Stern Mendez

08/18/2026

Back-to-school season brings with it plenty of decisions for parents. And for co-parents, some decisions can get complicated.

Who decides where the child goes to school? Can one parent switch schools without the other’s consent? What happens in a disagreement about public vs. private school? And who is responsible for school-related expenses?

In Illinois, many of these answers depend on how educational decision-making is addressed in the parenting plan.

Our latest blog explains what co-parents should know about school enrollment, schedule changes, educational expenses, and resolving disagreements as a new school year begins.

Read more:

Facing a back-to-school custody conflict in Illinois? Learn how IMDMA law handles school choice, district transfers, private tuition, and schedules.

08/10/2026

Summer camp can be a highlight of a child’s summer. But for divorced or separated parents, signing up isn’t always as simple as choosing a camp and filling out the registration form.

Who gets to decide which camp your child attends? Does your co-parent need to agree? And who is responsible for the cost?

The answers can depend on your parenting plan, how decision-making responsibilities are allocated, and whether camp is considered childcare or an extracurricular activity.

Our latest blog breaks down what co-parents should know about summer camp, expenses, parenting time, and more.

Read the full article:

Wondering who pays for summer camp and plans vacations after divorce in Illinois? Learn how Illinois handles schedules, expenses, and travel rights.

07/29/2026

Prenuptial agreements aren't just for the wealthy—and they aren't a prediction that a marriage will fail.

For many couples, a prenuptial agreement is simply a way to have important financial conversations before getting married. Whether you're bringing assets into the marriage, own a business, have children from a previous relationship, or want clarity about your financial future, a thoughtfully prepared agreement can provide peace of mind.

Our latest blog explains:
• What a prenuptial agreement can and cannot cover in Illinois
• Who should consider having one
• Common misconceptions about prenups
• Why it's important to start the process well before your wedding

Read the full article:

07/17/2026

Summer vacations should be about making memories—not navigating co-parenting conflicts.

If you're divorced or separated, your parenting plan may already include important rules about travel, vacation scheduling, notice requirements, and even who gets the children if travel plans change. Understanding those provisions before you book your trip can help prevent unnecessary disputes.

Our latest blog covers all of the above + out-of-state and international travel, right of first refusal, and what to do if you and your co-parent disagree.

Read the full guide here:

Planning summer travel with your child? Learn Illinois parenting plan requirements, vacation notice rules, travel provisions, and custody tips.

06/30/2026

Families are built in many different ways—and for many stepparents, adoption is the next step in making that bond legally permanent.

If you're considering adopting your spouse's child in Illinois, you may be wondering:
• Do I need the other biological parent's consent?
• What happens if they can't be located?
• How long does the process take?
• What rights does adoption provide?

Our latest blog walks you through the Illinois stepparent adoption process, explains the legal requirements, and answers some of the most common questions families have.

Read the full article here ⬇️

Everything a stepparent needs to know about adopting a stepchild in Illinois, from eligibility and consent to timeline and finalization.

06/22/2026

If you're part of an LGBTQ+ family, understanding your adoption options can help protect the family you've worked so hard to build.

Many parents are surprised to learn that being listed on a birth certificate may not provide the same legal protections as a court-issued adoption order. Whether you're exploring second parent adoption, confirmatory adoption, stepparent adoption, or joint adoption, taking the right legal steps can help ensure your parental rights are recognized and protected wherever life takes you.

Check out our latest blog about the adoption pathways available to LGBTQ+ families in Illinois, recent updates to state law, and why securing a court order is often one of the most important steps you can take.

Read the blog here ⬇️

Thinking about adoption as an LGBTQ+ family? Here's a clear look at your options, what each one protects, and what the process looks like.

06/03/2026

Just got served with divorce papers and have no idea what comes next?

In the latest episode of I Do Until I Don’t, Joshua Stern and Marvin Mendez break down the discovery process—what it is, what you’re required to produce, and what you risk if you decide to skip it.

Spoiler: Josh has never had someone volunteer that they were hiding something (on purpose or not). The only time he found anything was during the discovery process.

Watch here: https://sternmendez.com/blog/video/podcast-episode-08/

05/05/2026

A court order limiting communication means exactly that.

If the court says conversations should only involve child-related matters, discussing property division, finances, or settlement issues over text can create bigger problems for your case.

▶️ Watch the full episode for more insights on communication mistakes to avoid during divorce and parenting litigation: https://sternmendez.com/blog/video/podcast-episode-06/

04/30/2026

Prenups aren't just for celebrities anymore. 💍

In the latest episode of I Do Until I Don't, Marvin and Martin break down how millennials are changing the prenup conversation—and why more couples at every income level are making them a priority before walking down the aisle.

They also get into the AI question: can you use an online tool to draft your own prenup? The answer might surprise you.

▶️ Watch here: https://sternmendez.com/blog/video/podcast-episode-07/

04/29/2026

Still living under the same roof during a divorce?

Sometimes staying in the home can feel like holding your breath underwater—trying to resolve as much as possible before you need to come up for air.

In a recent episode of I Do Until I Don’t, Josh and Marvin discuss how the choice to stay in the home or move out can impact your case.

🎧 Watch the full episode here:
https://sternmendez.com/blog/video/podcast-episode-05/