A divorce is a highly challenging time for everyone in the family, but it can be more difficult for children, who will have to uproot their lives with the separation of their parents. For parents, making this transition as smooth as possible for their children may be...
South Chicago Family Law Blog
Updating your estate plan after divorce: Where do you start?
Creating a comprehensive estate plan allows you to prepare for the future and prioritize what matters most to you. However, estate planning is not a one-time thing, regardless of how thorough and extensive you think your plan is. Your estate plan will only be...
What happens if children have different custody preferences?
Custody determinations are complex because they involve sensitive emotional stakes, legal complexities and an evaluation of the facts and circumstances, which can vary widely based on individual family dynamics. However, custody determinations can get even more...
What details must be in the divorce petition?
Filing for divorce can be simple or complex, usually depending on your and your former spouse's circumstances. Regardless of complications, the petition must have the necessary information to become valid. If it has missing or incorrect details, it can cause issues...
How to foster effective communication between co-parents
These days, many parents in Illinois who end their marriages opt for a joint custody or co-parenting arrangement after they divorce. Of course, there were reasons you divorced, so trying to co-parent with your ex can be a challenge to say the least. Collaborating on...
Estate planning considerations after remarriage
Apart from celebrating love, remarriage can represent new beginnings. A second union may do more than unite you and your new partner; it can also bring your children together to form a blended family. After experiencing such a major life change, reviewing your...
What do courts consider when determining alimony in Illinois?
In Illinois, courts do not always award alimony during divorces and when they do, the amount and relevant terms of the spousal maintenance vary. The courts consider several factors to ensure that their final decision involving alimony is fair and equitable to both...
How can you give your kids security despite a divorce?
Children provide parents with purpose and fulfillment but can also become the primary reason parents stay together. The problem with that is you might expose your children to an unhappy, unhealthy and toxic relationship. Therefore, staying together solely for the sake...
Determining a suitable parenting time schedule for children
Both parents should stay involved in their children’s lives, especially during challenging times like a divorce. So, when it comes to figuring out parenting time, there are several considerations to remember. These factors are crucial in creating a parenting plan that...
What can impact child custody court decisions in Illinois?
Many changes can happen during a divorce for parents and the rest of their family. Sometimes, the child can get caught between disputes, especially if they involve child custody and visitation issues arising from the household's unique circumstances. In these...