In Illinois, the phrase "the child's best interests" is fundamental in cases involving a child's welfare. But what does it mean? How is it determined? As a parent, it's important for you to understand that decisions involving your child aren't arbitrary. They're based...
Child Custody
What you need to know about mediating a visitation schedule
When parents divorce or separate, it is important for them to work together to establish a visitation schedule that will work for them and their child. Part of establishing visitation includes arrangement for weekends, holidays, birthdays and other significant...
Is “birdnesting” after divorce the right choice for your child?
Co-parenting after divorce can be especially challenging when you have a child caught in the middle. You and your ex-spouse may struggle to determine the living arrangement that can protect your child’s growth and development. Depending on the allocation of parental...
Co-ordinating the holidays with your ex-spouse
If this is your first holiday after your divorce, you may have a lot of concerns regarding the co-parenting arrangement throughout the season. There are multiple factors to consider, such as attending school programs, family gatherings and holiday travel. While every...
What happens when parental responsibilities become restricted?
Illinois courts do not favor one parent over the other when examining how to allocate parental responsibilities. Instead, they consider what is in the child’s best interests. Although a judge may want both parents to be consistently present in the child’s life, severe...
Talking to your children about custody
Discussing custody and the changes it brings is difficult to have with children. As a parent, your natural instinct is to protect them from any harm. Though you may prefer to avoid discussing this topic completely in order to prevent upsetting your child, custody will...
Can your child choose where they live after your divorce?
Some parents worry that their children will want to live with their ex after a divorce. If you’re thinking of ending your marriage, you may be concerned that this would lead to a loss of connection with your child. You want to share custody with your ex, but you’re...
Who advocates for the child’s best interests during divorce?
Amid the divorce whirlwind, couples may become too caught up in their interests that their child could end up being a secondary concern. For judges to maintain making well-informed decisions regarding the child, a child representative, a guardian ad litem (GAL) and a...
When can an Illinois grandparent petition for visitation?
A grandparent’s love will never grow old. In fact, their love even becomes more evident when they find their grandchild trapped in the middle of a contentious divorce. Unlike parents with fundamental rights in raising and spending time with their child, grandparents...
Which parent makes medical decisions for children after divorce?
In general, parents should be able to address their children’s needs even after the dissolution of their marriage. For this reason, it is crucial that you and your partner discuss matters like who makes medical decisions if your children were to fall ill. If parents...