Law Office of Michelle Broughton-Fountain Law Office of Michelle Broughton-Fountain 2026-07-17T08:10:47Z https://www.michellebroughton-fountain.com/feed/atom/ WordPress /wp-content/uploads/sites/1204472/2019/10/cropped-favicon-min-32x32.png On Behalf of Law Office of Michelle Broughton-Fountain <![CDATA[Resolve co-parent school choice disputes early]]> https://www.michellebroughton-fountain.com/?p=48450 2026-07-17T08:10:47Z 2026-07-17T08:10:47Z Understanding school choice under the IMDMA The Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act governs the allocation of parental responsibilities, which includes significant decision-making authority over school-related choices. When parents share joint decision-making responsibility for education, both must agree on major educational decisions. This includes which school or school district their child attends. However, the IMDMA does not always provide clear answers when parents disagree. Courts usually focus on what best serves your child's interests. They consider factors such as academic quality, proximity to each parent's home and your child's social connections. If your parenting agreement addresses education, those terms usually guide the outcome.

Why mid-summer resolution matters

Waiting until late August to settle a school dispute creates unnecessary stress for everyone involved. Most South Side school districts require registration by mid-July and popular programs fill quickly. Waiting too long may limit your child's options or force a less desirable placement. Your child also benefits from stability. Knowing where they will go to school gives them time to prepare, meet future classmates and adjust to the change. Last-minute changes can increase anxiety and make the first weeks of school more difficult.

Steps to consider when you disagree

If you and your co-parent cannot agree on where your child will attend school, consider mediation before going to court. A trained mediator can help you find common ground and develop solutions that fit your family's needs. Mediation often costs less and takes less time than litigation. You can also review your child's specific needs together. Does your child need special education services that one district provides better than another? Would staying in the current school provide valuable stability during a difficult time? Focus on your child's needs instead of personal preferences. That can make the conversation more productive.

When court involvement becomes necessary

Sometimes parents cannot reach an agreement despite good faith efforts. If that happens, you may need to file a petition with the court. Illinois family courts can decide education issues when parents reach an impasse. Judges review evidence about each school's quality, transportation and the effect on parenting time. They may appoint a guardian ad litem to investigate the situation and recommend what best serves your child. This process takes time, so starting early in the summer remains important.

Moving forward after a disagreement with your co-parent

Resolving school choice disagreements early can reduce stress and give your child a smoother start to the school year. Review your parenting agreement, keep discussions focused on your child's best interests and explore options such as mediation when needed. If an agreement remains out of reach, addressing the issue through the legal process before enrollment deadlines may help protect your child's educational stability.]]> On Behalf of Law Office of Michelle Broughton-Fountain <![CDATA[Securing summer spaces: How municipalities use injunctions to fix abandoned properties]]> https://www.michellebroughton-fountain.com/?p=48448 2026-07-02T07:26:24Z 2026-07-02T07:16:41Z brings more people outside. Empty strip malls, unlocked pools, crumbling garages and idle warehouses can draw trespassers and create safety risks. You may see more code complaints and calls for help during warm months. Municipal leaders can seek emergency injunctions to stop immediate dangers while code enforcement works on longer term fixes.

What can an emergency injunction do?

An emergency injunction lets a court order quick steps to make a site safer. A judge may authorize boarding windows, fencing off the site, covering an unmonitored pool or ordering short repairs. The aim is to prevent injuries and unlawful entry, not to sort out ownership. You may support an injunction with photos, incident reports and code violation records.

How can you prepare a case quickly?

When you act fast, a court may be more likely to grant temporary relief. You might gather:
  • Clear documentation, including dates, photos, code reports and witness statements
  • An enforcement plan, showing who will secure the site, how long work will take and a single point of contact
Presenting clear evidence of immediate danger and a realistic plan to reduce risk often helps a judge see the need for quick action.

Which law may support municipal action?

Under the Illinois Municipal Code and related court practice, municipalities may seek injunctive relief to abate public nuisances. Illinois offers a path for local officials to ask courts to repair, enclose or remove unsafe structures to protect public health and safety.

How should you work with code enforcement and the community?

You can pair legal steps with on-the-ground action to move faster. Code officers can gather the facts. Contractors can give cost and time estimates. Neighbors can report trespass, vandalism and unsafe conditions. Together, you can present a practical case that shows both the danger and how you plan to fix it.

How can you balance speed with fairness?

Emergency injunctions usually run for a short time. Courts may ask you to notify property owners and give them a quick hearing after an initial order. You may want to write orders that protect public safety while preserving owners’ rights. Clear timelines and careful wording can reduce disputes and help the court see the public interest.

How can our firm support you?

You can rely on our team to prepare emergency filings, coordinate evidence with your code enforcement officers and draft enforceable orders that focus on immediate safety needs. We often help municipalities plan next steps so temporary fixes can become long term solutions as allowed by law. If you face several abandoned sites that worsen in summer, we can help prioritize cases and streamline filings so relief comes faster.

A clear next step for summer safety

Acting early and showing straightforward proof of danger often helps secure quick court relief regarding municipal injunctions. If you focus on safety, clear plans and timely coordination, you may reduce summer hazards while preserving due process.]]> On 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=48447 2026-06-01T15:12:05Z 2026-06-01T15:12:05Z swift 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=48446 2026-05-30T04:55:58Z 2026-05-30T04:55:58Z your 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=48438 2026-03-11T02:39:46Z 2026-03-11T02:39:46Z The "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=48436 2026-02-24T11:35:12Z 2026-02-24T11:35:12Z Defining 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=48433 2026-01-30T17:41:02Z 2026-01-30T17:41:02Z Municipal 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=48372 2025-12-04T13:44:28Z 2025-12-04T13:44:28Z The 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=48373 2025-11-28T13:44:22Z 2025-11-28T13:44:22Z Municipal 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

Before starting, cities should know the main steps in court-supervised tax deed process and get ready:
  • 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=48374 2025-11-26T16:12:41Z 2025-11-26T16:12:41Z When 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.]]>