Palos Heights Family Law Attorney

Family Law Firm for Paternity, Adoption, and Protective Orders in Orland Park and Oak Forest

Family legal issues are often contentious because of the emotions involved, especially in matters related to children. At the Law Office of James A. Podgorny, our mission is to provide insightful and steadfast legal counsel that puts your mind at ease.

We know the complexities involved in family law issues, and we know how to navigate them in the pursuit of what is in your best interests. Working with us, you can expect a compassionate ally, as well as an advocate who will fight for your rights to get the results you need. 

Common Family Law Cases

The Law Office of James A. Podgorny can assist with just about any family legal issue, including:

• Adoption: Whether you are a family member, stepparent, or unrelated to a child you wish to adopt, we can help you through the complicated adoption process in Illinois. This includes adoptions through private arrangement, the Department of Children & Family Services (DCFS), or one of the many adoption agencies in the Chicago area. We can complete and submit all paperwork, prepare you for the type of questions you may be asked in an in-home interview with DCFS or an agency, guide you through adoption finalization, and help establish communication with the child's birth family, if that is something you choose. If your adoption petition is denied, we can pursue an appeal to get that decision reversed.
• Paternity: The legal relationship between a child and their father, also known as paternity, must be established when a child is born to unwed parents and those not in a civil union. Establishing paternity makes the child eligible to receive health and life insurance, a deceased or disabled parent's Social Security benefits, veteran's benefits, and some aspects of inheritance. Paternity is also necessary to determine child support, the allocation of parental responsibilities, and parenting time. Establishment is often done voluntarily, but court action is sometimes required to compel a paternity DNA test. We can assist with your Voluntary Acknowledgement of Paternity (VAP) or file a paternity lawsuit to force a paternity test.
• Prenuptial and Postnuptial Agreements: For soon-to-be-married couples who want to put a protective plan in place in case of divorce, or those who decide to do so after the exchange of vows, we can assist with your prenuptial or postnuptial agreement. These legal contracts primarily address financial concerns that can arise in a divorce and are especially helpful for high-asset individuals, those with a significantly higher net-worth than their spouse, entrepreneurs, and couples with children from past marriages.
• Domestic Violence Orders of Protection: When a family's safety is threatened, immediate legal action must be taken. This includes filing for a protective order if violence has occurred or if there is an imminent threat. We can file for an Emergency Order of Protection (EOP), which puts protective measures in place and establishes a date for your hearing for an extended order. We are also ready to defend anyone unjustly accused of domestic violence by a spouse who is trying to use a protection order to influence rulings in a divorce or family law case. 
• Divorce: If you wish to file for divorce, or if your spouse has already done so, you need an experienced divorce attorney with deep knowledge of all the important facets involved who can achieve the divorce decree you desire. This includes spousal support (maintenance) and the division of marital property. We know how much of an emotional and physical drain divorce can be. That is why you can expect a compassionate ally who will fight tenaciously for your needs. We are prepared to negotiate a favorable divorce agreement with your ex-spouse or attain one through full litigation.
• Child Support and Parenting Time: These can be the two most critical elements in a divorce agreement. Whether you will pay or receive child support, we will ensure a full and accurate financial accounting to make sure it is the justified payment for your situation. With parenting time (formerly referred to as "visitation" in Illinois), we will push for the maximum amount of time you can spend with your child under the law. After your divorce is final, if life changes necessitate modifications to either or both of these issues, we can pursue those alterations for you.

Contact an Orland Park Family Lawyer

Family law issues are among the most serious, as the future of many lives can hang in the balance. These matters require skilled legal representation you can depend on. Contact our Oak Forest family lawyer at 708-448-5297 for a free consultation. We serve clients throughout Oak Lawn, Crestwood, Joliet, Palos Park, Palos Hills, Worth, Alsip, and Burbank.