Legal Question in Family Law in Illinois

Women's lega rights, unmarried mothers

Hello, and Than you,

My Personal Assistant's partner of 7 years just walked out on her and their 5 yr old son 7 days b4 Xmas...saying 'he met someone else'. Period....leaving them w/ nothing. He was the sole bread winner of the family, she was the 'wife/mother', except for the occassional temp/pt job. She said they never married because when they wld set a date, he wld always 'freak out', that he was being treated for 'psych disorders etc, that ran in his family, but as w/ most schizophrenics, went off his meds and out of counseling the moment he felt 'better'. He came over to see his son and drop off some groceries..telling her 'she wld be served and he wld see her in court'? He Left Her!? He also told her that he was covering all the bills/rent..which she found out wasn't true this morning, when she woke up to find her cell phone shut off...her only line of communication w/ the outside world. She couldn't reach him to find out what was going on since he has made himself 'unavailable' to her.. 'secretive'. IL is not a 'common law state'...so, can you please tell me what her rights are as well as where we can go for help, info and, perhaps, a free consult? I already told her to get a 'lifeline; landline put in ASAP...

rachele


Asked on 12/29/08, 4:32 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys
Motty Stone Law Offices of Motty Stone

Re: Women's lega rights, unmarried mothers

She has rights to go after him for child support, and she may also be able to get him to pay certain bills such as the rent if he is a cosigner on the lease. She should definitely speak with an attorney as soon as possible as it sounds like she is in a tough situation.

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Answered on 12/30/08, 11:55 am
Lesley Hoenig Lesley A. Hoenig, Attorney at Law

Re: Women's lega rights, unmarried mothers

She doesn't have any maintenance rights, but she certainly has the right to go to court to establish paternity and have the ex ordered to pay child support. She will want to be prepared for the possibility of the father deciding to pursue custody, but in any event she should consult a local family law attorney as soon as possible.

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Answered on 12/29/08, 4:36 pm


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