Posted on June 06, 2023 in Family Law

Child custody orders are crucial legal agreements that establish the allocation of parental responsibilities and parenting time for divorced or separated parents. However, there are instances when one parent fails to comply with the terms of the custody order, leading to disputes and challenges. In this blog post, we will explore the legal options available for enforcing child custody orders in Illinois. Understanding these options will help you protect your rights as a parent and ensure your child's best interests are upheld.

Understanding Child Custody Order Enforcement in Illinois

Child custody laws in the state prioritize the best interests of the child. Custody orders are typically issued by the court and outline the rights and responsibilities of each parent regarding custody, visitation, and decision-making. 

Communicating and Resolving Disputes Amicably

In many cases, a non-compliant parent may be willing to resolve the issue outside of court. Open communication between parents is key to addressing concerns and seeking compromise. Parents can consider mediation or other alternative dispute resolution methods to resolve conflicts and ensure the custody order is followed.

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 Posted on June 01, 2023 in Family Law

Whether you have joint or shared custody of your children, the adjustment can be challenging for them, especially if they are quite young. Besides getting used to the fact that they would no longer see their parents every day, they also had to adapt to new living arrangements and circumstances if either of the parents moved.

How to Make Child Custody Arrangements Easier On Kids

Here are some ways you can make the new living arrangements and parenting plan easier on your children:

1. Don’t Speak Ill of Your Ex

If you had a contentious divorce, you might be tempted to badmouth your ex-spouse before your kids to get them on 'your side.' However, that may do more harm than good. What you say about your ex-spouse, your children may internalize about themselves. Even if you are angry at your ex, your children may still be close to them as a parent. So try and keep your feelings to yourself. 

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 Posted on May 30, 2023 in Family Law

Divorce is a challenging and emotional process, regardless of the assets involved. However, when it comes to high-asset divorces, the complexity of the situation increases significantly. The division of property, alimony, child support, tax implications, and complex business interests can make high-asset divorces more complicated than traditional ones. 

In this guide, we will explore why high-asset divorces can be more complex than traditional divorces.

Division of Property

The division of property is one of the most contentious issues in any divorce case. In high-asset divorces, the complexity of the division of property is increased exponentially. There are often multiple properties, businesses, investment portfolios, and retirement accounts to divide. Valuing these assets accurately can be a daunting task, and a skilled attorney is required to ensure that the division of property is equitable.

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 Posted on May 25, 2023 in Family Law

 Prenuptial or postnuptial agreements are important legal tools that can be used for various purposes before or during a marriage. These documents are contracts between couples who intend to get married (in the case of prenups) or who are already married (in the case of postnups).

Spouses or soon-to-be spouses can use these agreements to set rules about how property will be divided in case the couple decides to divorce in the future. However, these documents are also used to address issues other than divorce.

Although prenuptial and postnuptial agreements are often considered highly self-protective tools, they have several important practical uses for both parties and can bring them peace of mind during their marriage.

Benefits of a Prenuptial or Postnuptial Agreement in Illinois

In Illinois, prenuptial or postnuptial agreements may be used to create various provisions related to the following issues.

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 Posted on May 22, 2023 in Family Law

The divorce process involves several issues and critical decisions that can impact your life and finances long-term. One of the major decisions you must deal with includes the property and debts you own. Determining how such things can be divided fairly between you and your ex-spouse during divorce can be overwhelming. If you and your spouse cannot negotiate an agreement, the court divides property per Illinois equitable distribution laws. 

Marital Property is ‘Equitably’ Divided 

In Illinois, marital and non-marital property is divided equitably rather than equally, but not separate/non-marital property. So when preparing for a divorce, one of the first things you must do is determine which assets should be divided. 

According to state law, marital property is property acquired by either spouse after their marriage and before a divorce or declaration of the marriage’s invalidity. This also includes non-marital property that the spouses co-own. 

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 Posted on May 17, 2023 in Family Law

Divorce can be complex and challenging to navigate, especially when it comes to enforcing court orders. However, whether it is related to child custody, spousal support, or asset division, court orders must be followed to ensure a fair and just outcome. 

Unfortunately, not all ex-spouses comply with court orders, which can be frustrating and financially burdensome for the other party. In Illinois, various legal options are available to enforce court orders related to divorce and family law matters. This blog discusses these legal remedies, which can help you ensure your rights are protected.

What to Do if Your Ex-Spouse Is Not Complying

When a divorce is finalized, the court issues a divorce decree that contains the terms of the divorce settlement. This decree becomes a legally binding court order that both parties must follow. If one party fails to comply with the court's orders, the other party can take legal action to enforce the order.

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 Posted on May 09, 2023 in Family Law

Divorce is considered an overwhelming experience but proper planning can help alleviate some of the stress and uncertainty associated with it. Divorce planning has numerous benefits, and it can help make a significant difference in the outcome of a divorce case. 

Keep reading further as we discuss the importance of divorce planning and how it can help individuals prepare for the divorce process.

What is Divorce Planning?

Divorce planning is a proactive approach to divorce that involves assessing one's financial situation, identifying potential issues, and developing a strategy to protect one's interests during the divorce process. Divorce planning aims to ensure that individuals are prepared for the divorce process and can make informed decisions throughout the proceedings.

The Benefits of Divorce Planning

Divorcing spouses can have a greater level of control over the outcome of their divorce. They can identify potential issues and develop strategies to address them before they become significant problems. This can help prevent surprises during the divorce process and ensure that individuals are fully prepared to navigate the proceedings.

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 Posted on May 03, 2023 in Family Law

Child support is a critical financial obligation that parents have to their children after a divorce or separation. It ensures that their basic needs, such as food, shelter, clothing, and medical expenses, are taken care of. In Illinois, child support is calculated based on the income of both parents and the number of children they have. However, sometimes circumstances change, and a child support order may need to be modified accordingly. 

In this blog, we will examine the situations that may require the modification of a child support order and the legal process involved in Illinois. Read on to learn more.    

When to Modify a Child Support Order

The Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act (IMDMA) governs child support modification. A child support order can be modified if there is a significant change in circumstances. This change can include a change in income, changes in the needs of the child, changes in custody arrangements, or changes in healthcare costs. Keep in mind that the change must be significant enough to warrant a modification.

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 Posted on April 28, 2023 in Family Law

If you are researching your options with regard to a family law dispute such as a child custody case, you may come across the phrase “child’s best interests.” When Illinois courts decide on legal issues involving children, the court always aims to make a decision that is in the child's best interests. However, it can be difficult to understand exactly what this means. In this blog, we will discuss the types of factors Illinois courts consider when determining what case outcome is in the child's best interests.

Deciding What Is Best for a Child

Whether it is a child custody dispute, petition for parental relocation, or another family law matter involving children, the court is primarily interested in protecting the children's rights and doing what is best for them. Children are vulnerable, and they cannot always advocate for themselves. This is why it is so important for the court to make sure that any case outcome is in the child's best interests.

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 Posted on April 21, 2023 in Family Law

You may be surprised to learn that, although the overall divorce rate is declining, divorce among spouses over age 50 has been climbing rapidly. More and more older couples are getting divorced. The reasons that couples in their 50s, 60s, or 70s get divorced are just as varied as the reasons these couples got married in the first place. However, one thing is certain: Divorce is much more complicated when spouses are older.

If you are over age 50 and planning to end your marriage, make sure you understand the unique financial, legal, and emotional challenges you are likely to face. Consider working with a divorce attorney who has experience handling divorce cases involving older adults.

Property Issues in a Gray Divorce

So-called “gray divorce” is rising in the United States. Couples involved in a great divorce often run into difficulties that younger couples do not have to worry about. Older couples generally have a greater amount of assets, including real estate, investments, and retirement accounts. Determining how to value and divide shared property during a gray divorce can be complex.

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