Category Archives: Illinois Family Law Attorneys

Coming Changes to Child Removal and Parental Relocation Laws

As part of a bill that will overhaul a large number of family law provisions in Illinois, there are changes coming in regard to a custodial parent’s ability to move with his or her child. Many around the state are viewing the legislation as significant family law reform, and have lauded its aim to address evolving social ideals. Having already passed the Illinois House and Senate,Continue reading

The Presumption of Paternity

While most people understand the importance of establishing paternity for unmarried parents, little thought is often given to the paternity of children born to a married couple. In a large majority of family situations, paternity will never be an issued for married parents, but there are some cases in which the presumptions made by law can actually complicate matters. If you find yourself in such aContinue reading

Why Some Marriages Cannot Withstand Retirement

In recent years, a new trend known as “gray divorce” has swept through the United States. Gray divorce refers to the phenomenon of couples over the age of 50 opting to get divorced. In 2010, approximately 25 percent of people working through divorces were age 50 or older. In 1990, that demographic represented only 10 percent. Why are so many older couples divorcing? In part, itContinue reading

The Court Appointed a Child Representative to Our Case; What Does that Mean?

If the court appointed a child representative to your case, it means that the court feels it is in your child’s best interest for a neutral party to determine the most productive choices for his or her custody, support, and visitation following your divorce. A child representative’s duties are outlined in the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act. The representative is an attorney appointed by the courtContinue reading

Addressing Insurance Policies During Your Divorce

When you are working through a divorce, there are many issues you need to consider. Your child custody arrangements, how child support will be handled, whether either you or your spouse will need spousal support following the divorce, and a fair division of your property are all among the issues that need to be worked out before a divorce settlement is issued. Another issue that couples must considerContinue reading

Why Collaborative Divorce May Be Beneficial

When you have reached in a point in your marriage where you know the relationship is beyond repair, it is time to start thinking about divorce options. Depending on you and your spouse’s ability to work together, you may have more choices than you realize when it comes to achieving a workable divorce agreement. Divorcing spouses who refuse to cooperate or agree on major issues areContinue reading

What Is an Annulment?

Most people understand that a divorce legally ends and validly recognized marriage. Whatever a couple’s reasons may be for ending the marriage, relatively few do so in the belief that the marriage was never initially valid. Those relative few, however, may have an alternative to divorce if they have reason to believe that their marriage was invalid. A declaration of invalidity of marriage, formerly called annulment, mayContinue reading

Child Custody and the Right of First Refusal

Divorced and unmarried parents often struggle with the amount of time they are able to spend with their children. Even in joint custody situations, it can sometimes be difficult to feel like you see and interact with your child enough. When the opportunity arises for unexpected, extra parenting time, many parents, especially those who are not the primary residential parent, will welcome the chance. This idea isContinue reading

Many Believe Illinois Child Support Model Needs Updated

As a society, there are certain values that unite most Americans, regardless of their political leaning or affiliations. Among these is the culture’s focus and care regarding the well-being of children. Every child should have the opportunity to grow up healthy and strong with the love and support of both parents, whether the parents are together or not. To that end, very few would everContinue reading

Maintaining Your Lifestyle During and After Divorce

When you got married, you and your spouse were probably committed to the idea of building a long happy life together. You were looking forward to sharing a home, taking vacations, and, generally, establishing a certain standard of living throughout the course of the marriage. After your wedding, you and your partner likely settled into a particular lifestyle, intentional or not, and became accustomed toContinue reading