Creating an Effective Parenting Plan Under Illinois Parenting Time Guidelines
If you’re getting a divorce in Illinois, you need to understand the parenting time guidelines to help create an effective parenting plan.
STG’s Raiford Palmer Notes Trend Toward States Enacting ’50-50 Parenting’ Laws
Raiford Palmer of STG Divorce Law shares insight on states trending towards ’50-50 Parenting’. Find out what it means for you.
What is a Parenting Plan in a Divorce?
Are you asking yourself the important question: What is a parenting plan in a divorce? Keep reading and get the answer here.
Guide to Child Custody During a Divorce in Illinois
Are you unsure about how custody during a divorce works under Illinois law? Our guide has everything you need to know.
Developing A Parenting Plan That Works For Your Family
For divorcing couples with children, the process of divorce is more than just dividing property and assets. Parents must also determine how they will split time with their children. They also have to find a way to work together when it comes to making important decisions about their child’s life and future. This is known […]
Relearning Illinois Child Custody Vocabulary
As odd as it may seem, in Illinois there is no longer such as thing as sole or joint custody or visitation. It is not that the concepts do not exist. Of course, many children still live with one of their parents or they split time between two homes. However, at the beginning of 2016, Illinois […]
When Mental Health Issues Arise During A Custody Dispute
Divorces or parenting time trials can be difficult enough without calling into question someone’s mental health. When an accusation is empty and anger-based, it wastes everyone’s time and resources. Moreover, it may frustrate the judge who ultimately determines each parent’s responsibilities and time with their child. However, in some custody disputes, a parent’s mental health is […]
Child Custody and Tax Dependency Exemptions
There are often numerous decisions upon which divorcing parents need to agree. If agreements are not made, then a family court judge will make the decisions. One of the most contentious decisions in many divorces is determining which parent will claim the child/children for the dependent exemption on his or her tax return each year. This argument […]
Will the Court Let You Move With Your Child?
After a family law case is resolved, you may still be limited in the decisions you can make for your child. One common issue is looking to move with your child. In many cases you will need the permission of the court before you can move with your child, even if you have been allocated most of the […]
What Goes Into The Allocation Of Parental Responsibilities?
When parents split up in Illinois, a family law court no longer awards one side custody of the children. Instead, the court allocates parental responsibilities. Therefore, it is important to understand what responsibilities the court allocates and how the court makes a decision on which parent should do what. What Are Parental Responsibilities? When the court allocates parental […]
How to Prepare for a Custody Evaluation
One of the most important parts of a child custody case will not happen in a courtroom. Instead, it will occur in your home or at the office of the court appointed custody evaluator. The custody evaluator, the expert selected by the court, will inform the court of what is best for your child. While judges are […]
When A Stepparent Needs Custody of A Child
Blended families are more common than ever, and may soon be the norm. Sometimes these complex families face unique custody issues. While the law usually favors a biological parent in custody cases, the best choice may be stepparent in certain circumstances. Reasons a Stepparent May Need Custody of a Child There are several reasons why a […]
What Happens When The Judge Appoints A Guardian Ad Litem?
In most family law cases each parent has his or her own attorney that represents them throughout the process. A lawyer does not usually represent the children. However, in some cases, a judge may appoint a lawyer to make sure the children’s interests are protected. The legal term for this lawyer is guardian ad litem. The lawyer […]
Illinois Law and International Custody Disputes
With the spread of technology and the increase of globalization, families often find themselves spread all over the globe. When there is a custody dispute, making sense of what steps need to be taken to try and protect the children and to try and preserve their relationships with both parents can be difficult. Sometimes, there is […]
How Does A Divorce Work When The Spouses Live In Different States?
Getting a divorce can be complicated, especially when spouses live in different states. Just as you only get married in one state, you also only get divorced in one state. Moreover, divorces involve property division, support orders, decisions about parenting time, and where any children should live—additional added complications. Jurisdiction over Property Illinois requires that […]
What Is The Standard For Being An Unfit Parent For Child Custody In Illinois?
During a contentious custody dispute, one party may accuse the other of being an unfit parent. The term “unfit parent” can be used in casual conversation and may be interpreted in a number of ways. However, under Illinois law, being an unfit parent has a specific definition and severe consequences. How Judges Make Custody and Visitation […]
Can You Have Custody of the Family Pet in an Illinois Divorce?
Divorces are difficult. Sometimes the things that once brought a couple closer, and were the source of great happiness, can be the sources of bitter feelings and lasting resentment. More than half of all Illinois families have a pet, and a family pet can cause big problems in a divorce. How the Law Views Pets […]
Family Law Update Part IV: S.B. 57, Child Support, College Expenses and Maintenance
In many states across the United States, including Illinois, whether or not parents are married, they are required to support the children they bring into this world. Senate Bill 57 makes child support obligations of parents more equitable. It also makes changes to the obligation of parents in regards to college expenses and maintenance. Currently, under Illinois law, there […]
Family Law Update Part III: S.B. 57 and Changes to Child Custody
One of the biggest changes ushered in by Senate Bill 57 is in relation to child custody. As the law stands in Illinois today, courts handle child custody proceedings by awarding physical and/or legal custody to one or both parents. When a parent is awarded physical custody, the child lives with that parent and the parent essentially cares […]
Leaving the State With Your Child After A Divorce
Separating from your spouse can have a permanent impact on your life, especially if you and your ex-spouse have children. The impact is most obvious when you want to leave the state with your child. Whether you are considering moving because your job is requiring it, or you are just planning a trip to the […]
