Divorce & Family Law Attorneys in Wheaton, Illinois

Sullivan Taylor & Gumina, P.C.

1749 S Naperville Rd.
Suite 106
Wheaton, Illinois 60189
USA

(630) 665-7676

(630) 665-8630

www.stglawfirm.com/

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Law Firm Overview

The Law Offices of Sullivan Taylor & Gumina is an experienced, dedicated law firm located in Wheaton, Illinois. Founded in 1994, the law firm of Sullivan Taylor & Gumina is dedicated to providing compassionate family law services to people throughout Chicago's western suburbs. Our attorneys bring an uncommon diversity of personal and legal experience to our clients' family law matters. As former public defenders, teachers, child advocates, state's attorneys, and therapists, we are able to help people work through the legal, emotional, and financial issues associated with complex family law matters.

Our firm takes a team approach to resolving family law matters. By assigning a partner, an associate, and a paralegal to every client, we ensure that there is always someone in the office to answer our clients' questions and resolve legal matters. In addition, if necessary, we employ service counselors, business evaluators, forensic accountants, financial planners, psychiatrists, and psychologists to ensure our clients receive the best possible legal advice and representation possible.

We are strongly committed to building relationships with our clients. We understand that family law matters do not end when a divorce is final. Child custody and child support issues often continue until the children are in college and spousal support matters can continue for a lifetime. Our services go beyond the initial divorce proceeding. We ensure that our clients have the resources to manage divorce settlements, with an eye toward the secure enjoyment of their life.

Our lawyers serve a number of legal and community organizations that show our dedication to serving the needs of our community. Some of those organizations include, Family Shelter, Inc, YMCA, the Chamber of Commerce, and the Collaborative Law Institute.

Languages: French; English.

Practice Areas

Additional Practice Areas: Property Division; Business Evaluations; Division of Debt; Post Divorce Modifications; Domestic Partnerships; Restraining Orders; Protecting Investments; Child Relocation; International Divorce; High Net Worth Divorce; Divorce Planning.

Practice Areas Description

Our practice includes:

- Divorce

Most people contemplating divorce are under a lot of stress and have questions about the legal process and what comes next. At the law firm of Sullivan Taylor & Gumina, in Wheaton, Illinois, we are committed to educating people about the divorce process and helping them move forward with their lives. Our attorneys regularly represent clients throughout Chicago's western suburbs, including DuPage, Kane, and Will counties.

- Domestic and Foreign Divorces

Our lawyers are also experienced in cases involving the Hague Convention on the Recognition of Divorces and Legal Separations. Entwined in this is the issue of child custody and visitation of children removed to another county. We work closely with our clients to make sure their legal rights are protected when a spouse leaves the US and takes the children with them.

- Child and Spousal Support

In most cases, child support payments are determined by Illinois child support statutes. Maintenance (alimony) is much more complex. At the law firm of Sullivan Taylor & Gumina, in Wheaton, Illinois, our attorneys have an in-depth understanding of child and spousal support matters as they relate to Illinois divorce cases. We understand the formula used and can provide you with an estimate of how much child support you can expect to pay (or receive), as well as the legal obligations involved when illness or loss of employment affects your ability to pay.

- Child Custody and Visitation

Child custody and visitation schedules are often the most contentious issues associated with any divorce. They are also the issues most likely to require post-divorce modifications. At the law firm of Sullivan Taylor & Gumina, in Wheaton, Illinois, we are committed to helping parents work through complex child custody, visitation, and parenting time issues.

- Property Division

Property division is often one of the most complex matters associated with a divorce. Determining which property is marital property and what is an equitable distribution of that property can be contentious and may require the help of professionals in a number of disciplines. At the law firm of Sullivan Taylor & Gumina, in Wheaton, Illinois, we have extensive experience handling simple and complex property division matters. Our firm regularly works with accountants, forensic accounts, certified business appraisers, and other experts in determining the debts and assets involved in a division of marital property.

- Business Evaluations

In cases where you, your spouse, or both of you own a business, determining the fair value of your company will impact child support, spousal maintenance, and the terms of your divorce settlement. Our attorneys work closely with certified business appraisers, forensic accountants, and other financial experts in determining the value of a closely held or family-owned business. Since the value of a business can lead to allegations of under-reported value or an attempt to claim it is worth more than it actually is, accurately determining the assets and debts against your company is essential. We have the experience and professional resources needed to determine what a company is worth.

- Division of Debt in Divorce

Dividing debt during a divorce is just as important as the division of marital property. Any loans or lines of credit you and your spouse jointly signed become your joint responsibility. Additionally, depending on your income, assets, health, and personal situation, you could be held accountable for debt on credit cards and loans that are not in your name but were incurred during the course of your marriage. At the law firm of Sullivan Taylor & Gumina, our attorneys work closely with clients in matters related to the division of debt during a divorce. We take steps to prevent you from being saddled with debt that isn't yours and propose measures for negotiating a settlement that doesn't leave you at a disadvantage.

- Adoption

Adoption issues are complex. Determining what is in the best interest of the child, getting a parent to relinquish paternity, and going though the adoption process can be confusing and emotionally draining. At the law firm of Sullivan Taylor & Gumina, in Wheaton, Illinois, we help facilitate adoptions for step-parents, grandparents, and other would-be parents in DuPage County, Kane County, and Will County.

- Paternity

Paternity can be established in a number of ways, through a DNA test, by signing a statement of paternity, or by acting in a manner that indicates that you are the parent of the child. Typically, establishing paternity is only a step toward a larger goal, such as obtaining child custody, parenting time, financial support, or medical care for a child. We have also helped a number of unmarried couples establish the paternity of their children. Our firm regularly represents fathers and mothers in efforts to establish paternity or to legally disprove paternity.

- Pre-Nuptial Agreements

Our attorneys draft and review prenuptial agreements. We give legal opinions on the enforceability of pre-marital agreements. While most property division matters can be addressed in prenuptial agreements, issues related to child support and child custody are not enforceable. We work closely with our clients to help them understand the ramifications of each provision of a pre-marital agreement and help them protect their long term interests.

- Post Divorce Modifications

When modifying divorce agreements, the overriding concern of the courts is the best interests of the child. We work closely with our clients seeking post-divorce modifications to help them understand both the law, and the likelihood of obtaining a modification. While most divorce modifications are related to custodial or support issues of children, maintenance (alimony) provisions can also be altered. In addition, property agreements and debt distribution can also be altered.

- Domestic Partnerships

While domestic partners do not enjoy the same privileges and legal advantages afforded married couples, many of the same benefits can be achieved through alternate means. At the law firm of Sullivan Taylor & Gumina, our attorneys explain what sorts of contractual relationships domestic partners can enter into in order to secure the custody of children, transfer property upon death, arrange for healthcare benefits, and other issues. In each case, documenting the relationship between the parties involved and developing private contracts early on is essential. We can evaluate your current situation, discuss the legal options available to you, and indicate what legal steps need to be taken to achieve your long term goals.

- Domestic Violence

Domestic violence is a serious criminal offense that can result in jail time, fines, and a permanent criminal record if convicted. When violence or the threat of violence accompanies a divorce or other family law disputes, a restraining order or order of protection may become necessary. At the law firm of Sullivan Taylor & Gumina, our attorneys represent clients in cases involving allegations of domestic violence. We also assist clients in matters pertaining to restraining orders and orders of protection when stalking, harassment, or the threat of immediate physical harm is involved. In both instances, involving law enforcement early on is essential in order to ensure you and your family is protected.

- Collaborative Law

Collaborative law and Mediation offer people going through divorce a forum to work out, rather than litigate, child custody, parenting time, and property division issues. At the law firm of Sullivan Taylor & Gumina, in Wheaton, Illinois, we have extensive experience helping people in DuPage, Kane, and Will County resolve divorce disputes through Collaborative law and Mediation.

- Protecting Investments

There are some assets that can be considered jointly-owned in a marriage, regardless of whose name is on the bank account or title to the property. If it was acquired during the marriage, it may be subject to division in a divorce, with the possible exception of any assets received as a gift or as an inheritance during the marriage. Those assets may be considered non-marital property and might be protected, as well as assets and investments protected before marriage by pre-nuptial agreements. Sullivan Taylor and Gumina, P.C. represents clients who need knowledgeable divorce attorneys to protect their assets.

- Divorce Mediation

Many couples who have filed for a divorce in Illinois are be required by a judge to try and work out any child custody issues or conflicts over property division through mediation. In some cases, couples may actually prefer going through the mediation process, since it offers more privacy and confidentiality to quietly settle family disputes outside of a public courtroom, based on mutual agreements devised between the two parties. With the help of an experienced family law attorney, who is specially trained in the art of mediation and who can act as a neutral third party, spouses may have a better chance at peacefully resolving their disputes, without the high costs of litigation.

- Child Relocation

Whether or not you have sole custody or joint custody of a child, it’s important to consult with an experienced family law attorney who can help you deal with the possible relocation of your family, especially any minor children being uprooted in the process. Sullivan Taylor and Gumina, P.C. has skilled attorneys who are experienced at handling any post-divorce modifications that may be needed as a result of your child’s relocation. We can also discuss your options for maintaining frequent interaction with your child, regardless of where they may live, through the use of Virtual Visitation, a new electronic tool for communication.

- International Divorce

Divorce is inherently stressful, but when you are working or living overseas for extended periods of time, complications involving child and spousal support, property division, and even adoption can make it extremely unbearable for you to handle an international divorce by yourself. By the same token, if you are from another country originally but are living in Illinois, you need to know the laws and the processes involved with filing for divorce in Illinois. Our attorneys in Wheaton, Illinois have represented clients on cases involving the Hague Convention on the Recognition of Divorces and Legal Separations.

- High Net Worth Divorce

Frequently, when a divorce in Illinois involves people of substantial wealth, disagreements regarding property division and other mutually-owned high net worth assets require the skill and knowledge of a divorce attorney who can protect your interests. Our attorneys combine many years of extensive experience serving high-net worth individuals who require specialized attention. Our attorneys regularly work with high-level executives who own businesses and high-end luxury items that require a keen eye to the details and specifics of their assets. We represent clients who have streaming income from financial investments and who are in need of asset protection strategies.

- Child Custody

Illinois family law allows the court to make a decision regarding child custody rights, usually when parents cannot reach a custody agreement of their own, either through mediation or the collaborative law process. Sometimes, litigation is the only remaining option when that happens. The attorneys at Sullivan Taylor and Gumina, P.C., are strong advocates for children and we regularly work with parents to reduce any of the hostilities that can be associated with divorce. We often serve as Guardians ad litem should any child require their own representation, and we are not afraid to explore alternative child custody options, such as grandparents’ rights, if either of the parents cannot reach a child custody agreement that would benefit the child.

- Divorce Planning

Most people planning on divorce have many concerns about how their finances and the welfare of their children will be protected in the future, which is why it is essential to consult with a knowledgeable family law attorney for all your divorce planning questions. People plan to buy a home, plan to buy a car, plan to have a child, but often overlook the necessary planning for divorce. Don't begin this stressful and important process without a strategy. At Sullivan Taylor and Gumina, P.C. in DuPage County, Illinois, each attorney is equipped to address the issues our clients have and the many factors that go into divorce planning.

Attorneys

	Ms. Emily R. Carrara Attorney Adoption, Appellate Practice, Child Support and Custody, Family Law, Guardianship		Ms. Anique K. Drouin Attorney Child Support and Custody, Child Visitation, Divorce, Family Law
	Mr. Joseph F. Emmerth Attorney Child Support and Custody, Family Law, Parentage, Guardianship, Visitation		Ms. Juli A. Gumina Attorney Child Support and Custody, Divorce, Family Law, Litigation
	Mr. Sean Martin McCumber Attorney Adoption, Child Support and Custody, Divorce, Family Law, Paternity		Mr. Raiford D. Palmer Attorney Business Law, Child Support and Custody, Divorce, Family Law, Paternity
	Ms. Maureen Sullivan Taylor Attorney Collaborative Law, Divorce, Family Law, Litigation, Mediation