Category Archives: Child Custody
Five More Child Custody Mistakes to Avoid
Previously, a post on this blog discussed some of the most common pitfalls for parents in the midst of a contentious child custody battle. Now known as the allocation of parental responsibilities in Illinois, such cases are typically very stressful for all involved. There are, however, a few more missteps you should take care to avoid as you strive to be the best possible parent to your child. #6.Continue reading
Five Mistakes to Avoid in Parental Responsibility Cases
Proceedings related to child custody—now called the allocation of parental responsibilities in Illinois—are challenging, nuanced, and, in most cases, emotionally draining for everyone involved. Too often, the idea of “winning” becomes much more important to many divorcing or unmarried parents. As a result, the child’s best interests take a back seat to the desires of the adults. While most such cases begin with the adults wantingContinue reading
Could Fake Text Messages Impact Your Divorce?
As with any legal proceeding, facts are vital during a divorce case. Over the last several decades, the laws have evolved taking Illinois from a “fault” state to a “no-fault” state, meaning that proof of grounds such as adultery is no longer necessary to obtain divorce. For two individuals to request a divorce, only the grounds of “irreconcilable differences” are accepted. Therefore, as far asContinue reading
Understanding Parental Responsibilities, Part 2; Parenting Time
Making decisions about parenting in the wake of a divorce can be extremely difficult. It is impossible to predict what the future holds, so your only option is to create a parenting plan that will facilitate cooperation between you and your former spouse for years to come. In a previous post, we discussed the concept of significant decision-making authority and how each parent may be assignedContinue reading
Understanding Parental Responsibilities, Part 1; Significant Decision-Making
Last year, the laws regarding divorce and child custody in the state of Illinois were almost completely overhauled. The update represented the most comprehensive family law reform in nearly four decades. The intent was to bring the state’s family law statutes in line with the needs of today’s families. Among the most significant changes was to considerations for child custody. In fact, the new law all butContinue reading
The New Understanding of Child Custody
Beginning in January of 2016, new laws went into effect in Illinois that altered the state’s approach to child custody proceedings for divorced, separated, and unmarried parents. Proponents of the changes had held for many years that the previous version of the law had become outdated and often led to bitter, impassioned disputes between parents who each wanted to “win” custody of their children. While no lawContinue reading
Modifying the Allocation of Parental Responsibilities: Can It Be Done?
There are many reasons that parents may wish to modify their allocation of parental responsibilities (child custody) order, but can a parent really change a court order once it has been entered? If so, under what circumstances? The following information may be able to provide guidance to those who wish to modify the allocation of parental responsibilities for their child. Obtaining a Modification Is Often Difficult TheContinue reading
Illinois Child Custody Revamped
On January 1 of this year, major changes to the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act went into effect. These amendments were intended to reflect the societal changes regarding how child custody should be handled. In fact, the updated law does away with the term “child custody,” replacing it with the terms “parenting time” and “parenting responsibilities” instead. Change Needed When many people hear the phraseContinue reading
Arranging Parental Responsibilities in Illinois
Entering the post-divorce world as a single parent can be overwhelming, especially in wake of the emotional toll brought on by the separation. One of the most important tasks you will face as a newly single parent is handling the allocation of parental responsibilities. This is a phrase that the law in Illinois began using as of January 1, 2016 to refer to arrangements that areContinue reading
New Terminology in the Law Focuses on Parental Inclusion
The influence of language and communication in today’s world is tremendous. The schoolyard chant claiming “words could never hurt” is simply not true. Words can definitely hurt. They can also be used to bring people together, to overcome adversity, and to even change the world. For centuries, authors and playwrights have extolled the power that words can have, even compared to physical weapons of war–perhapsContinue reading