James G. Ahlberg

Family Law

Adoption, Child Custody, Child Support, Father's Rights, Guardianship & Conservatorship, Paternity, Prenups & Marital Agreements, Restraining Orders, Same Sex Family Law

Divorce

Collaborative Law, Contested Divorce, Military Divorce, Property Division, Same Sex Divorce, Spousal Support & Alimony, Uncontested Divorce

Workers' Compensation

Social Security Disability

Real Estate Law

Commercial Real Estate, Condominiums, Easements, Eminent Domain, Homeowners Association, Land Use & Zoning, Mortgages, Neighbor Disputes, Residential Real Estate, Water Law

Employment Law

Employee Benefits, Employment Contracts, Employment Discrimination, ERISA, Overtime & Unpaid Wages, Sexual Harassment, Whistleblower, Wrongful Termination

Arbitration & Mediation

Business - Arbitration/Mediation, Consumer - Arbitration/Mediation, Family - Arbitration/Mediation

Landlord Tenant

Evictions, Housing Discrimination, Landlord Rights, Rent Control, Tenants' Rights

Legal Malpractice

• Free Consultation
  Free consultations in Workers' Compensation, Social Security Disability and Legal Malpractice cases
• Credit Cards Accepted
  Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express
• Contingent Fees
  I accept contingent fees in Workers' Compensation and Social Security Disability cases.

Illinois

Since 1978

University of Illinois College of Law

J.D. (1978)

North Park University

B.A. (1974) | Political Science

1974

Illinois State Bar  # 3122250

Member

Current

Q. Who owns when a prop tax bill reads: my friends name on 1st line, estate of my friends dead exstep mother in law on 2nd?

June 2, 2023

A: The order in which names are listed on the tax bill cannot be relied upon and doesn't prove who owns anything. If your friend is concerned about this, her best bet it so take all of the relevant documents (her father-in law's will and death certificates for everyone involved who has died [if she has access to them]) to a lawyer who practices in the field of real estate, and let him or her figure it out. She's unlikely to find a lawyer who'd offer a reliable opinion without looking at the documents.

Q. I am trying to adopt my girlfriends daughter, the father isn’t on the birth certificate and never met the daughter.

May 23, 2023

A: You either need his written consent or serve him with your Petition for Adoption and give him a chance to appear in court. Don't try this without a lawyer! Adoption has a number of details that need to be handled exactly correctly. Acquiring a child in this manner should not be left to "I hope I did it right!" Something to be aware of: if you adopt the child you can be found liable for child support, regardless of whether you ever marry your girlfriend.

Q. Im 17 turning 18 soon can i legally move out?

May 10, 2023

A: Legally, you become an adult on your 18th birthday. It's a double-edged sword, however. On the one hand, you may be free to move out; on the other hand, your parents are no longer obligated to support you (assuming you are not suffering from a significant disability) and they will not be responsible for the debts you will incur unless they co-sign for the debt or otherwise sign a guaranty of payment.

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