When well-known people divorce, we sometimes hear about non-disclosure clauses being included in their divorce agreement to prevent either from speaking or writing publicly about the break-up. Some songwriters have become known for using their break-ups as creative fodder for their music.

While a person may prefer that their ex not use their divorce in their work, they (and their children) can also benefit from the money generated by it. Therefore, they may be willing to agree to forego a blanket confidentiality agreement for some control over the message.

Why divorcing couples can benefit from this

Relatively few people are married to someone with the ability to share their personal life with a worldwide audience. However, many people still have a reputation within their community or their profession that they want to protect. Others simply don't want their ex to share whatever they feel like about them on social media.

As a member of the LGTBQ community, you contribute to Chicago. You know you are welcome in your community. Yet, you may face both subtle and blatant forms of prejudice in your workplace.

After you came out, you may have known that you would experience discrimination. This knowledge may not make the pain of exclusion any less sharp.

Your sexual identity cannot be a basis for discrimination

Under Illinois law, your sexual identity cannot be a basis for denying your civil rights.

While it has been slow going, members of the LGBTQA community are steadily gaining more and more rights like everyone else. While same-sex partnership is now legal throughout the nation, some legal issues are still quite difficult for same-sex couples to navigate. One of these issues is the process of child custody during a same-sex divorce.

The state of Illinois passed the Parentage Act in 2015 following the legalization of same-sex marriage in the state. This act provides a guideline on how child custody is handled during divorce. The act also includes language that suits same-sex partnerships.

According to the Parentage Act, a person is deemed to be a child's parent when:

Not only is the divorce process stressful on both spouses, but it may also have a significant impact on the children. Whilst the best interests of the children will always be at the heart of a parent's decisions, it is not always easy to know which route to take.

Fortunately, there are some ways to reduce the emotional toll that divorce can have on children. Outlined below are three ways to help children through the divorce procedure.

Communicate openly

Often, adults attempt to protect children by shielding them from the reasoning behind their divorce. Hiding facts about your divorce or being dishonest could negatively impact the child, and they may even blame themselves. Honest conversations that are age-appropriate could end up helping children to cope with the divorce process.

The love you have for your spouse is infinite, and now you want to share that love with a person that both of you can raise and take care of. Although the possibility of adoption is open, you may want a child with your or your loved one's genetics. Fortunately, you can make your dreams of parenthood a reality with a surrogacy agreement in Illinois. However, there are important requirements you must comply with if you want to expand your family this way.

How surrogacy works

Good news: Illinois is one of the most surrogate-friendly states. If you decide to become a surrogate parent in Illinois, you can establish paternity before birth, set the terms of the pregnancy and get legal protection when the child is born. Same-sex couples and different-sex couples must follow the same steps to welcome a new child through surrogacy. The only difference is that same-sex couples must decide who will be genetically related to the child. However, that does not mean that everyone can become a surrogate parent.

Eligibility

The people who want to become surrogate parents must comply with certain requirements to set up the agreement. The woman who will bear the child has other requirements they also have to satisfy. A surrogacy agreement would be valid and enforceable only if those involved are eligible, which means that: