanDeusen sits down with Partner Nina Kelly to break down everything unmarried parents need to know about establishing parental rights and obligations. They clarify common misconceptions and explain the strategic considerations that can make or break your case. 

We explore:

  • How to establish paternity through voluntary acknowledgment, birth certificates, or DNA testing
  • The dual structure of Illinois child support: monthly payments plus proportional expense sharing
  • Why fathers don't automatically have equal rights until court orders are established
  • The 24-month lookback period courts use to evaluate parenting patterns
  • Common child support misconceptions about what monthly payments actually cover
  • Strategic timing considerations for when to file versus when to wait

Listen in for practical insights on documentation strategies, the reality of father's rights in Illinois, and why the timing of filing a paternity case can dramatically impact your long-term outcomes and financial obligations.