Creating New Holiday Traditions Can Help Children Cope With Divorce
Family traditions are an important part of the holiday season, but those that are going through divorce often find that old traditions are no longer feasible. When children are involved, this can create a parent-sized gap in the home and may even lead to excessive sadness or depression. Lift your child’s holiday spirits this season […]
Dealing With Complex Child-Related Issues In Illinois
While, in many child-related cases, the allocation of parental responsibilities and parenting time distribution between parents will be shared and potentially straightforward, there are cases in which things can become highly complex. These cases typically involve matters like domestic violence, child abuse, neglect, addiction, or other habits or behaviors that may place children at risk. Learn […]
Nesting Parenting Plans – When Children Get The House In Divorce
Parents who divorce often spend their weekends preparing the children to shift houses. There is a new trend in divorce, though – one where the kids keep the house and the parents shuffle in and out. It is known as nesting, and for some families, it works. It does have its drawbacks, however. As such, […]
Child's Age May Influence Their Needs And Reaction To Divorce – Help Them Cope At Any Stage
Once a couple finally reaches a decision on divorce, their next dreaded feat is to talk to the children. Some worry their children will become angry. Others are concerned their child may suffer from depression or a sense of blame. Still others may wonder if, after years of hearing their parents argue, children might be […]
Relocating With Your Child After An Illinois Divorce
In most circumstances, children benefit from close and consistent contact with both of their parents. Illinois law recognizes this fact and has relocation guidelines in place to protect the child’s best interests. Of course, there are circumstances in which a move might benefit the child – a parent may find a better job, have an […]
Children Continue To Reap Benefits From Recent Family Law Changes In Illinois
Enacted at the beginning of 2016, several modifications were made to Illinois’ family laws. Those that affect children – now known as parenting time (visitation) and the allocation of parental responsibilities (custody) were among some of the most drastically altered. Some feared these changes. Others wondered why they were made. Most moved forward with uncertainty. With […]
In High Conflict Marriages, Divorce May Be Better For Children Than Staying Together
Parents will often sacrifice anything for their children, even their own happiness. However, those in high conflict marriages may want to think twice about staying together “for the children.” A recent study has shown that it is continued conflict – not divorce – that leads to relationship problems for children later on in life. Understand […]
Fighting Parental Alienation
Child custody and visitation schedules are hard on parents and kids. Many moms and dads go from seeing their children every day to having to abide by a schedule. The children, who are used to having access to both parents, suddenly have two homes. When a custody arrangement is determined by the court and not the parents […]
When Should an Unmarried Couple Head To Court To Deal With Parenting Issues?
Even though more and more children are born outside of marriage, the laws of Illinois continue to favor parents who are married. While there is often little reason to run to the courthouse when a couple is in a stable, committed relationship, there may be reasons that a couple should consider heading to court. Has Parentage Been […]
Understanding the Power of Parenting Time Coordinators
Family court judges have the power to appoint a variety of professionals to help parents understand the issues and resolve disagreements in cases involving children. Parenting time coordinators are used in many counties to help make sure children can get established with a parenting time routine as quickly as possible. Role of Parenting Time Coordinator When […]
When Can Parental Rights Be Terminated?
Child custody and child support are often extremely contentious issues, and tensions can be made even worse when a parent chooses not to live up to his or her obligations under the custody or support orders. Frustrated parents often ask whether they can have the other parent’s rights to a child or children terminated in order to be done […]
