When a marriage ends in a separation or divorce, one of the decisions the court will have to make is who gets primary custody of the child and who gets visitation rights. This is known as a child custody decree, and both parties are required by law to abide by its...
Child custody
3 ways to help children through a divorce
Not only is the divorce process stressful on both spouses, but it may also have a significant impact on the children. Whilst the best interests of the children will always be at the heart of a parent’s decisions, it is not always easy to know which route to take. ...
Remember, kids have rights during and after your divorce
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...
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...
