Divorce & Family Law
How to Adopt a Stepchild in Illinois
Deciding to adopt your stepchild is one of the most meaningful choices a blended family can make. It takes a bond that already exists in real life and gives it the full recognition of the law. For many stepparents, the process feels unfamiliar, and it can be hard to know…
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Same-Sex and LGBTQ+ Adoption in Illinois
What LGBTQ+ Families Should Know About Adoption If you are part of an LGBTQ+ family and are considering adoption, you may have more questions than answers right now. Maybe you welcomed a child through IVF and assumed the birth certificate covered everything. Maybe you and your partner have been together…
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5 Common Mistakes to Avoid in Divorce Mediation (And How to Prepare)
Divorce mediation can be one of the most constructive paths through a difficult process. In our experience working with clients throughout Illinois, most mediation breakdowns are not caused by irreconcilable differences. They are caused by avoidable mistakes in preparation and approach. The good news: when you know what these mistakes…
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Mediation vs. litigation: Which is the right choice for your Illinois divorce?
When you’re facing a divorce, one of the first decisions you’ll make is how you want to resolve it. Do you go through the courts, with attorneys presenting your case to a judge, or do you sit down with a mediator and work toward an agreement together? This choice affects…
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Get to Know Margaret Kawarski
Margaret Kawarski joined Stern Mendez as a partner in December of 2025. She practices divorce and family law, where she combines her strength for problem solving with her passion for supporting people through significant life changes. With a background in bioscience and an upbringing shaped by her parents who immigrated…
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