In this article, our Elmhurst child custody mediation attorneys discuss the process of mediation and why it is important not only for people seeking to resolve their domestic issues in a cost-effective manner, but also to lead to more lasting solutions without litigation. While attorneys may not need to be involved during a third-party mediation, it is important to have an attorney present to understand your rights and protect your interests. This becomes especially important when you feel there is unequal power in the relationship. Our mediation attorneys have your best interest at heart and will be your advocate in mediation decisions related to family, child custody, child support, or divorce.

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In this article, our Elmhurst family mediation attorneys discuss ways to establish paternity in Illinois. We also discuss the concept of a "presumed father," which impacts the burden of proof in paternity cases. A person may be the presumed father if the following are true:

• He is married to the mother or in a substantially similar relationship before the child was born
• He was married to the mother but the marriage was terminated within 300 days prior to the child being born
• The child was born within 300 days of an invalid marriage, which he had entered with apparent compliance with the law; or
• He is listed on the birth certificate as well as was married at the time of birth of the child.

We explain the use of DNA testing to determine the father.  If a party refuses to have a DNA test, the Court will likely rule against them.  Finally, we explain how to establish paternity by mutual agreement at birth.

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In this video, our Elmhurst family mediation attorneys explain how an uncontested divorce is simply a divorce in which the parties agree on all of the issues surrounding the divorce without the need for extensive negotiation or litigation.  The parties to an uncontested divorce will freely exchange information without discovery or depositions.  The parties will work together to draft and execute a marital settlement agreement that will resolve issues of: spousal maintenance, child support, division of assets, and division of liabilities and debts.  

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