Dennis A. Delman, Attorney at Law, a partner in the law firm of Delman & Cohen, provides exceptional legal representation in even the most complex and contentious family law matters. Mr. Delman represents clients in Evanston, Skokie, Glenview, Wilmette, Lincolnwood, Morton Grove, and throughout the greater Chicago, Illinois area. For experienced assistance in a divorce or family law matter, contact Dennis A. Delman, Attorney at Law.
Divorce
Mr. Delman represents clients in all divorce matters, ranging from simple uncontested dissolutions to extremely contentious divorce litigation matters, involving extensive assets and complex child custody and property division issues, including the division of pension plans. Mr. Delman understands that going through a divorce is one of the most difficult issues you will face, and the decisions you make during this process can have a lasting impact on your family, your assets, and your finances. No matter the scope of your case, Mr. Delman will work tirelessly to protect your rights and ensure that all agreements, property divisions, and custody arrangements are fair to you and your children. For further information, please see our Divorce page.
Spousal Maintenance and Child Support
Mr. Delman has extensive experience handling a wide range of spousal and child support arrangements. Spousal maintenance or support may be ordered to be paid by either party, and is dependent upon the circumstances of the parties. Both parents have an obligation to support the children following the dissolution of a marriage in Illinois. This obligation continues until the child reaches the age of 18 or graduates from high school, and both parents may be deemed to have an obligation to contribute to the child’s education following high school. For further information regarding spousal maintenance and child support, please see our Divorce page.
Child Custody and Visitation
In Illinois, courts will determine custody of the children in accordance with what is in the “best interests of the child.” The court will consider all relevant factors, including the wishes of the child’s parent or parents; the wishes of the child; the mental and physical health of all individuals involved; the threat of physical violence by the child’s potential custodian, whether directed against the children or directed against another person; and the willingness and ability of each parent to facilitate and encourage a close and continuing relationship between the other parent and the child. The court may award joint custody or sole custody to one parent. We assist clients with both simple and complex custody and visitation matters, including “move-away” cases, where one parent wants to relocate outside of Illinois.
Paternity
Establishing paternity can have a significant impact on custody, visitation rights, and child support obligations. While many parents choose to establish paternity voluntarily, it is sometimes necessary to obtain a court order. Whether in the context of a divorce or in a separate proceeding, we help our clients establish or challenge paternity and the assumption of parental rights and responsibilities.
Civil Unions
The Illinois Religious Freedom Protection and Civil Union Act was signed into law in January of 2011 and allows both straight and same-sex couples to enter into civil unions affording them some of the same rights, obligations and responsibilities as spouses in a marriage. We advise and assist our clients in all issues related to civil unions, including terminating civil unions, assistance with support and custody issues, and assistance with related estate planning issues.
Adoptions
An adoption generally involves transferring parental rights from the birth parents to the adoptive parents. Adoptive parents assume the rights, obligations and duties of the birth parents. Adoptions in Illinois are governed by the Illinois Adoption Act. We assist our clients with step-parent and private adoptions in accordance with the Illinois Adoption Act.
Post-Decree Modifications
Sometimes, even after a divorce is final, a person’s circumstances may change significantly due to a loss in income or employment or a change of location. In these cases, the court may set aside or modify a support, custody order. If you or your spouse’s circumstances have changed in some way, we will advocate for your best interests, and the best interests of your children, in the court’s modification of support and custody orders.
Collaborative Law & Mediation
When litigation is unavoidable, Dennis A. Delman will never hesitate to go to court to advocate for your best interests. However, Mr. Delman also encourages the use of mediation and collaborative law to amicably resolve family law disputes and has experience in these alternative methods of dispute resolution.