Divorce Advice for Men | Fathers Rights Divorce | Child Custody

By Rachel D.S. Schmidt

Attorney, Cordell & Cordell

When Gov. Pat Quinn signed the Civil Union Act in January, Illinois joined about a dozen other states in providing legal protection to same-sex couples.

The bill allows for civil unions defined as a "legal relationship" between two persons of either the same or opposite sex. Civil unions give same-sex couples many of the same rights traditional married couples receive from their state.

However, not all states recognize civil unions and the federal government currently does not recognize civil unions either.

By Rachel D.S. Schmidt

Attorney, Cordell & Cordell

Illinois and other states may be increasing their efforts to collect past-due child support following a ruling from the Illinois Supreme Court.

In a dispute over child support arrears between a man and his ex-wife, the Illinois Supreme Court has ruled that interest on child support arrearage accrued after 1987 is mandatory.

A past-due support obligation in Illinois draws interest at the rate of 9% per annum from the date of the judgment until satisfied. Given this ruling and the additional interest to be collected, efforts by Illinois to obtain such monies may be increased.

Therefore, any individual that has a long due support obligation in Illinois should consult an experienced attorney to promptly assess any possible options. Individuals in other states may want to contact an attorney as other states may have similar issues.