Parenting and Co-Parenting

Building a Co-Parenting Plan That Works

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A good co-parenting plan that works acts as a roadmap. It guides you and your ex-partner in raising your children collaboratively even after your marriage dissolves. After 20+ years of practicing, and drafting hundreds of parenting plans, I know what it takes to create a co-parenting plan that works well. Here are my tips:   […]

Co-Parenting Communication After Divorce

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Divorce reshuffles your family, but your parenting responsibilities don’t disappear. Effective communication with your ex-spouse is crucial for raising your children in a healthy, stable environment. It won’t always be easy. To help, I have developed a list of strategies, but these strategies to help with co-parenting communication after divorce: 1. Shift Your Mindset   […]

Parenting After Divorce

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If you’re a parent facing divorce in Illinois, brace yourself for a change. “Child custody” is out; “Allocation of Parental Responsibilities and Parenting Time” is in. This isn’t just a change in wording; it signifies a major shift in how Illinois approaches parenting after separation or divorce. At Flat Fee Divorce Solutions, I understand navigating […]

How to Tell Your Children About Divorce

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The decision to divorce is never easy, and when children are involved, the emotional stakes feel even higher. Here are five tips to help tell your children about divorce with compassion, honesty, and a focus on your children’s well-being:   1. A United Front: When Possible, Tell Your Children Together   If feasible and tensions […]

5 Tips for Traveling as a Solo Parent after Divorce

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Traveling with kids after divorce can feel daunting, but it doesn’t have to be! With careful planning and a positive attitude, traveling as a solo parent after divorce can create incredible bonding experiences and unforgettable memories for you and your children.   Here are five tips for traveling as a solo parent after divorce:   […]

Uncontested Divorce in Belleville, Illinois With Children

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Divorce is never easy, but it can be made smoother and less stressful with an uncontested divorce. This is especially important when children are involved, as it minimizes conflict and promotes stability for them. But is an uncontested divorce actually possible if you and your spouse have children? In Belleville, Illinois, the answer is yes […]

10 Wallet-Friendly Kid Summer Activities

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Divorce often means adjusting to a tighter budget. But even with limited funds, there are plenty of ways to create meaningful memories and strengthen your bond with your children. Remember, quality time doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag. Summers can really stretch the budget even harder. Here are 10 wallet-friendly ideas for spending […]

Kids do not Decide Where They Live

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When parents divorce or separate in Illinois, deciding where the child will live can be a major source of conflict.  But what role do children’s wishes play in these decisions?  The answer is not what you think. Kids do not decide where they live, even if they are 13 (or 17). The Judge’s Decision, Not […]

Divorce Telepressure: Why You Shouldn’t Rush to Respond

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Divorce is an emotionally turbulent time, filled with raw feelings, complex decisions, and often contentious interactions with your soon-to-be-ex-spouse. In the midst of this turmoil, every text message, email, or phone call can feel like a minefield, triggering a sense of urgency to respond immediately. This urge to react falls under a concept called ‘ […]

Low-Conflict Family Law

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Divorce is rarely easy. It’s a complex journey filled with emotional turmoil and uncertainty. Adding legal complexities to the mix can make the process feel even more daunting. At Flat Fee Divorce Solutions, I recognize these challenges and have chosen to focus my practice exclusively on uncontested divorces, which also includes negotiated and collaborative divorces. […]