Family Law

At Giffin, Winning, Cohen & Bodewes, P.C., our attorneys represent parties throughout central Illinois in all aspects of family law.  Our services include civil unions, divorce, child custody, child support, domestic violence/orders of protection, modifications of alimony/custody/child support, appeals, enforcement of final judgments, contempt, visitation, settlement agreements, prenuptial agreements, postnuptial agreements, adoptions, guardianships, and paternity actions. 

The field of family law encompasses more than just divorce and custody issues.  Regardless of the particular area, family law issues are often intensely personal, emotional, and difficult for all parties involved, including children and others who may not be directly concerned with the matter but who are nevertheless affected.

Mindful of both the financial and emotional costs of litigation, the family law attorneys at Giffin, Winning help clients avoid litigation whenever possible - and whenever it makes sense - by exploring creative solutions to problems.  The full capabilities of the firm are also available to consult with clients on related premarital and post-marital matters such as taxes, financial planning, formation of business entities, and estate planning.

DIVORCE/DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE

Making the decision to end a marriage is an emotionally-trying event.  Our experienced attorneys can help you to defuse some of the emotion and find options that will help protect your long-term interests, regardless of whether you are the one suing for divorce or being sued.  Once you make a commitment to end the relationship, issues to consider include finding the best parenting arrangement for the emotional and financial interests of any children involved, ensuring an equitable division of possessions and assets, and obtaining a timely resolution of the divorce.

CHILD SUPPORT & CUSTODY

The courts make a great effort to encourage the parties to settle their differences, and this is particularly true if children are involved; the more bitter the dissolution process, the more stress is placed upon the children.  Our attorneys can help you decide and negotiate an arrangement that will be most beneficial for your children, and will work to secure court approval for your plan.  If a crisis event indicates that a custody change is needed, our attorneys will help you to re-open your case and negotiate an appropriate change in the custody arrangement.

If the financial situation of one or both parents has changed, Giffin, Winning will help you evaluate the impact this should have on the support arrangement and assist you through the process of modifying the support arrangements through the court system, if appropriate.

ANTENUPTIAL (PRE-MARITAL) AGREEMENTS

Planning for a successful wedding is exciting, but couples often forget to plan for a successful marriage.  Full discussions about financial and legal expectations can be an important part of the planning process and prevent problems in the future.  Our attorneys offer extensive family law experience that will ensure that you and your beloved memorialize your expectations in a mutually beneficial antenuptial (prenuptial) agreement.  Such an agreement can protect you and your children in the event of either a divorce or an inheritance situation.

ADOPTION

Attorneys at Giffin, Winning have represented clients in numerous adoption proceedings, including related step-parent adoptions, as well as those involving placements through the Department of Children and Family Services.

GUARDIANSHIP OF MINORS

A guardianship is often necessary when a parent passes away or is in crisis and unable to care for their child.  Attorneys at Giffin, Winning regularly handle guardianship issues, sometimes related to estate administration.  In addition, our attorneys can assist clients with stand-by guardianship documents, which are often valuable when a parent is away on vacation or during military duty.

SEEK EXPERIENCED REPRESENTATION

Our team of family law attorneys includes a certified Child's Representative and lawyers with more than 25 years of combined experience practicing divorce and family law.  If you need advice or representation in a divorce, adoption, guardianship, or other family law matter from Decatur to Jacksonville, contact Giffin, Winning, Cohen & Bodewes, P.C.