The issue of grandparent’s visitation rights has been something of a moving target over the last few decades, and laws differ between states. Here’s what you need to know if you are a grandparent needing help to get visitation with your grandchild. Do grandparents have visitation rights in Illinois? While the state of Illinois has […]
A prenuptial agreement (commonly referred to as a premarital agreement) is a contract people enter into prior to marriage that establishes the essential property and financial rights of each spouse in the unfortunate event of a divorce. While the agreement can protect you down the line if you and your new spouse part ways, there […]
A parenting plan outlines how you and the other parent will continue to care and provide for your children after you separate. Parenting plan modifications usually occur when there is a change in circumstances, such as one parent moving away, a child custody change, or a change in the visitation schedule. If you have a […]
The Hague Convention is a treaty that many countries, including the United States, have joined. Its purpose is to protect children from the harmful effects of international abduction by a parent. Under the Convention, a court may deny return of an abducted child if one of the following six defenses apply. When a parent is […]
Each year, thousands of US children face the extreme stress associated with divorce. Parents should provide their children with understanding and support with patience, reassurance, and a listening ear as your children learn to cope with unfamiliar circumstances. Going through the process of divorce is a challenging life transition for both parents and children. Many […]
Every day, children are wrongfully removed from the United States or retained outside of the United States in violation of parental rights. Whether trying identifying risk factors or your child/children have been removed from their habitual residence, knowing your legal options through The Hague Convention could prove detrimental in protecting victims involved. The Hague Convention […]
Legally speaking, the term “child custody” is now called “parental responsibilities“. This includes parenting time and decision-making power. If you live in Illinois and are engaged in a custody battle for your child, you should know the basic rules and be able identify specific factors that courts consider in making custody decisions. In a divorce proceeding, […]
While Illinois has no law requiring you hire a family law attorney in a family law case, there are good reasons why working with an experienced professional is in your best interest. Divorce, divorce mediation, child custody, parental responsibilities, domestic abuse. These (and more) are all daunting cases for any individual having to face them, […]
After a lot of reflecting, you’re considering the major decision to get a divorce. Because each state’s laws vary, you need to know how to best protect yourself as you begin this extremely daunting journey. In Illinois, a divorce is called a dissolution of marriage, which will always accomplish two things: 1: Severing the marital […]
An Order of Protection is a court order made in writing which prohibits, by law, further abusive behavior. Victims of domestic violence can use this to take a step toward protecting themselves against their abuser. Depending on the jurisdiction, these orders may be called by different terms. They may also be referred to as restraining […]