Illinois Family Law Insider

The Illinois Discovery Tools That Expose Lying Spouses in Court - #11

Sterling Lawyers Episode 11

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 explore:

  • How to establish paternity through voluntary acknowledgment, birth certificates, or DNA testing
  • 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 fathers' rights in Illinois, and why the timing of filing a paternity case can dramatically impact your long-term outcomes and financial obligations.