Wheaton Civil Union Dissolution Lawyer

Wheaton Lawyers for Dissolving Same-Sex Marriages Serving DuPage County and Surrounding Areas

For many years, marriage was not a legal option for same-sex couples in Illinois. In 2011, however, Illinois lawmakers redefined the concept of a civil union to afford such couples new opportunities. Subsequent laws, as well as a landmark decision by the United States Supreme Court, have made civil unions much less common, as same-sex couples now have the same rights to get married as heterosexual couples do. However, Illinois has not eliminated civil unions, which means that they are still technically available for couples who choose not to get married for one reason or another.

At Goostree Law Group, we understand that dissolving a civil union can be a complicated undertaking. There are many factors to consider and a number of issues that must be resolved. Our lawyers have more than 80 years of combined family law experience, and we are equipped to help you end your civil union quickly, efficiently, and without unnecessary expenses.

Wheaton Attorneys Protecting Your Rights

Civil unions in Illinois were redefined by the Illinois Religious Freedom Protection and Civil Union Act in 2011, several years before same-sex marriages were legalized in the state. In 2013, state lawmakers passed the Illinois Religious Freedom and Marriage Fairness Act, which guaranteed equal access to marriage for all couples, regardless of their sexual orientation. The newer law included provisions that allowed couples who had entered into civil unions to convert their unions to legal marriages. While many couples did convert their unions, others chose not to do so.

If you are among the group that did not convert your civil union to a marriage and your relationship is beyond repair, you will need to file for a civil union dissolution. The dissolution of a civil union is very similar to a divorce, and both processes are governed by the same statutes. At Goostree Law Group, we can help you and your partner resolve issues such as:

• Dividing assets
• Allocating parental responsibilities (child custody)
• Deciding on parenting time arrangements (visitation)
• Child support
• Paternity
• Allegations of domestic violence

Our lawyers will help you find a solution that meets your needs and fully protects your rights.

Same-Sex Divorce in Illinois

Couples who did convert their unions to marriages are considered to be legally married under Illinois law. This means that if the relationship fails, the marriage must be dissolved through divorce. Same-sex spouses have all of the same rights and responsibilities during a divorce that opposite-sex spouses have, but same-sex couples may face unique challenges. For example, it is not uncommon for a same-sex couple to adopt a child—or for the non-biological parent to adopt their spouse's biological child. Once the adoption is finalized, the adoptive parent becomes the child's legal parent, which means that the parent will be entitled to a share of parental responsibilities and parenting time, even without a biological connection to the child.

At Goostree Law Group, we are sensitive to the challenges that same-sex couples often encounter during the divorce process. We are committed to providing top-quality family law services to all of our clients, regardless of their sexual orientation, relationship status, or gender identity.

Schedule Your Free Consultation Today

If you have additional questions about dissolving a civil union or a same-sex marriage in Illinois, contact our office. Call 630-364-4046 for a free, confidential consultation at any of our three locations. We represent clients in Wheaton, Downers Grove, Lisle, Aurora, and the rest of DuPage County.