Graduation Requirements for Students during COVID-19

Elise Harmening April 27, 2020

Governor J.B. Pritzker updated the School Code by Executive Order on April 24, 2020, modifying, in part, the requirements for High School Graduation. This is not a substitute for legal advice. This is legal information. This does not create an attorney-client relationship. The relevant sections include: Section 8. The following provisions of the Illinois School Code, 105 ILCS 5/1-1 et seq., requiring certain assessments and courses for twelfth grade students, are suspended: 105 ILCS 5/2-3.64a-5(c)

Education Law, Family Law, Miscellaneous
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IEPs vs 504: What’s the Difference?

Elise Harmening October 9, 2019

If you have a student, then you already know that there are a lot of important academic decisions that must be made, like which classes to take, which extra-curricular activities to join, and, if your student has a disability or special needs, you may be wondering which specialized education plan is right for them. When working with a school to create a special education plan, there are two documents you can choose from: an IEP

Education Law
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Pitfalls in Filing for Divorce

Elise Harmening September 1, 2019

There are many nuances in any court case. A divorce is no different and I have recently run into a few pitfalls from clients who begin their case on their own (aka “Pro Se”). Check out the following for a short list of some major pitfalls so you can learn from those who filed before you! This is not a substitute for legal advice. This is legal information. This does not create an attorney-client relationship.

Family Law
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DCFS Indicated

Elise Harmening March 27, 2019

Now what? This is not a substitute for legal advice. This is legal information. This does not create an attorney-client relationship. This can be an extremely emotional and tense time. It is important to keep the emotions separate and do your best to think clearly at this moment. There are strict deadlines and timelines for folks who want to appeal the decision by DCFS. If you go beyond those strict deadlines, you will likely be

Family Law
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Tax Credit: Who counts the kids?

Elise Harmening March 4, 2019

This is one of the most common questions folks have when they have not finalized a plan with the parent of their children. Who counts the kids on their taxes? NOTE: This is not legal advice. This is legal information. Contact an attorney for your specific situation. Do you have a Divorce Decree or Joint Parenting Agreement? If you already went through the process to get a Decree or Agreement of some kind–check there first.

Family Law
agreement, allocation, allocation of parenting, child, dependent, family law, financial affairs, joint, minor, parent, parenting plan, tax, taxes