Tag Archives: Illinois Family Law Attorney
Divorced Parents and College Expenses, Part 1: Will You Have to Pay?
With the current school year now in full swing, many high school seniors are starting to look ahead to next year and their plans to attend college. To those who have never experienced it, planning almost a year in advance may seem unnecessary, but the college admissions process can sometimes take longer than people realize. In addition, it is never too early to start figuringContinue reading
Illinois Law Encourages Amicable Property Settlements
While you probably know at least one person who has been through an extremely nasty divorce. The proceedings may have lasted months, causing both spouses a high degree of stress and anxiety. What is worse, the acrimony and contentiousness of such a battle can leave lasting scars, making it incredibly difficult for the parties to communicate in the future. This, as you might expect, can presentContinue reading
Commit to Cooperation This Holiday Season
For many families affected by divorce or separation, the winter holiday can present a number of logistical and personal challenges. Making arrangements for parenting time, holiday meals, and out-of-town trips to visit extended family can be very difficult, especially if you and your ex are unable to communicate effectively. No matter how divisive the relationship with your child’s other parent may be, one of the best giftsContinue reading
Paying Down Marital Debt Prior to Divorce
When divorce seems to be imminent in your relationship, you are well-advised to being preparing for the process. Preparation can obviously take many forms, but among the most important decisions to be made will almost always be financial considerations. At some point along the way, you and your spouse will need to determine how your property and assets will be divided, or, if you cannotContinue reading
Non-Parent Visitation: What is Unreasonable Denial?
Under Illinois law, certain family members are permitted to seek visitation privileges with a child, but the privileges will only be granted if specific criteria are met. Unlike the rights of visitation which most non-custodial parents are automatically granted unless there are justifiable reasons not to, legally-recognized visitation must be found to be appropriate by a court with jurisdiction over the case. Who May Petition? According theContinue reading
Changing Your Child Support Order
Divorced and separated parents, for the most part, understand that they have an obligation to provide financial support for their children. Of course, for many, it is a moral responsibility that exists regardless of the law. Regardless of a parent’s moral compass, Illinois law recognizes the right of a child to expect support from both parents, and, in the vast majority of cases, will require aContinue reading
Can We Negotiate Our Own Maintenance Agreement?
As you navigate the process of divorce, you and your soon-to-be ex will have a large number of issues to consider. You will need to think about which of you will get what property, arrangements for your children, and how you will deal with life after divorce. For many couples, the issue of spousal maintenance, or alimony, can be particularly complex, as it is often difficultContinue reading
Support of a Disabled Adult Child
For most parents who make child support payments, their obligations often end when their children graduate from high school and turn 18 years old. These situations are well within the “normal” provisions of Illinois law governing child support. In certain cases, however, the law provides that either or both parents can be required to continue supporting a child after the child has reached the ageContinue reading
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