Family Law

• Divorce
  Welcome to our divorce and family law blog, updating you on the law, trends and issues affecting relationships and families.
• Child Support
  Getting divorced is never easy. Divorce is a process to legally end a marriage. A final judgment of divorce decides the issues of dividing property, maintenance (financial support for a spouse), legal custody/placement of children, child support and other related topics. Illinois law regarding divorce is outlined in the Illinois
• Child Custody and Visitation
  Located in Chicago, Illinois, the firm focuses exclusively on Illinois Divorce and Illinois Child Custody and Support, the firm’s philosophy is to work with you to resolve your legal matter in the best way possible. When you consult with one of our attorneys we will give you expert legal advice and help you to understand your rights and options according to Illinois law. We know the family laws in Illinois and have a wealth of experience that will help ensure the resolution your looking for. We handle each case in the most effective and cost efficient way possible. If you want to learn about your rights and option in your family law matter please call us today to schedule a private consultation in our Chicago office. Call us at (312) 223-1763 or send us an email at
• Adoption
• Paternity
  Establishing paternity, known as parentage under Illinois law, is a crucial first step in ensuring that a child receives financial support and a father’s rights are protected. As your attorney, we can help you get a simple, high-accuracy DNA test. Alternately, fathers can also sign a Voluntary Acknowledgment of Paternity (VAP) form. By signing this form, a father assumes all the rights and obligations that come with having a child. In a parentage case, child support, visitation and custody are all issues that need to be resolved. For help navigating this difficult legal terrain, contact the Law Offices of Patrick Markey to schedule a consultation.
• Premarital Agreement
  A prenuptial agreement, antenuptial agreement, or premarital agreement, commonly abbreviated to “prenup”, is a contract entered into prior to marriage, civil union or any other agreement prior to the main agreement by the people intending to marry or contract with each other. The content of a prenuptial agreement can vary widely, but commonly includes provisions for division of property and spousal support in the event of divorce or breakup of marriage. They may also include terms for the forfeiture of assets as a result of divorce on the grounds of adultery; further conditions of guardianship may be included as well. Child custody and child support cannot be dealt with in a premarital agreement.
• Guardianship
• Spousal Support
  Family law is a complex area of law that can quickly turn contentious even in the friendliest of relationships. The Law Offices of Patrick Markey, P.C. is dedicated solely to the practice of family law. Our family Law services are always tailored to our clients’ unique needs. Rightfully so, when you consider the many issues that can be resolved through effective legal representation in family law proceedings. With a Law Offices of Patrick Markey family law attorney from our firm by your side, you can navigate the rough waters of divorce, custody, property division, adoption, visitation, and spousal support with the knowledge that your interests are well protected.
• Legal Separation
  At the Law Offices of Patrick Markey, P.C., we strive to help our clients successfully navigate all facets of the legal separation and divorce process in Illinois, including property division and maintenance payments.
• Annulment
  One of the parties was a minor at the time of marriage. There was a prior existing marriage. One of the parties was of unsound mind unless the party of unsound mind after coming to reason chose to remain as husband and wife. One of the parties was physically incapable of having children or sex and hid that fact from other party. As you can see annulments are very rare due to the specific grounds needed.

Criminal Law

• Restraining Order
  The ending of a marriage is a “dissolution of marriage” and is commonly referred to as a divorce. It ends a marriage and allows the parties to marry again; a legal separation does not. In both divorce and legal separation cases, the parties may request orders for child and/or spousal support, custody and visitation, domestic violence restraining orders, etc. Legal separation may be preferable for couples wishing for a legal separation to live apart and not decide all the issues in their case except for some. Legal Separation is very uncommon and may not exist much longer.