Law Office of Michelle Broughton-FountainLaw Office of Michelle Broughton-Fountain2026-06-01T15:12:05Zhttps://www.michellebroughton-fountain.com/feed/atom/WordPress/wp-content/uploads/sites/1204472/2019/10/cropped-favicon-min-32x32.pngOn Behalf of Law Office of Michelle Broughton-Fountain<![CDATA[The municipal guide to clear-title transfers in South Chicago]]>https://www.michellebroughton-fountain.com/?p=484472026-06-01T15:12:05Z2026-06-01T15:12:05Zswift transfer of these parcels to vetted private developers under the Illinois Municipal Code.
The invisible hurdle: why tax deeds require title clearing
The process of taking control of tax-delinquent real estate in Cook County is strictly governed by the Illinois Property Tax Code. Once the statutory redemption window expires without payment, the municipality can petition the Circuit Court of Cook County for an order directing the County Clerk to issue a tax deed.
However, a newly issued tax deed is rarely considered a merchantable or insurable title by major title insurance underwriters:
The post-judgment vulnerability: Original owners and mortgage lienholders can mount post-judgment challenges to a tax deed alleging a lack of proper constitutional due process or statutory notice
The quiet title antidote: To transform a raw tax deed into a marketable asset that a developer can actually finance, the municipality must file a formal Quiet Title Action
Filing a quiet title lawsuit provides a conclusive judicial declaration that completely extinguishes any residual out-of-state mortgages, mechanics' liens, or hidden claims from the property's chain of title.
Strategic advantages of municipal-developer real estate transfers
Once the title has been systematically cleared and insulated from future collateral attacks, the municipality can execute a clean transfer to a chosen developer via a redevelopment agreement:
Accelerated neighborhood rehabilitation: Clear titles allow developers to immediately secure commercial lines of credit, obtain building permits, and deploy construction crews without facing months of title disputes.
Extinguishment of municipal liabilities: Shifting the parcel to a private entity completely relieves the city or village from the ongoing financial strains of lot mowing, boarding up structures, and emergency demolition expenses.
Lowering the resident tax burden: As these long-dormant, vacant parcels are restored to the active Cook County tax rolls, new property tax revenue is generated, directly lowering the individual tax strain carried by everyday homeowners.
Restoring abandoned properties to the active tax rolls effectively redistributes the local financial burden, providing direct property tax relief to South Chicago neighborhoods.
Reviewing the statutory rules for municipal property transfers in Illinois is an indispensable step toward auditing your current inventory of vacant parcels and structuring legally sound Request-for-Proposal (RFP) guidelines. Partnering with a calculated legal team ensures that every scavenger bid, quiet title action, and municipal deed transfer is executed in flawless compliance with state codes.
]]>On Behalf of Law Office of Michelle Broughton-Fountain<![CDATA[South Chicago co-parenting checklist: summer schedule edition]]>https://www.michellebroughton-fountain.com/?p=484462026-05-30T04:55:58Z2026-05-30T04:55:58Zyour court-ordered parenting plan dictates your summer boundaries. To protect your parental rights, use this practical checklist to lock down schedules and split expenses under Illinois law.
1. The scheduling lock-down: reviewing key dates
Do not assume your summer schedule defaults to a standard weekly rotation. Most modern Cook County parenting agreements contain explicit provisions specifically for summer vacation blocks:
Audit contract notice deadlines: Many Illinois parenting agreements mandate a strict notice deadline (frequently April 1st or May 1st) to formally select your uninterrupted summer weeks.
Confirm transition mechanics: Clearly establish the exact pickup and drop-off times, locations, and transportation responsibilities for extended vacation blocks, as these frequently differ from school-year handoffs.
Formalize deviations in writing: If you agree to modify the schedule to accommodate a specific trip, document the agreement via email or your court-approved co-parenting application to prevent future disputes.
Missing your contractually mandated spring notification deadline can cause your priority choice of uninterrupted summer weeks to automatically forfeit to the other parent.
2. Managing out-of-state travel notices legally
If you plan to take your children out of Illinois for a family vacation, you must strictly comply with the notice mandates outlined in your allocation judgment:
Provide a transparent itinerary: Under Illinois law, you must provide the non-traveling parent with flight numbers, departure times, physical lodging addresses, and a reliable emergency contact number.
Verify permanent relocation boundaries: A temporary vacation is entirely different from relocation. Under state law, a Cook County parent intending to permanently move a child more than 25 miles away must secure written consent or file a formal court petition.
Failing to provide a complete, verified travel itinerary within the statutory 14-to-30-day notice window constitutes a direct violation of your Illinois parenting plan.
3. Splitting camp and extracurricular expenses
How summer bills are split depends entirely on how they are classified under your final divorce or parentage judgment:
Identify mandatory work-related costs: Summer camp costs incurred to allow a parent to maintain employment are categorized as mandatory child care expenses, which are split proportionally based on each parent's net income percentage.
Secure mutual consent before registration: Unless your order grants you sole decision-making authority over extracurriculars under the IMDMA you cannot unilaterally enroll a child in an expensive program and expect your co-parent to pay half.
Maintaining an organized 30-day invoice and receipt trail on a court-approved platform is a mandatory prerequisite to secure an enforceable reimbursement order for seasonal child care.
Reviewing the statutory criteria for parenting time enforcement in Illinois is an essential step toward protecting your rights. If a co-parent willfully refuses to return a child on time or denies your allocated vacation weeks, they may be in willful contempt of court, authorizing you to file an enforcement petition in the Cook County Domestic Relations Division. Secure representation early to audit your parenting plan and protect the stability your family deserves this season.]]>On Behalf of Law Office of Michelle Broughton-Fountain<![CDATA[From blight to bright: revitalizing South Chicago properties]]>https://www.michellebroughton-fountain.com/?p=484382026-03-11T02:39:46Z2026-03-11T02:39:46ZThe "tax roll" problem: why blight costs you money
When a property owner stops paying taxes, the city’s essential costs (police, fire services, and public schools) do not disappear. This creates a "tax roll gap," forcing remaining homeowners and businesses to shoulder a disproportionate share of the community's financial needs.
Every abandoned lot in South Chicago represents a silent tax increase for the family living next door. By revitalizing these parcels, we are not just improving the skyline; we are broadening the tax base and lowering the individual burden for the entire community.
The power of the tax deed
The biggest hurdle to revitalizing South Chicago is "clouded title." Developers are often eager to rebuild, but they cannot secure financing if a property is tied up in decades of back taxes, obscure liens, or missing owners.
This is where judicial tax deed proceedings become essential. By "clearing the slate" through a tax deed, the court effectively wipes away the financial debris attached to the land. This litigation process provides a path to a clean, insurable title, allowing developers to finally break ground on the affordable housing or retail spaces that South Chicago residents deserve.
Over 500 PINs: a proven track record
Our firm has been at the forefront of this urban renewal effort, having successfully managed the litigation for over 500 Property Index Numbers (PINs) through the tax deed process. Each PIN represents a property transformed from a community drain into a productive asset. We specialize in navigating the complex Illinois revenue statutes required to move a parcel from "blighted" to "bright."
The time for action is now
Turning dormant parcels into active assets is a fundamental step toward South Chicago’s long-term economic health. By aggressively pursuing tax deed proceedings, we can turn dormant properties into active, revenue-generating engines. Our firm is dedicated to ensuring the legal system works for the people who actually live, work, and pay taxes in this community.]]>On Behalf of Law Office of Michelle Broughton-Fountain<![CDATA[How is debt divided in divorce?]]>https://www.michellebroughton-fountain.com/?p=484362026-02-24T11:35:12Z2026-02-24T11:35:12ZDefining marital debt
Illinois law defines marital debt as any obligation acquired by either spouse during the marriage. Thus, the court presumes all debts are marital regardless of whose name appears on the account. This can include credit cards, mortgages and car loans used for the family.
Principles of distribution
Illinois follows the rule of equitable distribution rather than a strict 50/50 split. Judges divide marital obligations in just proportions after taking into account key considerations, such as the economic circumstances of each spouse and their future earning capacity. The court must also look at other essential factors like the length of the marriage and the age of each spouse.
Nonmarital debt exceptions
Meanwhile, debts incurred before the wedding day typically remain the responsibility of the original debtor. Valid prenuptial or postnuptial agreements also shield specific liabilities from the division process.
However, the court may reclassify a debt if a spouse uses marital funds to pay down a premarital loan. Furthermore, judges may assign debt solely to one party if that person wasted marital resources on personal expenses unrelated to the marriage.
Liability and creditors
A divorce decree assigns responsibility between spouses but does not change a contract with a lender. If both spouses signed for a loan, the creditor can still pursue either person for payment despite the court order. For this reason, spouses can coordinate with each other to freeze joint accounts or transition them into individual names during the divorce process.
Pursuing a fair transition
Financial health remains a cornerstone of your post-divorce life. However, managing the complexities of the law can be daunting and challenging. With legal counsel, you may receive clarity and guidance for pursuing a fair transition into your next chapter.]]>On Behalf of Law Office of Michelle Broughton-Fountain<![CDATA[The role of land use, zoning and nuisance injunctions in strengthening municipal economic development]]>https://www.michellebroughton-fountain.com/?p=484332026-01-30T17:41:02Z2026-01-30T17:41:02ZMunicipal economic development is often discussed in terms of incentives, infrastructure and attracting new investment. Yet, without thoughtful enforcement mechanisms in place, none of these concepts play out in reality to their full potential.
Land use regulation, zoning enforcement and nuisance injunctions are not merely regulatory functions. When used effectively, they can help to stabilize neighborhoods, protect public safety and create or otherwise inspire conditions that allow for meaningful economic growth to take root.
All these factors are important for sustained value
Zoning laws are often foundational to orderly development. They provide predictability about how land can be used, which can be consequential for developers, lenders and business owners making long-term investments, in addition to the functioning of the communities in which such investments are being made. When zoning violations go unaddressed, incompatible uses can undermine surrounding properties. For example, an unlicensed industrial operation in a commercial or residential zone may generate noise, traffic or environmental hazards that deter nearby investment. Enforcing zoning rules can inspire greater confidence that land-use plans will be respected and that lawful businesses will not be undercut by noncompliant competitors.Correcting land-use issues can also help municipalities address blight. Properties that are improperly subdivided, illegally occupied or used in violation of permits often become magnets for neglect and crime. Unsafe structures with code violations can depress surrounding property values and discourage redevelopment. By requiring compliance or remediation, municipalities can return underutilized parcels to productive use and support revitalization efforts.Nuisance injunctions are another powerful but underappreciated economic development tool. Properties that pose public safety hazards, harbor squatters or facilitate unlawful activity can destabilize entire corridors. Fires, structural collapses and health hazards place strain on emergency services and create reputational damage for an area. Seeking injunctions to abate nuisances allows municipalities to compel owners to repair, secure or cease harmful uses to protect residents and signal to investors that the municipality actively manages risk.Unlicensed businesses present a related challenge. Operating outside regulatory frameworks can allow unsafe practices, tax evasion and unfair competition. Enforcement actions, including injunctions when necessary, can help to facilitate a level playing field and protect legitimate enterprises that comply with licensing and safety requirements.Public safety and economic development are closely linked. Areas perceived as unsafe struggle to attract employers, residents and capital. Addressing dangerous conditions through land-use enforcement and nuisance abatement improves quality of life and reduces barriers to investment. ]]>On Behalf of Law Office of Michelle Broughton-Fountain<![CDATA[Setting your co-parenting goals for the new year]]>https://www.michellebroughton-fountain.com/?p=483722025-12-04T13:44:28Z2025-12-04T13:44:28ZThe new year is a natural time to set goals and start fresh. Co-parenting is no exception.
If you share parenting responsibilities, now is a chance to think about ways to improve communication, create consistency for your children and make the year smoother for everyone involved. Across Illinois, courts and mediators encourage parents to work together and keep children’s best interests at the center.
Reflect on past co-parenting experiences
Take a moment to review the past year. What worked well between you and your co-parent? What caused stress or conflict?Thinking about your routines, communication habits and shared responsibilities can reveal areas in your custody arrangement that need adjustment. In Illinois, the court often looks favorably on parents who demonstrate cooperation and consistency, so reflecting on past experiences can also help guide future interactions.
Define clear and realistic goals
Setting clear goals can make co-parenting more predictable and positive. Start by identifying what matters most to your children and what you and your co-parent can realistically achieve. Consider these examples as inspiration:
Maintain consistent communication about schedules and school activities
Establish predictable routines for children during school breaks
Practice respectful conflict resolution with your co-parent
Support each other’s parenting decisions when possible
Schedule regular check-ins to assess progress
These parenting time goals are meant to guide your daily decisions and help both parents stay aligned. Reviewing them periodically can make adjustments easier and keep your children’s needs the priority.
Foster positive communication and flexibility
Healthy co-parenting depends on open, respectful communication. Keep your conversations focused on your children and avoid unnecessary conflict.Flexibility is also key. School schedules, holidays and unexpected events may require adjustments to your plans. When you stay adaptable and work collaboratively, you can reduce tension and create a stable environment for your children.
Make this year your most effective co-parenting year
Setting co-parenting goals is a step toward a smoother, more cooperative year. Start small, stay consistent and make adjustments as needed.Keep your children’s well-being at the center and communicate thoughtfully with your co-parent. This will help you create a positive foundation that benefits your whole family throughout the year.]]>On Behalf of Law Office of Michelle Broughton-Fountain<![CDATA[What cities should know about municipal tax deed proceedings]]>https://www.michellebroughton-fountain.com/?p=483732025-11-28T13:44:22Z2025-11-28T13:44:22ZMunicipal tax deed proceedings happen when unpaid taxes or neglected properties harm neighborhood stability. If you are unsure how to start the process — or how city actions differ from private tax deeds — the legal path can seem challenging.
These proceedings give cities in the South Chicago suburbs a clear way to remove tax debts, reduce blight and return stalled properties to use. Understanding the process helps you make smart decisions that improve communities and protect public resources.
Why municipal tax deeds matter
When property owners fall behind on taxes, the effects reach the whole community. Unpaid taxes reduce city revenue, limit essential services and leave properties empty or deteriorating. Municipal tax deed proceedings provide a court-supervised way to clear these delinquent taxes and return properties to productive use. Unlike private investors who may focus on profit, your local government initiative prioritizes public safety, housing needs and fair redevelopment that benefits residents.
How municipal actions differ from private tax deed proceedings
Cities handle judicial delinquent property cases with a clear, community-focused process. You must follow notice requirements, keep accurate records and meet all court deadlines. This accountability ensures fairness and helps produce a clean, reliable title once the court issues the deed. Private developers often move faster and focus on acquisition, but municipal actions are designed to support long-term planning and strengthen neighborhood well-being.
Key steps for cities preparing to file tax deed proceedings
Identify parcels with delinquent taxes that qualify under state law.
Confirm ownership history and gather all relevant property records.
Send notice to owners and lienholders following statutory requirements.
File the tax deed petition and meet each court deadline.
Coordinate inspections or environmental assessments as needed.
These steps give you a strong foundation and reduce future title disputes. Good preparation also helps you move faster once the court grants the deed.After the procedural work is complete, you can focus on redevelopment strategies that align with your broader goals.
How tax deeds support redevelopment
A completed tax deed gives your city clear ownership or lets you transfer the property to a land bank, developer or nonprofit partner. This helps end long cycles of neglect by clearing tax debts and fixing ownership problems that held back progress. With a clear title, you can move forward on projects that add housing, attract investment and improve neighborhood conditions.
Creating momentum for community renewal
Municipal tax deed proceedings let you reclaim properties that have held back community growth for years. By handling the process carefully, fairly and with residents in mind, you can create safer streets, stronger neighborhoods and a more vibrant future.]]>On Behalf of Law Office of Michelle Broughton-Fountain<![CDATA[A quick guide to paternity disputes in Illinois]]>https://www.michellebroughton-fountain.com/?p=483742025-11-26T16:12:41Z2025-11-26T16:12:41ZWhen paternity disagreements escalate fast
Emotions may run high once a parent questions responsibility, access or authority over major decisions. These involve support obligations, healthcare choices, school enrollment and parenting time. Illinois law treats legal parentage as the foundation for every one of these decisions, so a parent who wants rights must address paternity issues first.
The steps are easy, but some of them may take time. These are some of the factors that may shape the direction of the case:
Relevant relationship details, including messages and timelines
Result of the DNA testing acquired through an accredited Illinois lab
Rights and duties under the Illinois Parentage Act
The parent challenging or establishing paternity should work with a family law attorney who can help them build a strategy that fits their situation.
How does Illinois handle the path to legal parentage?
Illinois courts rely on genetic testing, sworn statements and evidence that shows each parent’s role in the child’s life. A parent who files a petition under 750 ILCS 46 must present facts that support their position. The court then reviews the child’s best interests at every stage. DNA results carry strong weight because the statute gives courts clear authority to establish legal parentage based on scientific evidence.
How a parent strengthens their case and protects their future
Once the court confirms parentage, the judge sets support, decision-making rights and parenting time. Each ruling shapes long-term stability for the child. If you are a parent who wants the strongest outcome, consider legal guidance early. Remember, the law involves complex rules and mistakes can slow progress. Respond fast, protect your rights and avoid missteps that can change your life or your child’s life forever.]]>On Behalf of Law Office of Michelle Broughton-Fountain<![CDATA[How municipalities can turn abandoned properties into tax-generating community assets]]>https://www.michellebroughton-fountain.com/?p=483752025-11-26T16:09:24Z2025-11-26T16:09:24ZHow do abandoned sites strain a city’s budget?
Abandoned properties often trigger multiple code violations. Emergency calls tied to these neglected properties drain police, fire and EMS resources. Tax revenue falls when owners do not pay or when sales and repairs are delayed. Illinois lets cities use a special Abandoned Residential Property Municipality Relief Fund and tax‑foreclosure tools to fix these problems.
The city spends more on reviewing tax and ownership records. It also pays for inspections and legal help. But once the property is good to go, it becomes an investment that everyone can benefit from.
How do cities buy and prepare these properties?
Cities can use tax‑foreclosure auctions (scavenger sales or 'no cash bid') or state funds to fix abandoned homes. City officials then negotiate with owners to take control. After purchase, the city’s lawyers clear title. That lets buyers or developers invest with confidence.
City leaders hire developers who then create mixed-use spaces, affordable housing or neighborhood projects. These buildings give communities more stability, especially when they lead to more investments.
How rehabilitation benefits the community
When work starts, the property is back on the tax rolls and the taxes help pay for schools and local services.
Good redevelopment plans attract investors to nearby blocks, improving neighborhoods and bringing steady revenue. City leaders should carefully identify properties with high tax-generating potential for the best outcome. Working with experienced lawyers can help them avoid legal delays and keep projects compliant.]]>On Behalf of Law Office of Michelle Broughton-Fountain<![CDATA[Is your co-parent being vindictive?]]>https://www.michellebroughton-fountain.com/?p=483762025-08-18T02:45:49Z2025-08-18T02:45:49ZVindictive behavior on the part of a co-parent can make an already challenging situation even harder than it already is. When one parent uses custody arrangements, visitation schedules or communication as a way to punish the other, it can create unnecessary conflict and put children in the middle of adult disputes.
Recognizing the signs of vindictiveness is the first step toward addressing it constructively. Vindictive co-parenting often looks like deliberate interference with one parent’s time or relationship with their child. This can include frequently canceling or delaying parenting time exchanges without good reason, refusing to share important information about a child’s health or school or making major decisions without consultation, despite legal requirements to do so. It can also take the form of negative comments about you made in front of the child, encouraging the child to take sides or filing unnecessary legal actions simply to cause stress.
When those behaviors feel all too familiar
While these behaviors may be rooted in unresolved hurt or anger related to your past romantic or current co-parenting relationship, they aren’t acceptable if they unreasonably inspire tension and instability. Courts generally expect parents to prioritize their child’s best interests and to foster a healthy relationship between their child and that child’s other parent. When one parent acts vindictively, it can be seen as failing to meet those expectations.In some cases, addressing vindictive behavior requires legal intervention. If your co-parent is behaving vindictively in severe and/or frequent ways, it may benefit you to speak with a skilled legal team about your rights and options. ]]>