A mother and child relationship establishes at the time of birth; except under surrogacy laws, the woman giving birth is the presumed mother. If the mother is married, in a civil union, or in another similar legal situation at the time of conception or delivery, the spouse assumes the role of the presumed father. The process cuts down on a significant amount of paperwork, thereby streamlining the process at the joyous birth of the child. However, occasionally new information comes to light in which the presumed father is not the biologically the father of the child. Many men in this situation…

Wedding season is just around the corner as 10.8 percent of engaged couples opt to marry in the month of June, with August and October rounding out the top three preferred months to start a new life. With the average cost of a wedding at $20,000, couples earnestly plan for their special day but are they prepared to hurdle the varying different stages of marriage yet to come? Dr. Marie Hartwell-Walker, a licensed psychologist and marital counselor recently described the five stages of marriage and the effect each has directly on the marriage.

If you have been hurt by another vehicle colliding with yours, does the word “accident” accurately describe the situation? Probably not, especially if the other driver was fully at fault for the crash. Many believe that the continued use of the word only serves to benefit personal injury defense attorneys and insurance companies. In fact, grass-roots efforts are underway to educate the public on the misleading use of “accident” and the impact that language can have on public perception.

Against all odds, the current divorce rate in the United States has significantly dropped for the third subsequent year. Actually, the percentage of couples dissolving a marriage has reached its lowest point in nearly 40 years but the news certainly does not lessen the stinging emotions of wanting to help a friend in need whose marriage is on the downswing. For those beginning the journey through the divorce process, they often find themselves riddled with guilt, emotional pain and very overwhelmed. They confront safeguarding their children, their families, their self-esteem, their financial …

We have all heard it, “once a cheater always a cheater” but does cheating always point to the physical indiscretions of one partner against the other and the almost certain basis for a divorce? A recent article explores eight varying circumstances and actions that may be classified as non-physical cheating and how these activities can collapse a marriage all too quickly.

Now that warmer weather is upon us, many families are spending more time outside. For some, this means bringing their canine companions on trips to the park or walks around the block. It is very important if you decide to bring your dog out to a public place that you are aware and in control of his or her actions at all times. A dog bite can cause serious injuries, and knowing how to prevent such a situation is important.

Spring has arrived in Northern Illinois, which means that an increased number of cyclists will be taking to area roadways for exercise, recreation, and commuting purposes. Weather permitting, the greater Chicago region is a beautiful setting for bike riders, and thousands will soon be enjoying the freedom offered by the pedal-powered machines. Much of our current society, however, functions on the mechanical engine and the automobile, and serious accidents can occur when drivers fail to see cyclists amidst the sea of moving cars.

Looking at an 18-wheeled commercial transport vehicle, you know that it has the potential to cause catastrophic damages if something goes awry. Looking at a school bus—the vehicle that children ride on five days a week throughout the school year—it is often seen as an icon of safety and security. These vehicles weigh anywhere from 6,000 to 33,000 pounds, with the traditional style weighing in at a whopping 26,000 pounds—13 tons! Compare this to a regular passenger car weighing around 3,000 to a maximum of 6,000 pounds. If the two collide, a school bus has the capability of demolishing a…