Deciding on a parenting time arrangement is not always easy, especially in a contested divorce. Sometimes a court cannot determine a parenting time or parental responsibility arrangement that is in the best interests of the child without the help of professionals such as a custody evaluator – a professional that can work with the parents,…Read More
Child Support and Parenting Time Modifications
After parents divorce, their financial or other circumstances may change over the months or years following the divorce. When the financial or living situation change substantially, they may want to pursue a modification to the divorce orders for child and spousal support or parenting time and responsibility. Typically, the court will not entertain changes to…Read More
Initiating an Illinois Divorce
After securing an attorney to handle your divorce, the divorce officially begins when either you or your spouse files a dissolution of marriage petition with the court in the county where one or both parties reside marking the legal start date of the divorce. The spouse who files the petition or complaint is the plaintiff…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
Unique Issues for Divorce During the Pandemic
Following the holidays, many more spouses tend to file for divorce, perhaps postponing their plans to allow children or other family members to enjoy the festivities before starting divorce proceedings. As the new year approaches, those considering divorce may wonder if there are any obstacles to getting a divorce during the pandemic and what unique…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
Telling Your Child’s Teacher About Your Divorce
When a family is going through a divorce, many do not want to discuss their private lives outside of their immediate family and friends. However, when there are school-aged children involved it may be in your child’s best interest to let his or her teacher know what is happening at home so they can provide…Read More
Guardian Ad Litem Role in Determining Parenting Time and Responsibility
Deciding how parenting time and parental responsibilities will be structured to best meet the needs of your children during a divorce is perhaps the most important decision divorcing parents will make. Parental responsibility means making major decisions affecting your children such as education, religion, medical care and more. Parenting time means how much time children…Read More
Children, Holidays, Divorce
Going through a divorce with the holidays approaching can be difficult for a family. Moving to a new home, an absent spouse or reduced income can all impact your children as the holiday season approaches. Offering support will help your kids navigate the festivities. It is tempting to bombard your children with activities and gifts…Read More
Could this be the year for child custody reform in Illinois?
Illinois is one of several states currently considering changing their family laws to better promote shared parenting arrangements. As we have reported, child custody in the past was almost always awarded to mothers while fathers were granted visitation rights. However, today fathers throughout the nation are demanding a greater amount of time with their children…Read More
