Sexual harassment is a pervasive issue that affects employees in various industries and workplaces. While many people are aware of the laws protecting employees from sexual harassment by their employers or co-workers, there may be some confusion about whether these protections extend to harassment from customers, clients, or other non-employees. By understanding their legal rights, employees can make sure sexual harassment by non-employees will be addressed correctly.

Employee Protections Against Sexual Harassment

The primary law that provides protection against workplace discrimination and harassment in Illinois is the Illinois Human Rights Act (IHRA).  The IHRA prohibits employers from subjecting employees to a hostile work environment due to unwanted sexual advances or conduct. These protections extend not only to direct actions taken by an employer and other employees, they also encompass acts committed by non-employees. While under federal law, Title VII does not explicitly mention sexual harassment by non-employees, courts have interpreted its provisions broadly enough to also cover such instances.

Divorce can be challenging for anyone, but the process of ending a marriage can be especially complicated for couples who have a high net worth. In addition to addressing the typical concerns about issues such as property division and child custody, determining how to resolve financial matters can take on a whole new level of complexity for couples with substantial assets. If you are going through a high net worth divorce in Illinois, it is crucial to work with an attorney who can help you understand the specific financial issues that may arise and how they could impact your future.

The Role of Asset Valuation

One significant challenge in high net worth divorces involves properly valuing all assets owned by a couple, both together and separately. This task can become particularly complex when there are diverse investment portfolios, business interests, real estate holdings, and other valuable assets involved. Accurate asset valuation is essential for ensuring an equitable distribution of marital property during the divorce proceedings.

To ensure that all assets will be valued correctly, it is important to consult with professionals such as forensic accountants and appraisers who have experience working with high net worth individuals. These experts can help determine the value of businesses, investments, retirement accounts, intellectual property rights, professional practices, and other valuable assets.

Sexual harassment is a serious issue that affects many individuals in the workplace. It can have long-lasting effects on victims, both emotionally and professionally. If you have experienced sexual harassment in Illinois, it is important to understand your rights and the legal options available to you. One question that often arises is whether there is a statute of limitations for reporting sexual harassment and what actions you will need to take within the appropriate time limits.

Understanding the Statute of Limitations

The statute of limitations refers to the time period within which a victim must take action to address discrimination they have experienced due to sexual harassment. In the context of sexual harassment, the statute of limitations determines how long a victim has to report the harassment and seek legal recourse. The time limits will vary depending on the type of legal claim and the jurisdiction. 

In Illinois, the statute of limitations for reporting sexual harassment depends on the specific legal claim being pursued. It is important to note that the statute of limitations may vary depending on the circumstances of each case, so it is advisable to consult with an experienced attorney to understand the specific time limits that apply to your specific situation.

The divorce process can be challenging, and when a couple has a high net worth, the complexity of a case can increase significantly. In these situations, the division of assets becomes a critical aspect of the divorce settlement, and other legal and financial issues may also need to be addressed, such as spousal support or prenuptial agreements. High asset divorces often involve significant financial holdings, investments, and properties that need to be properly evaluated and divided. If you are going through a high net worth divorce in Wheaton, Illinois, it is important to understand the types of assets that may need to be addressed. An experienced divorce attorney can help ensure that your rights and interests are protected throughout the process. The different types of assets to address during your case may include:

Real Estate

Real estate properties are often some of the most valuable assets in a high net worth divorce. They can include primary residences, vacation homes, rental properties, and other commercial properties. It is important to determine the current market value of each property and consider factors such as mortgage debt, rental income, and potential tax implications. In some cases, it may be necessary to sell certain properties and divide the proceeds, while in others, one spouse may choose to keep a property and buy out the other spouse's share.

Business Interests

Business ownership may play a significant role in a high net worth divorce. Spouses may have ownership stakes in privately held companies, partnerships, professional practices, and investments in startups or other ventures. Valuing these business interests can be complex, and it often requires the assistance of financial professionals and forensic accountants. It is important to determine the fair market value of the business and consider factors such as future earning potential, liabilities, and the contributions of each spouse to the business's success.

Going through a divorce can be challenging, and couples will need to address multiple types of legal and financial issues. Many of the most significant concerns for divorcing spouses will be related to the division of assets and the family home in particular. If you are looking to maintain ownership of your home following a divorce in Illinois, there are several factors to consider. By working with a skilled divorce attorney, you can take steps to protect your interests and resolve financial issues successfully.

Understanding the Laws in Illinois

Before delving into the specifics of home ownership following divorce, it is essential to have a basic understanding of the laws in Illinois regarding property division. Illinois follows the principle of equitable distribution, which means that marital property is divided between spouses fairly but not necessarily equally.

Marital property includes any assets acquired during the marriage. If your family home was purchased after you got married, it will be a marital asset. However, if you owned the home before you got married, or if you received the home as a gift or inheritance, it may be considered non-marital property, and it could potentially be excluded from the division.