The language used to define child custody in Illinois can be confusing. What was once referred to as legal custody is now called parental responsibility while physical custody is now referred to as parenting time. To understand what the terms mean, it is important to take a closer look. Parental Responsibility Parental responsibility can be…Read More
Comprehensive Parenting Time Agreement
A comprehensive parenting time agreement not only includes a detailed schedule for the kids to spend time with each parent, but may also address issues such as screen time, dating parents, how to share expenses, or even how to resolve disputes in the future. Parents in Illinois often share custody of children which provides relatively…Read More
Parenting Time and Child Support
With the new parenting time law in the state of Illinois, many divorcing parents think about parenting time as it relates to child support rather than what may be in the best interest of the child. Because the amount of child support a parent will pay is contingent upon how many overnights they have with…Read More
Parenting Plans Involving Young Children
While divorce is never easy for a child regardless of age, preverbal and preschool children are unable to verbally express their feelings, needs or wants to parents as easily as a school age child can. Changes to the family dynamic can be especially unsettling and confusing especially when overnight visits to a non primary caregiver…Read More
Sharing Parenting Expenses After Divorce
Sharing child rearing expenses can be challenging. Divorce almost always means that parents will have to tighten their belts as they begin to maintain separate households. When structuring a divorce settlement agreement, it is important to consider the personal finances involved in co-parenting so that you are not on the losing end of financial arrangements…Read More
College Financial Aid and Divorce
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) uses the information your child provides regarding your financial situation to determine your child’s financial aid eligibility. For parents that are married or reside together, FAFSA takes into account both parents incomes and assets. If parents are divorced and live apart, only the custodial parent is considered…Read More
Michael Strauss Weighs in on Proposed Child Custody Bill
When parents divorce, there is no one parenting plan that fits all families. There are many issues to consider such as a child’s ability to adapt to the new arrangement, the geographical distance between parents or even the potential for domestic violence, particularly in families with a history of abuse. Every family has a unique…Read More
Right of First Refusal
When couples divorce, their children typically benefit if they spend time with both parents. To that end, the “right of first refusal” child care requires that a parent who needs child-care for a “significant period of time” must first offer the other parent an opportunity to personally care for the child before seeking a babysitter…Read More
Michael Strauss Presenting on New Child Support and Parenting Laws
Schlesinger, Strauss & Hoyt LLC is pleased to announce that Michael Strauss will be presenting Thursday, September 14th at a Family Law workshop sponsored by The Lilac Tree. The event titled, “New Child Support and Parenting Laws: The Impact On You and Your Family,” will examine how the terms “Custody and Visitation” are now eliminated…Read More
