What Are Parental Responsibilities?
As we get further into 2016, the new laws regarding child custody and other family concerns are beginning to have an impact on court proceeding around the state of Illinois. It is much too early to identify any emerging trends or inclinations of the court, as of yet, but it probably will not be long before that starts to happen. In the meantime, it may be usefulContinue reading
Study Reveals Alarming Discrepancies in Hospitals’ Brain Death Policies
At a pivotal point in the 1987 fantasy film, The Princess Bride, a comic-relief character played by comedian Billy Crystal declares that the story’s protagonist is “only mostly dead,” and that “mostly dead is slightly alive.” In the context of the movie, of course, the exchange was meant to be humorous, setting the stage for a miraculous return from the brink of death. However, in realContinue reading
Substance Abuse and Parenting Time
Substance abuse continues to be a problem all throughout the United States. Addiction to alcohol and drugs can ruin lives and tear families apart. Family law courts are especially concerned about parents with substance abuse issues. Substance Abuse and Being an Unfit Parent Family court judges are often required to decide how much time each parent should spend with the children of the relationship when theContinue reading
Illinois Law Encourages Amicable Property Settlements
While you probably know at least one person who has been through an extremely nasty divorce. The proceedings may have lasted months, causing both spouses a high degree of stress and anxiety. What is worse, the acrimony and contentiousness of such a battle can leave lasting scars, making it incredibly difficult for the parties to communicate in the future. This, as you might expect, can presentContinue reading
Stepparent Adoption in Illinois
Relationships between stepparents and stepchildren can be just as important and strong as the relationships between biological parents and children. Under Illinois law a stepparent can file a petition to legally adopt a stepchild. However, the family must follow the rules and regulations exactly if the adoption is to be successful. The Basics Illinois considers stepparent adoptions related adoptions. Both biological parents must consent to the adoptionContinue reading
Understanding Fixed-Term Maintenance
As part of the family law changes that went into effect this month, courts will now have the authority to enter fixed-term orders for spousal maintenance during a modification review. Dating back to the beginning of last year, fixed-term maintenance has been an option for new orders related to the dissolution of shorter marriages, but has now been extended to modified orders as well. What is Fixed-TermContinue reading
New Law Places Limits on Support for College Expenses
If you are currently paying child support pursuant to a court order, you probably expect that your obligations will be complete when your child turns 18 and/or graduates high school. While such an expectation is certainly reasonable, and even accurate in most cases, the state of Illinois may require you to continue providing support beyond age 18 for the purposes of assisting with educational expenses.Continue reading
QDROs and Back Child Support
When you are working hard to raise your child, but the other parent fails or refuses to comply with his or her obligations for child support, it is easy to feel like your options are limited. You may begin to believe that once he or she has missed an ordered payment, your child will never see that money, no matter what type collection activities are pursued.Continue reading
New Law Permits Nursing Home Monitoring Devices
According to AARP Illinois State Director Bob Gallo, public health officials in Illinois receive about 19,000 complaints each year from residents of nursing homes and other long-term care facilities. Throughout the past year, the state legislature and Governor Bruce Rauner officially took a stand against nursing home negligence and abuse by passing a measure designed to protect some of Illinois’ most at-risk residents. Beginning in 2016, IllinoisContinue reading
Understanding Your Role as Executor
When a friend or a loved one asks you to serve as the executor of their estate, you may be inclined to immediately agree, due to the nature of your relationship with that person. However, you may really understand what your duties may entail until the time comes to fulfill the role, whether you are prepared or not. An experienced probate law attorney can help you learnContinue reading