If you’re in the process of divorcing or planning for divorce, you may need a guardian ad litem. This is just a fancy way of saying that your children will have an independent professional who represents your children’s best interests. It’s important to know what a guardian ad litem is, what he or she will […]
Only parents have visitation rights with their children after divorce. This means that the Illinois statute that governs divorce procedure, the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act (IMDMA), only grants parents the right to see their children, provided there isn’t a compelling reason to keep a child from a parent. Other relatives, like grandparents […]
Creating a parenting schedule can be difficult enough when your kids are in school. However, once summer vacation hits, it can be even more complicated, especially for parents who have recently divorced. Many parents are concerned over summer vacation for good reason: With the kids no longer in school, it’s difficult for parents to manage […]
Children’s issues are front and center in any divorce. In fact, you’ll have a parenting schedule and child support in place well before your final court date. But, how does a couple decide how to share time with the children? In most cases, it’s a collaborative effort. While there is no longer custody in Illinois, the […]
Many parents (wrongfully) believe that divorce is the most difficult part of a separation for children. However, the co-parenting that follows can often be even more of a challenge. This is especially true if parents are unwilling or unable to work together in the best interests of the children. Whether in DuPage, Kane, Kendall, or […]
You and your spouse will still need to parent and raise your children when you’re divorced. If you’re anything like most people, you know that this will be addressed as part of your divorce proceedings. However, most are unaware what a parenting plan looks like, what it contains, and how you actually reach an agreement […]
Visitation is a concern for parents and grandparents when a couple chooses to get divorced. Although visitation is now referred to as “parenting time” since the January 1, 2016 change in the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act, the concept remains the same. Of course, the residential custodial parent (i.e. the parent the children […]
Parenting time is important to any parent. As a divorced parent, this time becomes even more valuable because you won’t be able to see your children every day. And, while this can make it tempting to keep them at home, it’s important to consider alternatives when you take your parenting time. Most parents experience issues […]
Children are the primary concern in any divorce case. Not only are their needs put before the spouses, but the court will also put them before any other considerations in a case. As you can imagine, parents disagree about many child-related issues. From parenting time to removal (i.e. moving) and more, your Naperville divorce lawyer […]
If you’ve been reading our blog for awhile, you already know that there were major changes to the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act (IMDMA) beginning January 1, 2016. Not only have major terms, such as child custody, changed in both name and meaning, but there are distinct benefits that have resulted from this […]