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What Happens if One Parent Takes a Child to Another Country Without Permission?

2026-09-29 00:00:00

When one parent takes a child to another country without permission, several systems activate at once. There’s a civil process for getting the child returned. Criminal charges are possible under both Illinois and federal law. Your existing custody case also offers emergency options. Acting quickly is more important here than in almost any other family law situation, because the legal tools available to you narrow as time passes.

If this is happening to your family in 2026, our experienced DuPage County, IL international child custody lawyers can help.

Is Taking a Child Out of the Country Without Permission a Crime in Illinois?

Taking a child out of the country in violation of a court order may constitute child abduction in Illinois. Under 720 ILCS 5/10-5, there are several different ways a person may commit child abduction. These include certain acts that violate another person's lawful custody rights. One form of the offense involves intentionally violating the terms of a valid custody order. Someone might do this by concealing the child, detaining the child, or removing the child from the court's jurisdiction. The statute also covers certain situations in which a parent or other person fails to return a child after lawful parenting time or custody.

Should You Put Your Home in a Living Trust in Illinois?

2026-09-11 00:00:00

For many Illinois homeowners, putting a home in a living trust is a smart move. It can help the property pass to loved ones without going through probate court. Whether it makes sense for you depends on the value of your estate, your family situation, and how you want your home handled if you’re ever unable to manage it yourself.

If you are weighing this decision in 2026, our Oakbrook Terrace, IL, estate planning lawyers can help you determine whether a living trust fits your goals.

What Is a Living Trust Under Illinois Law?

A living trust is created during a person's lifetime. As long as it is revocable, the person who created it, called the settlor, can usually change or cancel it while they are alive. Under 760 ILCS 3/602, a trust may be revoked or amended when the trust's terms provide for that power.

Who Qualifies for Spousal Maintenance in Illinois?

2026-08-20 00:00:00

You may qualify for spousal maintenance in Illinois if you can show a genuine need for financial support after divorce. Your spouse must also have the ability to pay. Courts consider several factors here, and the process can feel uncertain. If you're going through a divorce in 2026, our DuPage County divorce lawyers can help you understand whether you qualify for spousal maintenance.

What Factors Determine Spousal Maintenance Eligibility in Illinois?

Under 750 ILCS 5/504, Illinois courts consider several specific factors when deciding whether to award spousal maintenance. This includes:

Each spouse's income and property
The needs of each party
The length of the marriage
Each spouse's ability to become self-supporting through appropriate employment

Do You Need a New Will After a Major Life Change in Illinois?

2026-08-07 00:00:00

In general, you should update your will – or at least revisit it – after a major life change in Illinois. Events like marriage, divorce, having a child, or the death of a beneficiary can significantly affect how your estate is distributed. An outdated will can create confusion, unintended consequences, or even legal disputes among your loved ones after you're gone.

If you need to take another look at your will in 2026, our Oakbrook Terrace, IL estate planning lawyers can help you ensure it still reflects your wishes.

What Life Events Should Prompt a Will Update in Illinois?

Several major life events commonly require a fresh look at your estate plan. Common triggers for an update include:

Getting married or divorced
Having or adopting a child
The death of a beneficiary or named executor
A significant change in your financial situation, such as starting a business or receiving an inheritance

Possible Complications in Muslim Divorces

2026-07-22 00:00:00

Muslim couples going through divorce in Illinois can face added complications. A divorce is difficult enough on its own. When religious and civil law do not automatically align, the divorce process can be more challenging.

If you are considering divorce in 2026 and need to address your religious union as well, our DuPage County divorce lawyers can help. At Farooqi & Husain Law Office, we work with Islamic scholars to ensure that every part of your Muslim divorce is in accordance with Sharia law.

Does a Nikah Need to Be Legally Recognized in Illinois?

A nikah is a valid religious ceremony, but it doesn't automatically count as a legal marriage under Illinois law. It also needs to be properly licensed and recorded with the state. Under the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act, 750 ILCS 5/, a marriage must meet specific legal requirements to be recognized by Illinois courts.

Can Social Media Posts Affect an Illinois Child Custody Case?

2026-07-07 00:00:00

Social media posts can have a significant impact on child custody cases in Illinois. What you post online, what others tag you in, and even what you like or comment on can all be found and used as evidence in court. At the same time, your attorney may be able to use the other parent's social media activity to uncover posts or photos that support your position or raise concerns about their parenting. If you are going through a custody case in 2026, the Oakbrook Terrace, IL child custody lawyers at Farooqi & Husain Law Office can help you protect your rights and avoid mistakes that could hurt your case.

How Can Social Media Be Used Against You in a Custody Case?

During a custody dispute, both sides are often looking for anything that supports their position. Social media is one of the first places attorneys and opposing parties look because it is easy to access and often unfiltered.

How Can Business Owners Protect Personal Assets and Plan for the Future?

2026-06-18 00:00:00

If you own a business, your personal finances and your business are more connected than you might realize. Without the right protections in place, a lawsuit against your business, an unpaid debt, or a poorly written estate plan can put your personal savings, your home, and your family's future at risk. If you are a business owner who wants to protect what you have worked hard to build, our DuPage County estate planning lawyers at our firm can help you put the right plan in place in 2026.

Why Do Business Owners Face Unique Estate Planning Challenges?

For business owners, estate planning can be more complicated. Your business may be your most valuable asset. What happens to it when you die or become unable to work can affect your family, your employees, your partners, and your customers.

Financial Documents Every Spouse Should Gather Before Filing for Divorce

2026-06-11 00:00:00

Before you file for divorce, you’ll need to gather your financial documents. The decisions made in your divorce about property, support, and debt will be based on your financial picture. If you do not have the right paperwork, you may find yourself at a disadvantage. Getting organized early gives you and your attorney a clear starting point and helps make sure nothing important gets missed. If you are thinking about filing for divorce in 2026, the Oakbrook Terrace, IL divorce lawyers at Farooqi & Husain Law Office can help you understand what you need and what to do with it.

What Income Documents Should You Gather for a Divorce in IL?

Income documents show what you and your spouse earn, which affects both property division and support. You should try to gather these for at least the past three years:

Federal and state tax returns for both spouses

Can You Remove or Replace a Trustee in Illinois?

2026-05-31 00:00:00

You can take steps to have a trustee removed and replaced in Illinois, and the law is on your side when a trustee is genuinely failing in their duties. If you are in this situation, connecting with DuPage County, IL estate planning and trust litigation lawyers can help you understand your options and take the right steps to protect what you are owed.

Illinois trusts are governed by the Illinois Trust Code (760 ILCS 3/). It gives beneficiaries real legal tools to hold trustees accountable. Understanding what the law says, what counts as misconduct, and how the removal process works can make a big difference in how you move forward.

Who Keeps the Vacation Home During an Illinois Divorce?

2026-05-08 00:00:00

The decision about who keeps the vacation home during an Illinois divorce depends on several factors. These include how the property was acquired, whose name is on it, and how a court weighs the overall division of marital assets. In most cases, a vacation home bought during the marriage is considered marital property. That means both spouses have a claim to its value. It does not always mean a 50/50 split, but both spouses have rights. If you are going through a divorce in 2026 and a vacation home is part of the equation, Farooqi & Husain Law Office can help. Our Oakbrook Terrace, IL divorce lawyers will fight for a fair, equitable division of all your property.

Is the Vacation Home Marital or Non-Marital Property in IL?

The first question in any property dispute is whether the asset is marital or non-marital. Under the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act, 750 ILCS 5/503, marital property includes most assets acquired by either spouse during the marriage. This is true regardless of whose name is on the title. Non-marital property includes assets one spouse owned before the marriage or received as a gift or inheritance, as long as those assets were kept separate.