Many Illinois parents wonder if their marijuana use can be used against them in a child custody dispute despite the legalization of both recreational and medical marijuana use in the state. Legal or not, irresponsible drug or alcohol use can indeed negatively affect a custody determination, so it is important for a parent to check…Read More
Hiring an Expert Witness in a Child Custody Case
An expert witness is a professional qualified as having the knowledge, skill, experience, training or education in a particular area beyond that of an average person, who may testify in court based upon sufficient facts or data. When a couple is embroiled in a child custody dispute, an expert witness such as a mental health…Read More
Interstate Child Custody Jurisdiction
The Netflix movie, Marriage Story, chronicles the divorce of two devoted parents of a young boy involved in an interstate custody dispute. In a fictional account that mimics real life, the story begins with a marriage on the rocks and a subsequent move by the mother and son from NY to CA to take a…Read More
Child Custody When Children Are Very Young
When trying to determine what is in the best interest of a very young child in a contested child custody proceeding, judges will look at many factors. Continuity of care often weighs heavily in a judges determination when it comes to young’s kids who cannot make heads or tails out of a divorce, let alone…Read More
Child Custody and Substance Abuse
Substance abuse is a continuing problem that many families struggle with. If you are considering divorce and are concerned about your spouse’s drug or alcohol use around the children, you are likely uneasy about your kids spending extended time with your ex following a divorce. You may have endured emotional or even physical abuse during…Read More
Child Custody Dispute Attorney
Sometimes in an Illinois divorce proceeding, one side will allege domestic violence, child abuse or child neglect, with or without proof or foundation, in order to influence the court’s decision on child visitation or child custody. When you are considering filing for divorce and there are domestic violence, child abuse or child neglect issues involved,…Read More
Resolving Illinois Child Custody Disputes
If divorcing parents are unable to work together regarding child custody and visitation arrangements (aka parenting time), the case may go to court in order to find a resolution that serves the child’s best interests. Although parents presumably know what is best for their child, they may lack objectivity in a contentious divorce so a…Read More