Chicagoland Family Law, Criminal Law and DUI/Traffic Resources
Many valuable resources and services can be accessed online at government websites in Cook County, Lake County, Illinois and nationally. Northbrook family law and criminal defense attorney Alan Pearlman has compiled some of these important resources here in one place so you can more quickly access the information needed to help you with your case. For professional legal help with a family law matter such as divorce, child custody, adoption or paternity, or for a criminal law matter including DUI, traffic offenses and driver’s license reinstatement, call Alan Pearlman, Ltd. at 847-205-4383.
Illinois Family Law Resources
Child Support Estimator – This online calculator can give you a general idea of the amount of child support that may be awarded in your case. This tool only provides an estimate and is based on the quality and quantity of information you enter.
Office of Child Support Enforcement – This federal agency partners with state and local governments in Illinois to promote parental responsibility and ensure children are receiving financial support from both parents after a divorce (or if they were never married). If you need help tracking down your child’s other parent, try the Federal Parent Locator Service or the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services Child Support Services.
Qualified Domestic Relations Orders – If you or your spouse has retirement benefits that may be divided by the court in your divorce as part of the property settlement, you may need to first obtain a qualified domestic relations order (QDRO). Learn more about QDROs in this publication from the US Department of Labor Employee Benefits Security Administration.
Information and Resources on Domestic Violence can be found here at the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (IDCFS) website. For immediate assistance, call the Illinois Department of Human Services domestic violence helpline at 877-863-6338. You can also call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE or find helpful resources at the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence
The Illinois State Bar Association provides several helpful family law consumer guides, including Your Guide to Adoption and Your Guide to Being Newly Married.
Voluntary Acknowledgment of Paternity – Couples who are unmarried at the time of a child’s birth can legally recognize the child’s paternity and add the father’s name to the child’s birth certificate by completing the voluntary acknowledgment of paternity form. This form can be signed at birth in the hospital without having to go to court. If not done at the hospital, the parents can still complete the form later by visiting their country clerk or local DHS office. The parents can even complete the form at home and mail it in; just take care to make sure it is done correctly and properly witnessed in accordance with Illinois law.
Cook County, Lake County and Illinois Criminal Law Resources
Cook County Traffic Court – Use this website to find the appropriate courthouse and courtroom schedules if you are going to court to contest your ticket. Information on the website can also help you understand DUI and driver’s license sanctions, the consequences of a suspended or revoked license, and the mechanics of traffic tickets and traffic school.
Lake County Illinois Court Systems – Use this site to find all information regarding the Courts of Lake County, Illinois. Also, you can find he appropriate courthouse and courtroom schedules if you are going to court to contest your ticket. Information on the website can also help you understand DUI and driver’s license sanctions, the consequences of a suspended or revoked license, and the mechanics of traffic tickets and traffic school.
Cook County Bond Court – This court holds a hearing to set bail after an arrest, including Chicago felony arrests, misdemeanors, and domestic violence misdemeanor arrests. Information on the bond court phase in Lake County can be found here.
Illinois Department of Corrections – If you have a loved one in the system, go here to locate an inmate, find a facility and schedule a visit or for information on other services like sending money or corresponding with an inmate.
Illinois Prisoner Review Board – The PRB imposes release conditions, revokes and restores good conduct credits, conducts hearings on parole violations, and more.
Illinois Penal Code – Criminal offenses in Illinois can be found here in 720 ILCS 5/ of Illinois law.
Illinois State Police – At this website, you can view or challenge criminal history records.
CyberDriveIllinois – This division of the Secretary of State is where you will go for driver’s license reinstatement. Alan Pearlman is a former prosecutor and Hearing Officer for the Secretary of State who is well-versed in this process.
The Illinois State Bar Association provides legal information to the public through several consumer guides, including Your Guide to Your Rights if Arrested.
