Everyone knows that being a parent is one of life’s most difficult jobs, and it does not get any easier once children enter the teenage years. It is easy to assume that because your children have established some independence, that divorce and moving back and forth between homes is going to be easier. Unfortunately, that is not always the case. Teenagers still need guidance in their homes and the knowledge that they have a supportive and loving home, even when they are moving between two different places. Following the below tips can help parents and teenagers manage these difficult times.

Under the Illinois Parentage Act, when unmarried parents have children together, the alleged father must voluntarily state that they are the biological father, or get a DNA test administered by the courts. Establishing paternity may sound like an easy process, but it is not. There are many complexities involved, and believing any of the multiple myths surrounding paternity cases only makes the process more difficult. If you have had a child with someone you are not married to, it is crucial that you understand what the most common myths are, and the truth behind them. This is the only way to …

Everyone knows that divorce is expensive. However, even after you have gone through the process and paid attorneys’ fees, court fees, and more, you will still have additional costs related to the end of your marriage. If you are going through a divorce, it is essential that you understand what these costs are, so you can prepare for them and prevent yourself from falling into financial difficulty. You may find that there are many hidden costs of divorce, but the five most common are found below.

The highly-publicized divorce of Hollywood actors Jason Bege and Angie Janu has resulted in both parents sharing joint custody of their two sons. Although divorces are not uncommon in the entertainment industry, the story was an encouraging one as Bege and Janu were able to come to an agreement on the issue of child custody. Losing out on time with a child is every parent’s biggest fear when going through a divorce, but joint custody holds many benefits for any parent that enters into such an agreement, or that must do so according to a court order.

Parents in Illinois always have a legal responsibility to provide financial support for their children, even after divorce. During divorce proceedings, parents can come to an agreement on their own about child support, or a judge may issue an order. Either way, these orders are legally binding and the only way to change them is to petition the court for a modification. The courts do not give modifications easily, but there are four common issues that can result in a reduction. Regardless of whether you are receiving child support or paying it, it is important to know what these issues are, …

Early last year a news story was published about a California woman that was awarded child support 50 years after her husband left the state to move to Canada. At the time, the couple had a daughter that was only three years old, and the woman was left to raise her on her own and without any financial support. The case is an interesting one and still has people talking. It is also often referred to when family lawyers are advising clients on their case.

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected people in a number of ways. Layoffs and the permanent closure of certain businesses have received most of the attention, but there is another effect going on inside the homes of individuals that is not getting much attention. That is the fact that the pandemic has caused an increase in divorces, and it has left many people wondering why.