Our Practice Areas
Divorce and Separation
Divorce and legal separation is a stressful and scary process affecting you and your family. How will I support myself? What assets will I receive? How much debt is there? Where will my children be? At Cha Law Ltd., we are committed to answering those questions with you and ensuring that you are fully informed so you can make the best choices for you and your family.
Paternity
Did you know that over 40% of children are born out of wedlock in Illinois? That percentage is likely to rise as more young adults are projected to forego marriage altogether. It is important that you know and understand your rights as a parent, your child’s rights to support and a relationship with their parents, and the rights of the other parent. At Cha Law Ltd., we can help you navigate establishing paternity and your rights and responsibilities as a parent.
Child Custody
Your children are precious and they should be protected during a court case. Child custody law has evolved tremendously in Illinois in the last several years. It is important you are fully informed of your rights and responsibilities as a parent. At Cha Law Ltd., our goal is to serve your children’s best interests and develop a parenting plan that will serve you and your family’s unique needs.
Child Support
Illinois law on child support has significantly evolved over the last several years. The Court will consider each parent’s income and the child’s schedule when determining child support. The Court may also order contribution to health insurance, medical expenses, education expenses, extracurricular expenses, and childcare expenses for a child. At Cha Law Ltd., we will assess all factors to determine the appropriate division of financial responsibility for your child.
Spousal Support
In Illinois, the Court may order one spouse to pay spousal support to the other party. Also referred to as maintenance or alimony, this can have a tremendous impact on each spouse’s income. The Court will consider many factors when determining (a) whether spousal support should be awarded, and (b) if so, how much the spousal support should be. You need qualified counsel to assess the strength and weaknesses of a spousal support claim so you can be fully informed as to your rights and responsibilities.
Orders of Protection
The Illinois Domestic Violence Act was written to protect victims of domestic violence from further abuse. Domestic Violence is often characterized by an escalating pattern of violence. Abusers often use control over finances and children to further trap their victims. Orders of Protection (or an “OP”) gives victims the opportunity to escape the cycle of domestic violence. When domestic violence is present in a case, it is important that your legal advocate understands your needs and security concerns. With over 10 years of experience in domestic violence cases, at Cha Law Ltd. we are committed to serving your needs for your protection.
Name Changes
In Illinois, adults may change their names if they meet certain legal requirement, including criminal history requirements. Parents can also pursue name changes for their children as necessary to serve the children’s best interests. Contact us at Cha Law Ltd. to discuss your potential name change and whether you qualify.
Guardianship
Guardianships can be for minors or for adults. Minors may be in guardianship if their parents are unable or unwilling to provide care for the minor. Adults may be in guardianship if they lack the capacity to provide for their own care. Guardians are required to file accountings and reports to ensure that they are properly serving as guardian.
Estate Planning
You have worked hard to provide for yourself and your family. Make sure that your hard work is preserved and distributed to your family upon your passing. When your family is grieving, it is an act of service to have a comprehensive estate plan for your family to follow. We can assist you identify a clear plan to distribute your hard-earned assets as you planned, and in the most cost-effective and efficient manner possible.