Parenting and Co-Parenting

When Your Income Changes

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10 FAQs About Child Support and Maintenance in Illinois When Your Income Changes TL;DR: Child support and maintenance (spousal support) don’t change automatically when your income changes. If you lose a job, take a pay cut, or start earning more, you’ll likely need to file a motion with the court to modify the order. The […]

When Keeping a Child from the Other Parent Backfires

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Divorce and parenting changes stir up strong emotions. You might feel angry, hurt, or protective. Sometimes you may even feel convinced that keeping your child close and away from the other parent is the safest or most loving choice. But one of the hardest lessons I’ve learned in more than 20 years of family law […]

Child Support and the Governmental Shutdown

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A federal government shutdown creates financial uncertainty for everyone, especially for families relying on timely payments. For parents receiving or paying support, there are a lot of questions and uncertainty. Simply because the federal government is shut down does not mean that the Illinois Courts are. And importantly, during this time, children still have needs […]

Modifying Parenting Time in Illinois

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Parenting time arrangements are often designed to meet the child’s best interests at the time of a divorce or separation. However, as life changes, those arrangements may no longer be practical or suitable. Illinois law allows parents to modify parenting time under certain circumstances, but there are requirements before filing and many procedures that have […]

Parenting Time Allocation vs. Custody

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If you’re going through a divorce in Illinois, you’ve likely encountered terms like parenting time allocation and custody. While custody was once the standard legal terminology, Illinois law has shifted to reflect a more modern and collaborative approach to shared parenting responsibilities. instead of using a term that implies one parent has won, the parents […]

High-Conflict Divorce and Co-Parenting

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Divorce can be a challenging process for families, especially when emotions run high and disagreements are frequent. In Illinois, where parenting responsibilities are allocated instead of custody being awarded, co-parenting in high-conflict divorce presents unique challenges. If you’re navigating this difficult path, focusing on strategies to manage conflict and prioritize your child’s well-being is essential. […]

Understanding an Illinois Parenting Plan

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When parents in Illinois undergo divorce or separation, a well-defined parenting plan is the roadmap that guides their co-parenting journey. This essential document outlines how parents will share their children’s lives, from daily schedules to significant decisions. A detailed, through parenting plan is vital for both parents and, most importantly, for providing stability and predictability […]

International Travel with Children After Divorce

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Divorce or separation brings many changes, and when international travel with children is involved, extra precautions are necessary. Ensuring that both parents are aware of travel plans, understanding passport requirements, and being mindful of international laws are essential to protect your children and prevent potential legal complications. This post outlines key considerations for Illinois parents […]

A Through Parenting Plan

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When parents separate or divorce, creating a thorough parenting plan becomes a cornerstone for their children’s well-being. In Illinois, a through parenting plan is more than just a schedule; it’s a roadmap for how parents will continue to raise their children while living apart. A well-drafted plan minimizes conflict, provides stability for children, and promotes […]

The Impact of Divorce on Children

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Divorce is a major life transition that affects the entire family, and children are particularly vulnerable to its emotional impact. While it’s impossible to completely shield children from the changes and challenges that divorce brings, there are proactive steps parents can take to minimize stress and promote their children’s emotional well-being. So how can you […]