An Illinois divorce or separation is often challenging for families. It may prove particularly so when there are children in the middle. However, joint custody arrangements offer many benefits for the well-being and development of the children. Children experience...
Many people associate paternity testing with court orders and dismiss the importance of the tests in other instances. There are cases when it is in the father’s best interest to pursue paternity testing as a precaution and a means to protect their legal rights....
Every state has different child custody laws that they use to assign parental responsibilities and rights, such as legal decision-making, financial support and visitation. In Illinois, visitation and custody are parental time. A parenting plan or a judge’s order...
If you have been thinking about adopting a child for some time and are ready to start the process, congratulations! The decision to welcome a child into your life is a memorable milestone. As exciting as your adoption plans are, there are some Illinois laws you should...
Following a divorce, children sometimes struggle with the new dynamic. While you and your ex work out what you believe is in the best interests of your children, your kids may have ideas or preferences of their own. How should you react if your child asks to spend...
As a newly divorced parent of minor children, the holidays can be a tricky time for you and your offspring. Regardless of the event, there are likely many memories and traditions tied to the time. In these already often stress-filled times, it can be difficult for...
Divorce is a difficult process, no matter how you go through it. If you have children, the difficulties increase exponentially. Particularly during the first phases of divorce, there is the matter of breaking the news to the children and figuring out living situations...
Bird nesting describes a co-parenting arrangement where the children remain in the family home and parents rotate in and out according to a set schedule. In some cases, the parents also maintain a separate shared residence for each to stay at when not on parenting...
Discussing divorce with your children will always be difficult. The breakup between the heads of the household can give the rest of the family uncertainty. According to Healthline, teenagers may have more understanding than younger kids. However, you still want to...
Making the decision to get a divorce can be difficult. Sometimes, you may have a specific reason for making the choice. For example, if your spouse had an affair, it may push you to end the relationship. In other situations, you may not have any specific reason for...
