Category Archives: parental rights

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

Check Your Parenting Plan for Holiday Arrangements

A week from today, families around the country will be sitting down to enjoy the Thanksgiving holiday together. Traditions, of course, may vary, but the highlight of the holiday season is getting to spend time with friends and loved ones. If you are a divorced parent, however, making plans for the holiday can be complicated as you will probably need to coordinate your intentions with thoseContinue reading

Contesting a Proposed Relocation

It can be very difficult to maintain a healthy relationship with your child when your parenting time is limited by the circumstances of a divorce or breakup with your child’s other parent. Things can become even more difficult if the other parent decides that he or she wants to move out of the areawith your child. If you have a formal parenting plan in place, youContinue 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 Proponents of the changes had held for many years that the previous version of the law had become outdated and often led to bitter, impassioned disputes between parents who each wanted to “win” custody of their children.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

The Rights of a Father During Divorce

Many people have a misconception that during a divorce, the mother always takes the children. In Illinois, that just simply is not the case anymore. While, in the old days, this story may have rung true more often than not, times have changed and are continuing to change. Our firm is dedicated to helping any father who wants to be in the lives of hisContinue reading

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

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

Back to School for Children of Divorced Parents: Parent-Teacher Conferences

Summer has come to an end and the new school year is underway. This time of year can be challenging for any parent, as you will probably need to adjust to a new schedule, work through school-related stresses with your child, and get used to simply getting your child out of bed earlier in the morning. If you are a divorced or single parent, however,Continue reading

Standby Guardian of a Minor Child under the Illinois Probate Act

If you have children, you have undoubtedly begun to realize how unpredictable life can be. From simple, day-to-day events, to major, sometimes catastrophic occurrences, there is just no way to plan for every possible eventuality. As a measure of security, some parents, however, take a more proactive approach, in consideration that they may not always be able to properly care for their children. This couldContinue reading