Chicago Nontraditional Family Attorneys
Offering Legal Services for Nontraditional Families in Illinois
At Anderson & Associates, P.C., we understand that families are structured in all kinds of ways. While the traditional nuclear family has many rights prescribed by the law, nontraditional families must often take additional legal action to ensure their rights are protected. Our firm assists all types of families in establishing their legal rights and making effective plans for the future.
Legal Counsel for Nontraditional Families in Illinois
The Illinois Religious Freedom Protection and Civil Union Act, which became effective in June of 2011, established the right of same sex and opposite sex couples to enter into civil unions. Individuals joined by a civil union are now afforded the same state rights as married spouses in the State of Illinois. Federal rights, however, are still denied to civil union partners due to the Defense of Marriage Act. Our attorneys can help explain your rights and counsel you on the necessary legal steps you need to take to protect yourself and your family.
In addition to civil union partners, we work with other nontraditional families including unmarried heterosexual couples, unmarried same-sex couples, grandparents raising grandchildren, and any other type of family. We can provide legal guidance and services in a number of areas including:
- Adoptions
- Grandparents’ Rights
- Cohabitation Agreements
- Estate Planning
- Guardianships
Divorce and Nontraditional Families
Just as traditional marriages can end in divorce, the partners in a nontraditional relationship may also decide to separate. These cases involve dealing with many of the same issues that arise in a divorce including:
- Child Custody
- Visitation
- Child Support
- Maintenance/alimony
- Division of property
Our experienced attorneys can assist you in making the necessary arrangements to separate your life from your partner’s life in the most efficient way possible. Where children are involved, we take care to protect their best interests while working to satisfy the needs and objectives of our clients.
To learn more about how we can assist your nontraditional family, contact us to schedule a free consultation. Our Chicago office is conveniently located downtown in the Loop, and we serve the entire Chicagoland area.