A sometimes devastating byproduct of divorce involves losing track of your children’s needs and their rights as individuals. Just because they are young and perhaps not ready to make their own decisions, that does not mean their rights are unimportant. One of the best...
Child custody
Can a child decide where to live after divorce?
Deciding how you will share time with your children after divorce is never easy. Aside from the financial and logistical aspects at play, there are considerable emotional factors involved. One thing you may consider is asking your child where they want to live. Yet,...
Does a parent’s living arrangements have any impact on their ability to retain custody of their child?
One of the primary obligations that Illinois family law judges have in custody cases is to make decisions that they believe are in a child's best interests. While you probably understand how many issues like abuse, addiction or neglect could affect a custody...
The role of the birth certificate in LGBT+ custody proceedings
Same-sex marriage is relatively new legal territory, and same-sex divorce is even newer. Members of the LGBT+ community may find that there is very little straightforward information available about custody for LGBT+ families. First of all, it's important to...
Safe custody exchanges in times of tension
Child custody disputes seldom go smoothly -- and the tensions that rise during a pitched battle over custody can linger long after the court has made its ruling. That can leave everyone feeling overwhelmed by the hostility that comes out during custody and visitation...
How to make the most of co-parenting
Even though you’re sure to have questions and concerns about co-parenting, it’s something that you have to get on board with in the event of a divorce. If you shy away from the process or neglect to position yourself for success, it will harm your children in the long...
Finding common ground on major parenting choices as co-parents
Raising a child together is one of the most intense and intimate things two people can share. Unfortunately for those going through a divorce, they will have to share that hard work with someone with whom they may have a damaged relationship. Moving forward as...
Carefully choose the terms of child custody agreements
Every child custody agreement has terms that the parents must abide by. These are unique arrangements that are determined by the child’s needs. Those needs and the best interests of the children must be the sole focus of the parenting plan. One thing that can help you...
Alienation claims can threaten a woman’s custody rights
When you think of custody, you probably imagine a situation where fathers are fighting for custody while mothers have the upper hand. While that might have been the truth decades ago, it’s not the case now. Both parents are seen as potential positive influences in...
Relocating as the co-parent of an Illinois child
Sharing custody of children with a former spouse can be an already challenging adventure. Having to move has a way of raising the stakes considerably. Illinois has recently updated relocation laws The laws about divorced parents relocating with a child were more...
