Areas of Practice
Family Law Services
Family law matters are the focus of our firm, and our professional passion. Because we have dedicated our entire practice to family law matters, we bring specialized knowledge and experience to the table that cannot be found at many law firms. Westover, Born & Peck, P.C. offers a wide range of family law services including:
Adoption
Our firm offers personalized and comprehensive legal assistance in all types of adoptions. Experienced in both domestic and international adoptions, we tailor our legal services to the individual needs of each client. We take care of the legal details of adoption so clients can experience the joys of parenthood with as few barriers or hassles as possible.
Child Custody / Visitation / Parenting Allocation
Child custody and parenting time issues are often emotionally charged and complex matters. Having an experienced advocate to help you navigate the minefield of the court system is essential to securing results that are in the best interest of your child. We are experienced in mediating and litigating child custody and parenting time arrangements, and our knowledge of custody and parenting allocation laws allows us to provide you with effective, and if necessary, aggressive counsel to confront any custody and parenting issues you may be facing.
Child Support
Parties often mistake child support as being a straightforward matter, but there are many considerations and nuances in determining the appropriate amount of child support. From collection and enforcement of child support obligations, to modification and termination, we tailor our services to your unique legal needs. We will zealously represent the rights and interest of either parent in any type of child support proceedings to get you the best results possible, both inside and outside of the court room.
Collaborative Law Practice
Effective advocacy does not always require aggressive courtroom litigation. Collaborative law provides clients with a means by which to utilize alternative dispute resolution and private negotiations to resolve complicated divorce issues through team work and cooperation, rather than conflict and litigation. Collaborative law gives you the tools to reach a settlement on terms that you and your spouse create, rather than leaving these important decisions to a Judge who could order an outcome that leaves everyone feeling dissatisfied and out of control. We are trained in collaborative law practice and provide you with effective collaborative means by which to reach resolution in the least contentious way possible.
Divorce
Divorce matters are as unique as the individuals involved. From uncontested cases, to complex and highly contested divorces, our extensive experience and dedication to this area of law allows us to serve our clients with an equal level of knowledge and efficiency. Our goal is to help you move forward by reaching agreeable settlements while keeping client satisfaction our top priority. In the event a settlement cannot be reached, our extensive courtroom experience allows us to skillfully litigate divorce cases to achieve the best possible results for your case.
Maintenance / Spousal Support
Whether a client is considering a divorce and is concerned about paying or receiving spousal support, or is already divorced and is interested in having spousal support terminated, modified or enforced, we address each case with an equal amount of experience and dedication. We can effectively and competently represent your interests with all of the issues you might confront regarding maintenance or alimony.
Mediation Services
Illinois courts are becoming increasingly dependent on mediation services, and have made mediation a mandatory requirement in certain divorce and domestic relations proceedings. Whether you are looking for an attorney to help you through the mediation process, or are looking for an attorney trained in mediation to act as the neutral third party who does not represent either party, our firm can offer you thoughtful mediation services.
Paternity
Giving rise to issues of child support, visitation and custody, paternity matters are a complex and nuanced area of law, and it is important to contact an attorney before signing any document relating to parentage, or entering into agreements related to the child involved. We will represent the rights and interest of either parent to achieve equitable agreements that are in the best interest of our clients and their children.
Pre- and Post-Marital Agreements
Premarital (sometimes called prenuptial) agreements allow you and your prospective spouse the opportunity to establish your respective rights and responsibilities in the event of a divorce, annulment or legal separation. Post-Marital (sometimes called postnuptial) agreements allow parties who are already married to have similar control over their future rights and obligations in the event of a divorce or legal separation. We utilize our knowledge in these areas to satisfy the needs and goals of couples looking to set out each party's assets, property rights and debts before marriage and after marriage.