Tag Archives: parental responsibilities
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
Modification of a Family Court Order
When a family court has issued a ruling or the approval of an agreement in an allocation of parental responsibilities case, it may seem like the case is closed. In many situations, however, things are just getting started. Illinois law allows for either parent to ask the court to modify the order in the future if and when an update becomes necessary. Before a modification will beContinue 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
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
Relocating With Your Child: Who Else is Around?
As you may be aware, recent changes to the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act have made it more complicated to move with your child if you currently share parental responsibilities. On one hand, this is a good thing. It should not necessarily be easy to up and move without taking into account how the move will impact the other parent’s access and relationshipContinue 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