FAMILY LAW

The concept of Family Law encompasses a myriad of different issues. Of course, a dissolution of marriage is the most prevalent family law issue. But there are several other areas of Family Law which require the skill and expertise of an experienced attorney to help you navigate your way through the process while diligently protecting your rights. At Navigato Law Firm, P.C., we possess the skill and expertise in each of the following Family law areas:

Dissolution of Marriage

A dissolution of marriage is an emotional time that requires both spouses to think logically and objectively about their individual situation and if applicable, about their children. This often is easier said than done, which is why it is crucial to have experienced representation in place throughout the process. Most couples are unsure of where to start and what their rights are under Illinois law. Our firm provides a free consultation to provide you with the opportunity to speak face to face with one of our attorneys with the goal of providing you with the information necessary for you to make an informed decision about whether a dissolution of marriage is the right choice for you.

Should you decide that a dissolution of marriage is the right choice for you, you can rest assured that Navigato Law Firm, P.C. possesses the necessary skill and expertise to diligently represent your interests throughout the entire proceedings. Although recent changes to Illinois law have attempted to make it easier to resolve issues of allocation of parental responsibilities (formerly custody) and allocation of parental time (formerly visitation), as well as the mechanics in setting maintenance (formerly alimony) and child support, each case is specific to its own facts. Our firm is ready to handle all the issues that could arise during your dissolution of marriage case. These issues routinely include:

Allocation of Parental Responsibilities (formerly custody)
Allocation of Parental Time (formerly visitation)
Valuation of Assets including business interests
Division of Assets and Debts
Spousal Support/Maintenance (formerly alimony)
Child Support
Allocation of Children’s Expenses including college educational expenses
Relocation of Minor Children
Post-Judgment issues such as modification of support
Post-Judgment enforcement proceedings

Prenuptial / Postnuptial Agreements

Prenuptial agreements are legally binding agreements that couples enter into before marriage. Conversely, postnuptial agreements, while also legally binding, are entered into after a marriage is effectuated. Both prenuptial and postnuptial agreements establish guidelines for property, assets, and debt in the event of a future divorce. Specific care must be taken when drafting these types of agreements to ensure their validity in the event that these agreements need to be enforced. At Navigato Law Firm, P.C., we possess an understanding of the manner in which these types need to be drafted and the information that these types of agreements need to contain to enhance the probability that these type of agreements will be enforced if needed.

Domestic Partnerships

Domestic partnership agreements are sometimes entered into when two individuals decide to live together without the legal benefits of marriage. Domestic partnership agreements, also known as cohabitation agreements, are helpful in situations where there are children involved, one partner owns property, or in establishing responsibilities related to childcare, care for elderly parents or care for pets.

Paternity Cases

These may include unmarried fathers seeking rights to their child or, an unmarried mother who wishes to enforce parental rights against a father. These issues are similar in nature to many of the issues raised in a dissolution of marriage proceeding.

Adoptions and Grandparent Visitation Rights

Adoptions can be extremely challenging in that they involve the termination of parental rights. The laws are specific to whether the person sought to be adopted is related or unrelated to the person petitioning for the adoption. Grandparent visitation matters are also complex, especially when one or both parents contest it. Whether a grandparent has standing to proceed with a petition for visitation rights is a hurdle that first must be overcome before filing any such petition.

We Are Here For You

If you are facing a difficult family law matter, Navigato Law Firm, P.C. will zealously and effectively represent your interests throughout the entire process. For assistance with your family law matter, contact our firm today online or call us at 630-377-7770 to schedule a consultation. Our firm assists clients in family law matters throughout the entire Fox Valley area as well as all areas of Kane County, DuPage County, Kendall County and DeKalb County.

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