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List of Forms by Chapter - Chapter 1 — Parentage
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I. Introduction - II. Actions Under the Illinois Parentage Act of 2015
- Procedural Considerations
- [1.4] Nature of the Action
- [1.5] Consent and Cross-Reference with Vital Records Act
- [1.6] Action To Declare Existence of Parent-Child Relationship
- [1.7] Action To Declare Nonexistence of Parent-Child Relationship
- [1.8] Additional Provisions
- [1.9] Process
- [1.10] Notice Requirements
- [1.11] The “Baby Richard Law”
- Jurisdiction and Venue
- [1.12] Jurisdiction Generally
- [1.13] Jurisdiction and the Uniform Child-Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act Considerations
- [1.14] Personal Jurisdiction
- [1.15] Venue
- Statute of Limitations
- [1.16] Background and Evolution of Current Statute
- [1.17] Statute of Limitations as Applied to a Child vs. a Parent
- [1.18] Other Bars To Filing — Res Judicata and Collateral Estoppel
- [1.19] Pretrial Conferences and Temporary Relief
- Miscellaneous Rights and Remedies
- [1.20] Default
- [1.21] Right to Counsel
- [1.22] Attorneys’ Fees and Costs
- [1.23] Child’s Last Name
- Establishing Paternity
- [1.24] Presumptions and Burden of Proof
- Blood Tests
- [1.25] Statutory Provisions and Analysis of Tests
- [1.26] Types of Testing
- [1.27] Costs of Testing and Independent Genetic Testing
- [1.28] Sanctions for Refusal To Submit to Blood Test and Other Alternative Methods of Genetic Testing
- [1.29] Other Methods of Proving Paternity
- [1.30] Summary Judgment
- Support, Allocation of Parental Responsibilities, and Parenting Time
- Child Support
- [1.31] Establishment
- [1.32] Retroactive Child Support
- [1.33] Section 802(d) Trust
- [1.34] Parentage Cases and College Educational Expenses
- Allocation of Parental Responsibilities and Parenting Time
- [1.35] Generally
- [1.36] Allocation of Parental Responsibilities Dispute Between Parent and Third Party
- [1.37] Parenting Time
- [1.38] Modification
- [1.39] Relocation
- III. Forms
- Chapter 2 — Allocation of Parental Time and Responsibilities
- I. [2.1] Introduction
- II. The Beginning: Jurisdiction
- [2.2] In General
- What Court Can Hear a Parenting Allocation of Significant Responsibilities Case?
- [2.3] Statutory Provisions: IMDMA §§601.2; 602.3; 602.5; 602.7
- [2.4] Unborn Child Jurisdiction
- [2.5] Temporary Emergency Jurisdiction
- [2.6] “Home State” and “Six-Month Rule”
- [2.7] Forum Non Conveniens
- [2.8] Action Pending in Another State
- [2.9] Unjustifiable Conduct
- [2.10] Determining Which Court Will Hear the Case
- [2.11] Forum Shopping
- [2.12] Who Can Institute a Custody Proceeding and What Presumptions Rule?
- [2.13] Stepparents
- [2.14] Nonbiological Common-Law Claim Recognized
- [2.15] Why Is IMDMA Standing Important?
- [2.16] Standing Pursuant to Probate Act
- [2.17] When Does Jurisdiction End?
- [2.18] Venue
- [2.19] Federal Parental Kidnaping Prevention Act of 1980
- [2.20] Hague Convention
- III. Allocation of Parental Responsibilities and Parenting Time
- Aspects of Parental Time and Decision-Making
- [2.21] Statutory Provisions: IMDMA §§602.3; 602.5; 602.7
- [2.22] IMDMA §602.5: Responsibilities; §602.7: Time
- [2.23] IMDMA §603: Temporary Allocation Orders
- [2.24] Best Interests of the Child
- [2.25] Parents’ Wishes
- [2.26] Child’s Wishes
- [2.27] Relationships of Siblings, Parents, and Significant Others
- [2.28] Splitting the Residential Location of Siblings
- [2.29] Day-in-the-Life Video
- [2.30] Child’s Adjustment to Home, School, and Community
- [2.31] Mental and Physical Health of All Individuals
- [2.32] Threat of or Actual Physical Violence
- [2.33] Deployed Military Member’s Family-Care Plan
- [2.34] Jointly Sharing Parental Responsibilities; Ability of Parents To Cooperate
- [2.35] Residential Circumstances
- [2.36] Child’s Integration into Home and Family Environment
- [2.37] Race
- [2.38] Religion
- [2.39] Parents’ Work Habits and Time Availability
- [2.40] Relocation
- [2.41] Name Change
- [2.42] Interference with Parent-Child Relationship
- [2.43] Cohabitation
- [2.44] LGBTQ+ Issues
- [2.45] Age and Sex of All Individuals
- [2.46] Parental Misconduct
- [2.47] Wealth
- [2.48] Failure To Pay Support
- [2.49] Removal of Child from Jurisdiction
- [2.50] Preference for Natural Parent
- [2.51] Third-Party Access Awards
- [2.52] Tender-Years Doctrine
- [2.53] No Necessity for Explicit Findings
- [2.54] Guardian for Parent with a Disability
- IV. [2.55] IMDMA §602.10: The Parenting Plan
- V. IMDMA §602.8: Parenting Time by Parents Not Allocated Significant Decision-Making Rights and Visitation
- [2.56] In General
- [2.57] Restricted Visitation
- [2.58] Jail Visitation
- [2.59] What Constitutes Serious Endangerment
- [2.60] Adoption
- [2.61] IMDMA §§602.9(d), 603.10(b), 609.2(g), 610.5: Modification of Parental Time and Visitation
- [2.62] IMDMA §602.9: Grandparent, Great-Grandparent, Stepparent, and Sibling Visitation
- [2.63] Money Matters
- VI. IMDMA §610.5: Modification of Significant Parenting Time and Responsibilities
- [2.64] Policies and Time Limitations
- Definitions
- [2.65] Serious Endangerment
- [2.66] Clear and Convincing Evidence Demonstrating Best Interests
- [2.67] Change of Circumstance
- [2.68] Burden of Proof
- [2.69] Findings
- [2.70] Required Elements
- [2.71] IMDMA §610(a): Serious Endangerment
- [2.72] IMDMA §610.5: Change of Circumstance
- [2.73] Misuse of Domestic Violence Act
- [2.74] Modification Not Necessary for Child’s Best Interests
- [2.75] Joint Significant Parental Decision-Making Allocation (Formerly Joint Custody Modifications)
- [2.76] Mental and Physical Health of All Individuals
- [2.77] Abuse of Visitation
- [2.78] Disregard for Best Interests of Child
- [2.79] Remarriage
- [2.80] Removal of Child as a Basis To Modify Parenting Allocation
- [2.81] Alcohol/Drug Abuse
- [2.82] Cohabitation
- [2.83] Child’s Integration into Home and Family Environment
- [2.84] IMDMA §6105(c): Unknown Material Facts
- Finality and Appealability of Custody Orders
- [2.85] In General
- [2.86] Contempt
- [2.87] Appeal Time Limits
- [2.88] Attorneys’ Fees Relating to Unsuccessful Petition To Modify Parental Allocation of Significant Decision-Making Responsibilities and/or Parenting Time
- VII. [2.89] Relocation of Child Inside and Outside Illinois
- Standards for Removal
- [2.90] In General
- In re Marriage of Eckert — A Historical Perspective
- [2.91] The Case
- [2.92] Its Effect on Law
- [2.93] Removal and Change of Custody
- Remarriage
- [2.94] Removal Allowed
- [2.95] Removal Denied
- [2.96] Job Transfer
- [2.97] Different Standards for IMDMA §610.5 Change of Custody and §609.2 Relocation
- [2.98] Interference with Visitation
- [2.99] Split Residency
- [2.100] Other Removal Scenarios
- VIII. Representing the Minor Child
- [2.101] In General
- [2.102] Differences Between an Attorney for the Minor Child, Guardian ad Litem, and Child Representative
- [2.103] When To Appoint Representative
- [2.104] Duties of Representative
- [2.105] Factors for Representative To Investigate
- [2.106] Therapeutic Experts
- [2.107] In Camera Interview of Child
- [2.108] Admissibility of Child’s Out-of-Court Statements
- [2.109] Parenting Coordinator
- [2.110] Concluding Representation
- Chapter 3 — Allegations of Child Abuse in Custody and Visitation Disputes
- I. [3.1] Scope of Chapter
- II. [3.2] Definitions
- III. [3.12] Investigating the Allegation
- IV. [3.15] Raising the Allegation
- V. [3.20] False Allegations
- VI. Child’s Input
- VII. Discovery
- [3.23] In General
- [3.24] Medical Records
- [3.25] Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act
- [3.26] Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Confidentiality Act
- [3.27] Investigation
- [3.28] Interrogatories
- [3.29] Subpoenas
- [3.30] Depositions
- [3.31] Physical/Mental Examinations of Parties
- [3.32] Allocation of Parental Responsibilities Evaluations
- [3.33] Medical Examination of Child
- [3.34] Use of Videos
- VIII. Trial
- [3.35] Child as Witness
- [3.36] Child Testifying on the Stand
- [3.37] In Camera Testimony
- [3.38] Hearsay Exceptions
- [3.39] Spontaneous Declaration
- Examination of Mental Health Expert
- [3.40] Direct Examination
- [3.41] Cross-Examination
- [3.42] Admissibility of Scientific Evidence (Frye Standard)
- [3.43] Sealing Records
- IX. Posttrial Motions and Appeals
- X. [3.49] Conclusion
- XI. [3.50] Appendix — Additional Resources
- Chapter 4 — Child Support
- I. [4.1] Introduction
- II. Establishing Child Support
- [4.2] Overview of IMDMA §505
- [4.3] Parental Obligation
- [4.4] Statutory and Common-Law Basis of Obligation
- [4.5] Children’s Right To Be Supported
- [4.6] Jurisdiction To Award Child Support
- [4.7] Petition and Affidavit
- [4.8] Statutory Basis
- [4.9] Standards
- [4.10] Termination of Temporary Support Orders
- [4.11] Application of IMDMA §505
- [4.12] Income Share Model
- [4.13] Shared Child Support Obligation
- Income
- [4.14] Income Overview
- [4.15] IRA Distributions
- [4.16] In re Marriage of Anderson: Reverse Stock Splits/Gifts and Loans
- [4.17] Unemployment Compensation, Workers’ Compensation, and Other Types of Income
- [4.18] Averaging Income
- [4.19] Business Income — IMDMA §505(a)(3.1)
- [4.20] Prior Obligations of Support
- [4.21] Debt Repayment
- [4.22] Multiple Support Orders
- [4.23] Deviation from the Guidelines — IMDMA §505(a)(3.4)
- Statutory Factors Under IMDMA §505(a)(2)
- [4.24] The Financial Resources and Needs of the Child — IMDMA §505(a)(2)(A)
- [4.25] The Financial Resources and Needs of the Parents — IMDMA §505(a)(2)(B)
- [4.26] The Standard of Living the Child Would Have Enjoyed Had the Marriage of Civil Union Not Been Dissolved — IMDMA §505(a)(2)(C)
- [4.27] The Physical and Emotional Condition of the Child and His or Her Educational Needs — IMDMA §505(a)(2)(D)
- Miscellaneous Factors Affecting Deviation from the Guidelines
- [4.28] Marital Misconduct Not a Factor
- [4.29] Financial Misconduct/Inability To Pay Adequate Support
- [4.30] Shared and Split Physical Care and the Application of the Guidelines
- [4.31] Deviation by Agreement
- [4.32] Default and Other Situations in Which Income Is Unknown
- [4.33] Healthcare — IMDMA §505(a)(4)
- [4.34] Extracurricular Activities and School Expenses — IMDMA §505(a)(3.6)
- [4.35] Income in Excess of the Schedule of Basic Child Support Obligation — IMDMA §505(a)(3.5)
- [4.36] Child Care Expenses — IMDMA §505(a)(3.7)
- Security for Child Support
- [4.37] Generally
- [4.38] Insurance as Security in the Event of the Supporting Parent’s Death
- [4.39] Trusts as Security or Source for Support
- Mechanics of Child Support
- Withholding
- [4.40] Generally
- [4.41] Overview of Requirements and Procedures
- [4.42] Percentage vs. Amount Dilemma in Specifying Support
- [4.43] Payment to Clerk
- [4.44] Enforcement of Support Orders
- [4.45] Effect of In re Marriage of Lappe
- [4.46] Specific Remedies
- [4.47] Termination and Modification
- Agreements
- [4.48] Generally
- [4.49] Parenting Time vs. Support Trade-Off
- [4.50] Modification Provisions in Settlement Agreements
- [4.51] Termination
- III. [4.52] Overview of Support of Nonminor Children and College Education
- IV. Modification of Child Support Procedures
- [4.59] Generally
- [4.60] Venue
- [4.61] Petition and Notice
- [4.62] In Personam Jurisdiction
- [4.63] Non-Modifiability of Vested Child Support
- [4.64] Pendency of Appeal
- [4.65] Child Support Always Modifiable
- Applicable Law for Modification
- [4.66] Temporary Child Support
- [4.67] Guideline Modification
- [4.68] Substantial Change in Circumstances
- Modification Factors
- [4.69] Inflation/Cost of Living
- [4.70] Increased Needs of Children
- Increased Financial Ability
- [4.71] Obligor Parent
- [4.72] Recipient Parent
- Decreased Financial Ability
- [4.73] Obligor Parent
- [4.74] Imputing Income
- [4.75] Recipient Parent
- Remarriage
- [4.76] Obligor Parent
- [4.77] Recipient Parent
- [4.78] Change of Allocation of Parental Responsibilities
- [4.79] Emancipation
- [4.80] Resources of Child
- [4.81] Temporary Suspension or Abatement
- [4.82] Denial or Reservation of Child Support/Retroactivity
- [4.83] Termination of Child Support
- [4.84] Enforcement through Wage Garnishment
- V. [4.85] Conclusion
- VI. Appendix — Forms
- Chapter 5 — Procedure Under the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act
- I. Overview
- [5.1] Purpose of the UIFSA
- [5.2] Historical Background
- [5.3] Basic Principles of the UIFSA
- [5.4] Establishing a Support Order
- [5.5] Enforcing a Support Order
- [5.6] Modifying a Support Order
- [5.7] Applicability of the UIFSA
- [5.8] Definitions
- [5.9] Tribunal of State
- [5.10] Cumulative Remedies
- [5.11] Efficiency of the UIFSA Streamlines Interstate Proceedings
- [5.12] Efforts for International Child-Support Enforcement
- II. Jurisdiction
- [5.13] Bases for Jurisdiction over Nonresident
- [5.14] Duration of Personal Jurisdiction
- [5.15] Simultaneous Proceedings
- [5.16] Continuing, Exclusive Jurisdiction To Modify Child-Support Order
- [5.17] Continuing, Exclusive Jurisdiction To Enforce Child-Support Order
- [5.18] Determination of Controlling Child-Support Orders
- [5.19] Child-Support Orders for Two or More Obligees
- [5.20] Application of Act to Nonresident Subject to Personal Jurisdiction
- [5.21] Continuing, Exclusive Jurisdiction To Modify Spousal-Support Order
- III. [5.22] Initiating Procedures
- [5.23] Establishing a Support Order
- [5.24] Procedure To Determine Parentage
- [5.25] Duties of Initiating Tribunal
- [5.26] Duties of Responding Tribunal
- [5.27] Pleading and Accompanying Documents
- [5.28] Nondisclosure of Information in Exceptional Circumstances
- [5.29] Limited Immunity of Petition
- [5.30] Special Rules of Evidence and Procedure
- [5.31] Duty of Support Enforcement Agency
- [5.32] Recovery of Arrearages
- [5.33] Credit for Payments
- [5.34] Receipt and Disbursement of Payments
- [5.35] Employer’s Receipt of Income-Withholding Order of Another State
- [5.36] Employer’s Compliance with Income-Withholding Orders
- [5.37] Contest by Obligor
- IV. [5.38] Registration for Enforcement of Support Order
- V. Modification of a Support Order
- VI. Hague Convention on International Recovery of Child Support and Other Forms of Family Maintenance
- [5.47] Overview of 2007 Convention on International Child Support and Other Forms of Family Maintenance
- [5.48] Initiation by HFS of Support Proceeding Under Convention
- [5.49] Direct Request
- [5.50] Registration and Contest of Convention Support Order
- [5.51] Recognition and Enforcement of Registered Convention Support Order
- [5.52] Modification of Convention Support Order
- [5.53] Record in Original Language; English Translation
- Chapter 6 — Parental Child Abduction
- I. [6.1] Introduction
- II. Prevention and Preparedness
- [6.2] In General
- [6.3] Initiating Civil Court Action To Trigger the Child Abduction Statute
- Structuring Court Orders
- [6.4] Factual Basis and Jurisdictional Findings
- [6.5] Visitation Orders
- [6.6] Access to Children’s Records
- [6.7] Schools and Caregivers
- [6.8] Order for Payment of Bond
- [6.9] Passport Issues
- [6.10] Enrolling Foreign Judgments/Orders
- Self-Help Measures for Parents
- [6.11] Identification Packets
- [6.12] Working with the Child
- [6.13] Security Precautions
- III. Recovering Abducted Children Using Noncriminal Remedies
- [6.14] In General
- [6.15] Informal Assistance by Police
- [6.16] Emergency Orders/Orders of Protection
- [6.17] Contempt Issues/Double Jeopardy
- [6.18] Civil Contempt
- [6.19] Criminal Contempt
- [6.20] Double Jeopardy
- [6.21] Wording of the Rule To Show Cause
- [6.22] Rule To Show Cause for Violation of Order of Protection
- [6.23] Right to Counsel
- [6.24] Body Attachments
- [6.25] Enforcing Out-of-State Orders Pursuant to the Uniform Child-Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act
- [6.26] Petitions for Enforcement
- [6.27] Content of Order
- [6.28] Service of Order
- [6.29] Hearing and Order
- [6.30] Defenses
- [6.31] Warrant To Take Physical Custody of a Child
- [6.32] Appeals
- [6.33] Role of the State’s Attorney or Other Public Official
- [6.34] Role of Law Enforcement
- [6.35] Fees
- IV. Law Enforcement and Prosecution Issues
- [6.36] In General
- [6.37] First Interview with Left-Behind Parent
- Child Abduction Statute
- [6.38] Public Policy
- [6.39] Definitions
- [6.40] Elements of the Offense
- [6.41] Court Orders Are in Effect
- [6.42] Parents Are or Have Been Married and No Valid Court Orders of Custody Are in Effect
- [6.43] Parents Are Unwed and There Are No Custody Orders
- [6.44] Other Violations
- [6.45] Affirmative Defenses
- [6.46] Aiding and Abetting Child Abduction
- [6.47] Making a Police Report
- [6.48] Jurisdictional Issues — Omission Basis of Jurisdiction
- [6.49] Entering Child and Abducting Parent into Law Enforcement Agencies Data System/ National Crime Information Center
- [6.50] FBI and Warrants for Unlawful Flight To Avoid Prosecution
- [6.51] Extradition Within the United States
- [6.52] Abduction as a Continuing Offense
- V. International Child Abduction Cases
- [6.53] Policy of the United States
- [6.54] Initiating Criminal Charges for International Abductions
- The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction
- [6.55] Overview of the Hague Convention
- [6.56] Initiating Civil Remedies
- [6.57] Step One: File Hague Application with Central Authority of United States or Other Country
- [6.58] Step Two: File Petition for Return of Child in Foreign Court Where Child Is Located
- [6.59] Applicant’s Legal Burden
- United States Department of State
- [6.60] Information on International Child Abduction
- [6.61] Liaison Services
- [6.62] “Welfare and Whereabouts” Checks
- [6.63] Passport Name Check System
- [6.64] INTERPOL/INTERPOL WASHINGTON
- VI. Search Issues
- [6.65] Publicity
- [6.66] Obtaining and Flagging of Records
- [6.67] “Pinging” the Abductor’s Cell Phone/Cell Tower Information
- [6.68] Phone Records
- [6.69] Travel Records
- [6.70] Credit Reports
- [6.71] Records of the Child
- [6.72] Records of the Abducting Parent
- [6.73] Passports
- [6.74] Mail Covers
- [6.75] Off-Line Law Enforcement Agencies Data System/ National Crime Information Center Searches/Drivers’ Licenses
- [6.76] Federal Parent Locators Service
- [6.77] Military Worldwide Locator Services
- [6.78] Abductor’s Computer and Online Activity
- [6.79] Age Progression Pictures
- VII. Recovery Issues
- VIII. Resources
- Chapter 7 — Gestational Surrogacy
- Chapter 8 — Domestic Violence and Its Impact on Custody Cases
- I. [8.1] Introduction
- II. [8.2] What is Domestic Violence?
- III. [8.7] Goals When Dealing with Domestic Violence Custody Cases
- [8.8] Promoting Safety for the Child and for the Parent
- [8.9] Preventing the Abuser from Using the Court To Control the Victim and Promote Autonomy
- [8.10] Entering Clear, Unambiguous, and Well-Structured Court Orders
- [8.11] Holding the Abuser Accountable for His Actions
- [8.12] Parallel Parenting
- [8.13] Promoting the Recovery of the Child
- IV. [8.14] Effects of Exposure to Domestic Violence on Children
- V. [8.15] Parenting Styles of Abusers
- VI. [8.16] Danger Assessment
- VII. [8.19] Effectively Interviewing Battered Women
- [8.20] Before Starting
- [8.21] Asking Initial Questions
- [8.22] Asking Open-Ended Questions
- [8.23] Asking Specific Questions for Follow-Up
- [8.24] Exploring Inconsistencies
- [8.25] Exploring Past Abuse
- [8.26] Exploring Sexual Violence
- [8.27] Explaining Options and Eliciting Discussions
- [8.28] Dissociation
- [8.29] Taking Care of Yourself
- VIII. [8.30] Initiating the Case
- IX. [8.36] Parenting Time in Cases Involving Domestic Violence
- X. Shared Responsibilities in Cases Involving Domestic Violence
- XI. Custody Proceedings
- XII. Sexual Abuse Allegations Made During Custody Proceedings
- XIII. [8.51] Working with Battered Women
- XIV. [8.52] Promoting Recovery for Children Exposed to Domestic Violence
- XV. Counseling Issues
- Gemma B. Allen
Gemma B. Allen
Gemma B. Allen is Cofounder of Allen & Glassman, Chartered, in Chicago, where she represents clients on matters spanning the entire range of family law issues. Ms. Allen has been repeatedly selected by her peers as a member of the Leading Lawyers Network, SuperLawyers, Best Lawyers, and Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent Rating. She was named by Crain’s Chicago Business as one of Chicago’s 100 Most Influential Women. In 2017, Ms. Allen won awards from Chicago Business Journal and Enterprising Woman magazine for her business success and commitment to volunteerism and mentoring. She was also named by Chicago Woman as one of 50 Fabulous Women Over 50. Ms. Allen earned her J.D. from the University of Michigan Law School and her B.S. from Loyola University of Chicago magna cum laude.
- Nidhi Desai
Nidhi Desai
Nidhi Desai of Desai & Miller, in Chicago, practices both in adoption and in the areas of gamete donation, embryo donation, and surrogacy. Ms. Desai is a member of the Board of Directors for the American Academy of Adoption Attorneys and is on the Board of Directors for the Kevin J. Lederer Life Foundation. She is also a member of the American Bar Association’s Assisted Reproductive Technology Committee, the Illinois State Bar Association, and the Chicago Bar Association. Ms. Desai received her law degree from Loyola University Chicago and her undergraduate degree from Washington University in St. Louis.
- Joy M. Feinberg
Joy M. Feinberg
Joy M. Feinberg is a Partner with Davis Friedman, LLP, in Chicago, where she practices family law. Ms. Feinberg has been a recipient of the Samuel Berger Award and has been included in the list of Illinois Best Lawyers and Super Lawyers. She is a member of the American College of Family Trial Lawyers and the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers. Ms. Feinberg received her J.D. from DePaul College of Law and her B.A. from the University of Illinois.
- Annette M. Fernholz
Annette M. Fernholz
Annette M. Fernholz is Owner of the Law Offices of Annette M. Fernholz, P.C., in Chicago, and focuses her practice in the areas of family law and family law appeals. Ms. Fernholz is a member of the Illinois State Bar Association, the Appellate Lawyers Association, and the Association of Family and Conciliation Courts. She received her B.A. from the University of Michigan and her J.D. from Chicago Kent College of Law.
- Mitchell B. Gordon
Mitchell B. Gordon
Mitchell B. Gordon is a Founding Partner of Bradford & Gordon, LLC, a family law practice in Chicago, and has extensive experience conducting settlement conferences and drafting marital settlement agreements, parenting agreements, and prenuptial and postnuptial agreements. Mr. Gordon was named a Litigator of the Year by the American Institute of Trial Lawyers in 2020 and has been recognized for more than ten consecutive years by Illinois Super Lawyers magazine as one of the “Top Young Lawyers in Illinois” and as one of the “Ten Best Attorneys in Illinois for Client Satisfaction” by the American Institute of Family Law Attorneys. In 2011, he was honored with IICLE’s inaugural Rising Star Award. He has been quoted as a legal expert in Money Magazine, Fast Company, VICE News, and Good Morning America, among others, and has appeared as a legal commentator on NBC, Fox, and other local, national, and international news networks. Mr. Gordon received his B.A. from the University of Iowa and his J.D. from Chicago-Kent College of Law.
- Emily Rapp
Emily Rapp
Emily Rapp is a Partner at McSwain, Nagle, Giese & Rapp P.C., and practices in Kane, DuPage, and Kendall Counties and at the appellate court level. Ms. Rapp is the President of the Kane County Bar Association, Vice Chair of the Family Law Section for DuPage County Bar Association, Chair of the Solo, Small Firm and Technology Committee for the Kane County Bar Association, and member of the Family Law Committee for the Illinois State Bar Association. She has presented at Illinois State Bar Association, DuPage County Bar Association, and Kane County Bar Association seminars speaking on topics relating to family law. Ms. Rapp has been selected as a Super Lawyer (2022) and as an Emerging Lawyer (2016) by Leading Lawyers.
- Jan Russell
Jan Russell
Jan Russell devoted her 35-year career to issues related to domestic violence and parental child abduction. Before retiring, Ms. Russell was the Senior Policy Counsel/Violence Against Women at the Cook County Sheriff’s Office, where she was responsible for evaluating and monitoring policies and programs related to domestic violence and sexual assault as well as the implementation of the Prison Rape Elimination Act. Previously at the Chicago Police Department, she started the nation’s only in-house program to provide direct services to victims of domestic violence abused by a member of the department and served with that program for 16 years. Ms. Russell previously served as the founding director of the Illinois Council Against Parental Child Abduction and the Family Issues Specialist at the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office. She is the principal author of Illinois’ child abduction statute. She has trained more than 25,000 professionals on issues related to domestic violence, sexual assault, and child abduction, including for the Chicago Bar Association, the National College of District Attorneys, the International Chiefs of Police, and the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence. She is certified as a law enforcement trainer by the Illinois Law Enforcement Standards and Training Board. She served on an Illinois State Bar Association task force to rewrite the Illinois Domestic Violence Act and wrote a book on the Act. Ms. Russell graduated with honors from Roosevelt University and IIT/Chicago-Kent College of law.
Family Law: Child-Related Issues in Dissolution Actions (ARCHIVED 2018 EDITION)
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