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.
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Illinois Family Law Insider
Illinois Child Custody: Your Rights as an Unmarried Parent - #72
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Many unmarried parents in Illinois assume that being there from day one means they already have custody rights. What the law actually says about that assumption is where things get complicated fast.
In this episode, Jeff Hughes, attorney and co-founder of Sterling Lawyers, walks through what Illinois child custody actually looks like for unmarried parents — where rights begin, what has to happen legally before anything is enforceable, and the mistakes that put parents behind before they even get to court.
In this episode, you'll learn about:
- Why Illinois child custody rights are not automatic for both parents at birth
- What establishing parentage does and does not give you
- The different ways to legally establish parentage in Illinois
- What judges actually look at when deciding Illinois child custody outcomes
- Why delaying legal steps creates problems that are hard to overcome later
- The difference between parenting time and decision-making authority
Listen in to discover how to establish your Illinois child custody rights from the start to protect your time with your child instead of spending years trying to catch up in court.