Tag Archives: child custody

Who Chooses the Child’s Religion?

Religion in America can be a contentious issue in the best of circumstances. But, when in the middle of a court battle over what is best for the child of separating or divorcing parents, it is like pouring gasoline in a fire. What does the court do when the parents disagree over where, if at all, the child should go to church? What Rights Are AllocatedContinue 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

Family Law Changes for 2016: Child Custody and Visitation

In the last post on this blog, we talked about a number of upcoming changes to the laws regarding divorce in Illinois. These changes are being implemented January 1, 2016, and are the result of a family law reform measure that was signed by the governor this past summer. The amendments to the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act also address child-related concerns, making substantialContinue reading

Drafting Your Own Divorce Settlement

For many couples, divorce is not the acrimonious war so often depicted in television and movies. That is not to say, of course, that contentious divorces do not exist; there are just many more amicable situations than most people would probably expect. In a large number of situations, especially with the proliferation of no-fault divorce, in which both spouses fully agree that divorce is the right optionContinue 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

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

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

Child Custody and Moving Out of State

As a divorced or unmarried parent, it is certainly understandable that you will always be looking for an opportunity to improve your life. Finding a new and better-paying job, developing new relationships, or improving existing relationships with friends and family can all contribute to the health and well-being of both you and your child. There are times when such opportunities may even lead you toContinue reading

Limiting Child Visitation in Illinois

You obviously want what is best for your child. As a parent, you probably understand that decisions that are made regarding child support, custody, and visitation are not necessarily for your benefit or that of the other parent. Instead, they are made, or at least supposed to be made, with the best interest of the child in mind to the extent that a judicial entity like aContinue reading

Understanding Temporary Custody Orders

When a relationship ends, especially a marriage, there are a large number of considerations that must be addressed. In the case of divorce, many of these concerns must be handled legally and under the supervision of the court. Division of marital property, spousal support, and other issues between spouses may be difficult enough, but for divorcing parents, making arrangements regarding their children can be extremelyContinue reading