Hayes Law, LLC

Hayes Law, LLC Hayes Law represents clients in a wide range of family law matters relating to divorce

03/13/2026

⚖️ Illinois is a “no-fault” divorce state—but what does that actually mean?
In Illinois, you do not need to prove that your spouse did something wrong—such as adultery, abandonment, or other misconduct—to obtain a divorce.
Instead, the law recognizes “irreconcilable differences” as the only ground for divorce. This means the marriage has broken down and attempts at reconciliation would not be in the best interests of the family.
Because Illinois is a no-fault state, the court focuses less on blame and more on resolving the important legal and financial issues, including:
👨‍👩‍👧 Parenting time and decision-making responsibilities
💵 Child support
🏡 Division of marital property and debts
🤝 Spousal maintenance
While you do not have to prove fault to get divorced, the process still involves complex decisions that can significantly impact your finances, your children, and your future.
📖 Our newest article on the Hayes Law LLC website explains what “no-fault divorce” really means in Illinois and how it impacts the divorce process.
🔗 Read the full article at the link in our bio.
If you are considering divorce or want to better understand your rights, the team at Hayes Law LLC is here to help guide you through the process.
📞 Hayes Law LLC | Chicago Family Law Attorneys

📢 New on the Blog! 🧾💍➡️💔Divorce already feels complicated — your taxes shouldn’t add to the stress.Our latest article br...
01/27/2026

📢 New on the Blog! 🧾💍➡️💔
Divorce already feels complicated — your taxes shouldn’t add to the stress.
Our latest article breaks down everything you need to know before you file your taxes during an Illinois divorce — from filing status changes to deductions, claims, and common mistakes people make every year.
👉 Whether you’re just starting the divorce process or closing the chapter, this guide helps you:
✅ Understand how divorce impacts your tax return
✅ Learn who can claim dependents & exemptions
✅ Avoid costly filing errors
✅ Plan ahead for smarter financial outcomes
Read it now and file with confidence.
🔗 Link in bio!

01/21/2026

🌟We are proud to announce that our attorneys, Flavia Hayes and Nicole MacMillan have been selected by Super Lawyers as 2026 Illinois Super Lawyers Rising Stars!🌟 This distinction is awarded to only 2.5% of attorneys under 40 based on peer recognition and professional achievement. We are grateful for this recognition and committed to serving our clients with excellence!

01/06/2026

📍 What Is a Child’s “Home State” & Why It Matters
If you’re navigating custody or parenting time, one term can change everything: the child’s home state.
👶 What does “home state” mean?
Under the Uniform Child-Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act (UCCJEA)—which applies in Illinois and all U.S. states—a child’s home state is:
➡️ The state where the child has lived with a parent (or person acting as a parent) for at least 6 consecutive months immediately before a custody case is filed.
➡️ For children under 6 months old, it’s the state where the child has lived since birth.
🏛️ Why does home state matter?
The child’s home state usually has exclusive authority to:
• Decide custody and parenting time
• Modify parenting plans
• Enforce parenting orders
In other words—home state = power to decide your case.
🚨 Why allowing a parent to move out of state can be risky
If one parent relocates with the child without agreement or a court order, serious consequences can follow:
⚠️ The new state may become the child’s home state after 6 months
⚠️ Illinois courts may lose jurisdiction
⚠️ You may be forced to litigate custody in another state
⚠️ Parenting time can become limited, expensive, or logistically impossible
⚠️ Travel costs and school disruptions can increase conflict
⚠️ Emergency court action may be required to protect your rights
⛔ Once a new home state is established, reversing it is very difficult.
🛡️ Protect your rights early
Before a child relocates:
✔️ Get a written agreement
✔️ Obtain a court order
✔️ File promptly if a move is threatened
✔️ Speak with a family law attorney immediately
📞 Thinking about moving—or worried your co-parent might?
Jurisdiction issues move fast. Your delay can become the other parent’s advantage.
📲 Call Hayes Law LLC for a free consultation today.

🦃🍂 Happy Thanksgiving from Hayes Law!🦃🍂Today we’re especially grateful for the families who trust us during some of the ...
11/27/2025

🦃🍂 Happy Thanksgiving from Hayes Law!🦃🍂
Today we’re especially grateful for the families who trust us during some of the most important transitions of their lives.
No matter what your year has looked like, we hope today brings a moment of peace, comfort, and connection. 🍁
From our family to yours — Happy Thanksgiving!

💔 How Substance Abuse Can Impact an Illinois Divorce 💔When addiction enters a marriage, it doesn’t just affect emotions ...
11/06/2025

💔 How Substance Abuse Can Impact an Illinois Divorce 💔
When addiction enters a marriage, it doesn’t just affect emotions — it can influence child custody, spousal support, and even property division.
In Illinois, judges must consider what’s in the best interests of the child, and substance abuse can play a major role in those decisions. Whether you’re concerned about your spouse’s drinking or facing allegations yourself, understanding the legal implications is essential.
🧠 In our latest article, we break down:
✅ How substance abuse affects custody and parenting time
✅ When drug or alcohol use becomes a legal issue
✅ What to do if addiction is part of your divorce case
Tap the link in bio to read the full article and learn how to protect your family and your future.
⚖️ Hayes Law LLC — Your Family. Your Future. Our Priority.
📍Chicago Family & Divorce Lawyers
📞 (312) 224-1155
🔗 Link in bio

10/21/2025

💭 Can you get divorced if you can’t find your spouse?
Yes — Illinois law allows service by publication when your spouse can’t be located.
📍 If your spouse has disappeared or refuses to provide an address, you can still move forward with your divorce in Illinois. Here’s how it works 👇
🔍 Step 1: Show the court that you made genuine efforts to locate your spouse — checking last known addresses, employers, relatives, or social media.
📝 Step 2: You file a sworn statement explaining what efforts were made and why your spouse can’t be found.
📰 Step 3: Once the court approves, notice of the divorce is published in a newspaper where your spouse was last known to live.
⏳ Step 4: If your spouse doesn’t respond after the last publication, the case can move forward — even without their appearance.
⚖️ While you can finalize your divorce this way, the court may have limited power to divide property or order support unless your spouse is personally served later.
💬 Service by publication is truly a last resort — but it ensures you aren’t trapped in a marriage just because your spouse vanished.
💼 If you can’t find your spouse, Hayes Law LLC can guide you through every step.
📞 Call (312) 224-1155 or visit hayeslawllc.com to schedule a consultation.

10/09/2025

📢 New on the Blog!
💡 Is Inheritance a Marital Asset in an Illinois Divorce?
Dividing assets during divorce can be complicated—especially when inheritance is involved. Many people assume that once inherited, it automatically becomes part of the marital estate. But Illinois law treats inheritance differently.
👉 In our latest article, we break down:
✔️ When inheritance is considered non-marital property
✔️ Circumstances where it might become marital property
✔️ What you can do to protect inherited assets during divorce
🔗 Read the full article now on our website [link in bio].
⚖️ At Hayes Law LLC, we help guide you through every step of the divorce process with clarity and confidence. Contact our office today at 312-224-1155 for a free consultation.

💡 Want to protect what’s yours in an Illinois divorce?Not all property gets divided equally. Some assets may be consider...
09/23/2025

💡 Want to protect what’s yours in an Illinois divorce?
Not all property gets divided equally. Some assets may be considered non-marital—but you have to prove it. ⚖️
✅ What counts as non-marital property in Illinois?
-Assets owned before the marriage
-Gifts or inheritances received during marriage
-Property excluded by a valid prenuptial/postnuptial agreement
-Property acquired in exchange for other non-marital property
🔑 Proving it’s non-marital requires clear and convincing evidence:
-Keep clear records (bank statements, deeds, titles)
-Maintain separate accounts—don’t mix with marital funds
-Document the source of funds (e.g., inheritance checks, gift letters)
-Show paper trails when converting or reinvesting
👉 If you can’t prove it, the court may treat the asset as marital property and divide it.
📞 At Hayes Law LLC, we help clients protect what they’ve worked hard for. Schedule a consultation today to safeguard your future.

🌟 🌟We take pride in guiding our clients through their family law journey with care and compassion. If you need assista...
09/11/2025

🌟 🌟

We take pride in guiding our clients through their family law journey with care and compassion. If you need assistance, we’re here to help. Contact us today at 312-224-1155 for a free consultation.

💡 What is Collaborative Divorce in Illinois?Unlike traditional divorce proceedings, a collaborative divorce keeps you an...
08/20/2025

💡 What is Collaborative Divorce in Illinois?
Unlike traditional divorce proceedings, a collaborative divorce keeps you and your spouse out of the courtroom. Instead, you work together with a team of professionals to reach an agreement that works for your family.
👩‍⚖️ Who’s Involved?
✔️ Each spouse has their own collaborative divorce attorney
✔️ Neutral financial professionals (to review assets, debts, property, and tax issues)
✔️ Mental health professionals or divorce coaches (to help manage emotions and communication)
✔️ Child specialists (when custody and parenting time need special attention)
📝 How the Process Works:
1️⃣ Both spouses and attorneys sign an agreement to resolve the divorce without going to court.
2️⃣ The team holds a series of meetings focused on solutions, not conflict.
3️⃣ Financial and parenting specialists provide guidance and neutral input.
4️⃣ Once agreements are reached, the attorneys finalize the legal documents and submit them to the court for approval.
⚖️ Why Choose Collaborative Divorce?
✅ Saves time and money compared to litigation
✅ Keeps discussions private (not part of the public record)
✅ Reduces emotional stress and conflict
✅ Focuses on protecting children and co-parenting
👉 Considering divorce in Chicago or anywhere in Illinois? A collaborative divorce may give you the respectful, solution-focused path you need.
📞 Contact Hayes Law LLC today at 312-224-1155 to discuss your options.

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Chicago, IL
60604

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