The first same-gender divorce has been filed in Illinois. Mark Bayer and Dr. Nathan Fredrick married in Canada and moved to Peoria for Dr. Fredrick’s career as an emergency room doctor. Bayer, a nurse, injured his back during the marriage and is no longer able to work. Bayer is asking for maintenance (“alimony”). Now that Illinois recognizes civil unions, same-gender couples that married or entered into a similar legal status outside of Illinois can dissolve that marriage or union in Illinois. Since June 1, 2011 there have been same-sex divorces filed in Chicago and throughout Illinois.
Order of Protection for Domestic Violence
Unfortunately, some Chicago divorces or Chicago child custody disputes involve domestic violence. When domestic violence, or the threat of domestic violence, occurs a victim may petition the court for an order of protection. An order of protection is a court order...