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...
Family Law
What are the Illinois domestic adoption laws?
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...
Responding to a child who wants to be with the other parent
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...
Allocation of parental responsibilities during the holidays
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...
What is nesting?
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...
The pros and cons of “bird nesting” during divorce
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...
How can you talk about divorce with your teenager?
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...
Do I have to prove fault in my divorce?
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...
How can you modify child support in Illinois?
Child support orders are common following a divorce involving minor children. The court recognizes that the circumstances of either the child or one of the parents can change at any moment. For that reason, you can file for a modification of a child support order....
After your divorce, can you continue to share your lake house?
Having a lake house can be a great deal of fun. If you purchased your vacation home during your marriage, though, it is probably part of your marital estate. As such, you must address its post-divorce ownership when you are wrapping up your marriage. In Illinois,...