An unfortunate feature of some divorces in Illinois is the tendency of parents to try to convince a judge that their child’s other parent is unfit for parental responsibilities or parenting time. Some parents are justified in their concerns - perhaps the other parent is neglecting the child, abusing the child, or using drugs or alcohol unsafely. Whether justified or not, a parent may ask a court to test their child’s other parent for drugs or alcohol. If you are being asked to take a drug test, or if you are wondering whether you can ask a judge to order your spouse to take a drug test, this blog may be helpful to you. 

Can a Judge Order a Parent to Take a Drug Test? 

Judges use parental responsibilities cases to determine whether a parent can act in ways that are in the best interests of a child, but it can be difficult to determine the truth without ordering an extensive investigation into each parent. This is especially true when parents both testify about behavior that would justify drug testing, or when a parent’s behavior may lead a judge to suspect drug use is going on. 

Once parents of a minor child have entered into a court-ordered divorce decree or parenting agreement, the requirements for child support payments are set in stone. Until the decree is modified, child support payments must be made even if the paying parent falls into difficult circumstances. If you are struggling to make child support payments and wondering whether you can petition a court for relief, read on and then contact an Illinois child support lawyer. 

What Are the Requirements For Changing Child Support Payments? 

Generally speaking, a child support order can only be modified after three years have passed since it was issued. However, a “substantial change in circumstance” of the parent making payments may justify a modification before the three years are up. Examples of what may be considered a substantial change in circumstance include, but are not limited to: 

• A significant increase or decrease in the paying parent’s income

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Children often get less credit than they deserve for how resilient they are, even after traumatic life events like divorce. Although most children struggle during the divorce and may deal with some behavioral issues after the divorce is over, they can generally bounce back to their normal selves within a couple of years. Unfortunately, some children face coping challenges that are less easily overcome. If you have gotten divorced in Illinois and are wondering whether your child’s behavior may require professional help, read on. 

When Should I Be Worried About My Child’s Behavior After Divorce? 

Certain behavioral changes are normal during and after divorce, especially for a short time; depression, anxiety, and higher levels of stress can all manifest in many ways as children cope with the changes divorce brings. Symptoms may appear in the form of nightmares, eating disorders, difficulty falling or staying asleep, and unusually strong negative reactions to typical transitions. 

However, when these changes do not resolve or the behaviors are interfering with normal functioning, it may be time to seek professional help, especially if the child is a teenager. Young children seek less independence and are less likely to become self-destructive in ways that can cause long-term harm. If your child is a teenager, however, they may act out in ways that can have real consequences, including: 

Divorce is famously difficult for children to cope with, but for children who have autism, the changes that come with divorce can present additional challenges. Parents of children with autism may be reluctant to pursue divorce, even when their marriage is deeply unhappy or feels like it is at a dead end, because of concerns that their child may present significant behavioral challenges that could make the divorce even harder. 

Fortunately, research exists on children with autism in divorces and experts have several suggestions that may help these children cope with divorce in a way that benefits the child and makes the parents’ job of caring for the child less difficult. If you live in DuPage County, have an autistic child, and are considering divorce, we hope this article will be helpful and offer the aid of our divorce attorneys for assistance with further questions. 

Hire a Child Psychological Expert who Specializes in Autism

Although parents of children with autism are already well-educated and know their children intimately, having a professional who can explain a child’s behavior and make recommendations for behavioral management can be a major lifeline during divorce. Reactions during divorce can be difficult to predict and your child may evince behaviors you have never seen before. Before certain behaviors become unmanageable, approach them proactively with help from a specialist. 

Uncertain financial circumstances pose a difficult question for spouses who are seeking divorce in Illinois. As the economy shifts, inflation seems likely to continue and many economists are predicting an economic contraction in the near future. Given the options available, what is the most sensible divorce strategy, given that future employment may not be guaranteed? In addition to the financial costs of divorce, spouses must also consider the time they want to spend on their divorce, as well as the atmosphere they want to maintain. While people rarely want to spend more time than necessary on their divorce, the process may be inadvertently protracted or made more hostile by taking a less collaborative route. As you contemplate which divorce strategy you want to pursue - collaborative divorce, mediation, or traditional courtroom litigation - here are some important things to think about. 

How Do Different Priorities Affect My Divorce Strategy? 

There are many priorities to balance and issues to consider when deciding on your divorce strategy. As you read this list, keep in mind that courtroom litigation is generally reserved only for those cases involving domestic violence, financial duplicity, or when other options have already been unsuccessfully pursued. 

• Cost - Many couples consider this the most important obstacle in divorce. By far the most expensive option is litigating your divorce in court; mediation and collaborative divorce generally cost far less and resolve issues much faster, despite often having multiple additional professionals involved in the problem-solving process. 

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