Posted on July 27, 2026 in Family Law

According to the Pew Research Center, the divorce rate among adults ages 50 and older has roughly doubled since 1990, rising from five to ten divorces for every 1,000 married people. This means more couples are now splitting a 401(k), pension, or IRA after spending decades building those retirement accounts together, and dividing them is often one of the most confusing parts of the divorce process.

If you are heading into a divorce in 2026, a Naperville, IL retirement asset division lawyer can help you understand how Illinois law divides these accounts before you negotiate a settlement.

What Types of Retirement Accounts Can Be Divided in an Illinois Divorce?

Before you can divide a retirement account, it helps to know what kind of account you have. Common types of retirement accounts included in Illinois divorces include:

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 Posted on July 26, 2026 in Personal Injury

What to Do After a Boating Accident in Illinois

In Illinois, being so close to Lake Michigan means that many people own boats and go out on the water whenever they have the chance. Boating accidents are common and can be extremely dangerous, but they often go unreported.

Boat accident claims often work differently than car accident claims since Illinois does not require most recreational boat owners to carry liability insurance. Without an insurance company handling the claim, an injured boater may need to go after the at-fault operator directly to recover money for medical bills and other losses.

If you were in a boating accident in 2026, an experienced Bloomingdale, IL personal injury lawyer can review your case and walk you through your legal options.

Do You Have to Report a Boating Accident in Illinois?

Under Under Section 6-1 of the Illinois Boat Registration and Safety Act, 625 ILCS 45/6, a boat operator must stop and help anyone who is hurt after an accident. The operator must also share their name, address, and boat information with anyone who was injured or whose property was damaged. A written report is required if the accident causes a death, an injury requiring medical attention beyond first aid, more than $2,000 in property damage, or a complete loss of the boat.

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 Posted on July 14, 2026 in Immigration

International students on an F-1 student visa are not automatically allowed to work off campus. Working without proper authorization can put your visa status at serious risk. But there are legitimate ways to work while studying in the United States. Understanding the rules can help you take advantage of those options without jeopardizing your ability to stay. If you have questions about working on a student visa in 2026, a Bloomingdale, IL student visa lawyer can help you understand what is allowed and how to stay in compliance.

What Is an F-1 Student Visa and What Are Its Basic Rules?

The F-1 visa is the most common student visa for international students studying at colleges, universities, and other academic institutions in the United States. It is issued for the duration of your program of study plus a grace period after graduation.

When you enter the United States on an F-1 visa, you are expected to maintain full-time enrollment and make satisfactory academic progress. You are also expected to follow the rules set by your school's Designated School Official, also called a DSO. Your DSO is your main point of contact for any questions about your visa status, including work authorization.

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 Posted on July 12, 2026 in Personal Injury

After a loved one moves into a nursing home, families should stay alert to signs of abuse or neglect. Many residents are unable or afraid to report abuse or neglect. If you suspect nursing home abuse or neglect in 2026, a DuPage County, IL nursing home abuse attorney can review what happened and explain your family's legal options.

What Are the Physical Signs of Nursing Home Abuse or Neglect?

Physical signs families should watch for include:

• Unexplained injuries: Bruises, cuts, fractures, or bedsores that cannot be explained, or that keep happening, can mean abuse.

• Rapid weight loss: Sudden and significant weight loss can be a sign of malnutrition or dehydration. This often points to neglect.

• Poor hygiene: Foul odors, soiled clothing or bedding, and poor personal hygiene may indicate neglect.

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 Posted on July 12, 2026 in Family Law

Judges will not punish a parent for dating again after a divorce. A morality clause is a rule added to a parenting plan that limits certain behavior while children are present, most often overnight guests of a new partner. A morality clause can be included in an Illinois parenting plan only if both parents agree to it.

If you are working through an allocation of parental responsibility in 2026, a Naperville, IL family law attorney can help you understand your options.

What Behavior Can a Morality Clause Restrict?

A morality clause can restrict overnight guests, limit dating in front of the children, or exposure to a new partner the other parent has not met. Some clauses also address issues such as alcohol use while exercising parenting time or participation in certain religious activities, although these provisions are less common.

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 Posted on June 30, 2026 in Family Law

Not every couple facing serious marital problems is ready to file for divorce. Some need time, distance, and a clear legal framework before they can decide what to do next. Legal separation allows married couples in Illinois to live apart and resolve financial and parenting issues through a court-approved agreement, all without ending the marriage. Understanding how it works and how it differs from divorce can help you make a more informed decision. 

A Bloomingdale, IL legal separation attorney can walk you through your options.

What Is Legal Separation Under Illinois Law?

Under Illinois law, moving out of the family home does not make you legally separated. Legal separation only takes effect once a judge enters a legal separation order. To get there, one or both spouses must file a petition with the family court under 750 ILCS 5/402. 

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 Posted on June 30, 2026 in Personal Injury

According to the CDC, unintentional injuries are the third leading cause of death in the United States, accounting for more than 197,499 deaths in 2024. Many of those deaths result from someone else's negligence. When someone dies because of another person's negligence, Illinois law gives the surviving family two separate legal tools. One is a wrongful death claim, and the other is a survival action. They cover different losses, benefit different people, and follow different rules.

If your family is deciding how to take legal action in 2026, a Naperville, IL wrongful death attorney can explain which claims apply to your situation and help you pursue compensation.

What Does an Illinois Wrongful Death Claim Cover?

A wrongful death claim is brought on behalf of the surviving family members. Under the Illinois Wrongful Death Act, 740 ILCS 180/2, the lawsuit must be filed by the personal representative of the deceased person's estate. Any money recovered goes directly to the surviving spouse and next of kin, but not to the estate itself.

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 Posted on June 30, 2026 in Immigration

Cancellation of removal is the term describing a form of legal relief that allows certain people in deportation proceedings to stay in the United States permanently. If you qualify, an immigration judge can cancel the removal order and grant you lawful permanent resident status. For many people, it may be the only realistic way to remain in the country they call home. If you are facing removal in 2026, a Naperville, IL immigration lawyer can review your situation and help you understand your options.

What Is Cancellation of Removal Under U.S. Immigration Law?

Cancellation of removal is a defense to deportation that is decided by an immigration judge. It does not stop removal proceedings from starting. However, if granted, it stops them from ending in deportation. Instead, the person is allowed to stay in the United States and receives lawful permanent resident status.

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 Posted on June 16, 2026 in Immigration

You are not legally required to have a lawyer to apply for naturalization. But having one can make a real difference. Naturalization is one of the most important steps in your immigration journey. Mistakes on the application or during the interview can cause serious delays or even a denial. For some people, the process is straightforward. For others, past legal issues or a complicated immigration history make it risky to go through alone. If you are thinking about applying for citizenship, a DuPage County immigration lawyer can look at your situation and help you figure out the best way to move forward.

What Is the Naturalization Process?

Naturalization is how a lawful permanent resident becomes a U.S. citizen. It involves filing an application, going through background checks, attending an interview, passing a civics and English test, and taking the Oath of Allegiance.

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 Posted on June 15, 2026 in Personal Injury

Illinois roads see heavy commercial truck traffic, and when a truck is not properly maintained, other drivers are affected. Trucking companies have a legal duty to keep their vehicles in safe working condition before every run, covering everything from brakes and tires to lights and couplings. When truck equipment maintenance is ignored, the resulting crashes tend to be serious.

If you were hurt in a truck wreck in 2026, a Lombard, IL personal injury attorney at our firm can help you figure out what caused the crash and who is responsible.

Common Types of Equipment Failures That May Result in Truck Crashes

Semi-trailer trucks have many complex systems that must be regularly checked. When required maintenance is skipped, important parts can fail.

Tires

Tire blowouts are a common cause of truck crashes. They can happen when tires are not properly inflated, have worn treads, or have been damaged. When a tire blows out at high speed, the driver may lose control of the vehicle.

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