Family Law
Practice Areas
Family Law
Family law issues are complex, not only legally, but also emotionally. We provide individual client attention and tailor legal advice to best achieve your family’s needs. As trusted advisers, we will help you focus on the important matters and take care of the legal complexities that help you simplify difficult decisions.
- Focusing on Solutions, our office can assist you with:
- Pre-Marital Planning
- Divorce
- Divorce Decree Modification or Enforcement
- Dividing Marital Assets
- Child Custody, Visitation, and Support
- Mediation
Divorce Cases
A significant part of the divorce process is the division of property. The assets that are subject to distribution are marital property, and this includes all assets acquired by either spouse throughout the union regardless of title. Meanwhile, all protected individual property is separate property, and it consists of all the assets either spouse had before being married, an inheritance, and gifts from third parties.
Illinois is an “equitable distribution” states, which means that marital property is divided fairly, although not always equally. Since a divorce judge may consider numerous factors when determining property division, hiring an attorney can help you keep the assets you worked so hard to acquire.
At Clavio, Van Ordstrand & Associates, LLP, we help clients understand which assets are best for their short and long-term financial security. Our goal is to assist you in making an informed legal decision that will help you get the most from your divorce.
Child Custody Cases
Couples going through a divorce must also arrange for the custody and care of any shared children. In Illinois, family courts require the establishment of a parenting plan before awarding a custody agreement. Parenting plans describe the rights and obligations of both parents while establishing the expectations of shared parental responsibility. This legal document should include custody and time-sharing schedules, medical and healthcare matters, and any other circumstances relative to the children.
When reviewing a parenting plan, a judge will consider all relevant factors and make a decision based on the child’s best interest. Having legal representation could help you protect your parental rights and the well-being of your family. We can help you prepare and navigate custody hearings in and out of the courtroom.
Child Support Cases
We understand that you want the order amount to be fair and offer our support in getting and modifying child support. Our competent attorneys will guide you through the legal process and advocate your best interest throughout every level of your case. Contact our office today to get the legal help you need to provide for your family.
Problem Solving
Through effective and efficient problem solving, we’ll strive to resolve most cases without the added expense of litigation. In fact, the best outcome for you and your family’s future is often handled through thoughtful negotiations that help save you time and money while working to achieve your goals. Your situation is unique, and we’ll develop a customized approach that is specific to you and your family’s needs.
We accomplish these goals using common Family law tools such as:
Living Trust
This is your "legal box". It holds your assets and contains instructions regarding the management and distribution of your assets upon your disability or upon your death.
Certification of Trust
This is your "legal box". It holds your assets and contains instructions regarding the management and distribution of your assets upon your disability or upon your death.
Assignment of Personal Property
This is your "legal box". It holds your assets and contains instructions regarding the management and distribution of your assets upon your disability or upon your death.
Pour Over Will
This is a will that pours over assets into your trust that have not been titled in the name of your trust during your lifetime (a "catch all" for loose ends). It also revokes any old wills you may have executed in the past and designates your wishes for a final resting place.
Power of Attorney for Property
This document appoints the individuals you choose to handle your non-trust assets and financial affairs on your behalf, should you become unable to do so yourself.
Living Will
This is the "right to die" document. It states that if you are terminally ill, your health care agent may terminate artificial life support or death delaying procedures.
Living Will
This is the "right to die" document. It states that if you are terminally ill, your health care agent may terminate artificial life support or death delaying procedures.
HIPPA Release and Authorization
HIPAA release document allows healthcare providers to release health information and/or medical records to your health care representative.
Asset Transfers
Our office will handle the transfer of your assets into the name of the trust. This includes creating and recording new Deed for your property and moving bank / investment accounts.
