Divorce, a storm of emotions that can leave even the strongest couples battered and bruised. But amidst the wreckage, a beacon of hope emerges – parallel parenting. For those entangled in the web of high conflict, this model offers a lifeline, a path towards stability and minimized harm for your most precious cargo: your children. […]
In Illinois, crafting a parenting time allocation plan that prioritizes the best interests of your child is key. The focus is on the child’s well-being, not on the wishes or rights of either parent. There are various 50/50 plans to choose from, and finding one that suits your family’s unique needs is essential. Popular 50/50 […]
The tide is turning in family courts across the United States. Traditionally, sole custody arrangements favored mothers, often leaving fathers with limited time with their children. But a growing body of research shows that children benefit from equal time with both parents, prompting states to consider a 50/50 parenting time presumption. Missouri Leads the Way […]
When parents are creating a parenting plan, flexibility can be just as important as the specific schedule itself. In fact, Illinois courts recognize that life is unpredictable, and children’s needs change over time. A rigid plan might seem secure at first, but it can lead to frustration and conflict down the road. Flexibility in Parental […]
When parents can’t agree on a parenting plan in Illinois, the Court steps in. They’ll consider 17 factors to determine what’s in the child’s best interests. Of those many factors, there is a special emphasis on the importance of cooperation between parents. Why Cooperation Matters Studies show that parents who cooperate raise children with […]
In the past, the typical parenting plan in Illinois often favored a traditional family structure.. Mothers were often assumed to be the primary caregivers, while fathers had limited visitation rights. This is the so-called “standard visitation plan”. But times have changed, and so have the courts’ views on parenting. Gone are the days of […]
If you’re a stepparent going through a divorce in Illinois, you might be wondering about your rights as a step-parent post-divorce to maintain a relationship with your stepchildren. Unfortunately, the legal landscape can be a bit complicated. Troxel v. Granville: A Landmark Case In the landmark case Troxel v. Granville, the U.S. Supreme Court […]
Mediation is an alternative dispute resolution process in which a neutral third party (the mediator) assists two (or more) parties to reach a mutually-acceptable agreement without going to trial. The mediator does not make any decisions on behalf of the parties; instead, they help guide the parties in finding a solution that works best for […]
Divorce is difficult, and finding ways to co-parent with your ex-spouse can be even harder, especially if constant communication leads to arguments. Parallel parenting might be a good solution. In parallel parenting, divorced parents limit their communication with each other, instead focusing on making decisions about their children independently. This helps to reduce conflict and […]
The weekend dad. You’ve seen him before. The dedicated father pushing the stroller on those precious Saturday mornings, his energy boundless during a game of backyard catch. He builds a legendary PB&J, seemingly balancing fun and responsibility. Many men think being a weekend dad is the only option after divorce. Let’s dispel some myths about […]
