Parenting time or visitation refers to the courtordered schedule when each parent will spend time with the children It is one of the most common areas of dispute in a child custody or divorce case The court considers various factors when determining which days the children will spend with each parent When the parties cannot… [Read More]
The Challenges of Child Visitation Rights
Divorce and separation can be a difficult enough process without having to face the prospect of being absent from your childrens lives Fortunately Illinois law favors the involvement of both parents in their childrens lives While many divorced parents share time with their kids every few days or every other week many courts decide that… [Read More]
How are Holidays Arranged in an Illinois Divorce or Child Custody Case?
Illinois family law courts recognize that it is important for children to spend the holidays with both parents A Parenting Plan will usually contain a regular parenting time schedule and a holiday parenting time schedule This article will offer some examples of how holiday parenting time schedules are often arranged so that both parents share… [Read More]
What Might Put me at Risk in an Illinois Child Custody Case?
Child custody issues can arise in the following scenarios When divorcing spouses have minor children When unmarried parents have disagreements as to their rights and obligations relating to their minor children When unmarried parents agree on these matters and wish to put their agreements into writing Major issues that typically arise with these situations can… [Read More]
Relocation of Children
When one parent wishes to move far away with a child it can disrupt the other parents visitation rights and general involvement in the childs life Illinois family law provides limitations on how far a parent can move with a child before they must seek permission from a judge These limitations are specific when it… [Read More]
Best Interests of the Child: How Child Custody Cases are Decided
When parents have a dispute over child custody courts generally consider the best interests of the child factors in reaching a decision This is not just a simple consideration of what is best for the child but a set of factors under Illinois law that a judge will examine when deciding how to arrange decisionmaking… [Read More]
Illinois Child Custody Law
Illinois Family law was changed on January 1 2016 so that the terms custody and visitation are no longer used Instead these matters are now officially referred to in Illinois as parental responsibilities and parenting time Old Child Custody Law In the past custody law in Illinois was generally divided into joint custody and sole… [Read More]
Essential Tips in a Divorce, Custody, or Other Family Law Case
Family law cases can be complex and delicate The result of an entire case can be affected by the behavioror actionsofa parent or spouse The following tips are important to consider if you are ever involved in a divorce custody or other family law matter 1 Organize your Financial Documents As part of the process… [Read More]
Visitation rights: I cannot see my child. What can I do?
Illinois law strongly favors maximum involvement by both parents in their childrens lives This includes the right of both parents to visit and spend time with their children Even though one parent may have been granted the majority of parenting time or was granted decisionmaking responsibilities over all major areas of the childs life the… [Read More]
Appointment of Guardian Ad Litem (GAL) In Illinois
A Guardian Ad Litem GAL is an attorney appointed by the judge to represent the minor childrenin a parentagecase When both parents have a disagreement regarding custody visitation or if there are questions as to the safety of the childbeingaround either parent a judge may choose to appoint a GAL to further examine the situation… [Read More]