Pets are creatures of habit. So, divorce is a massive disruption to their established routines. Fortunately, Illinois law recognizes that you treat your pet like your child, not like a marital property. In 2018, the state's policymakers included provisions about...
Elgin Family Law Blog
Navigating divorce in Illinois: Essential information to gather
Divorce is a significant life event that requires careful planning and a thorough understanding of the legal process. If you're contemplating filing for divorce in Illinois, having the right information at your fingertips can streamline the process and ensure a...
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...
Do you qualify for Illinois’ joint simplified dissolution?
Not all divorces are as contentious and emotionally charged as most couples endure. Some Illinois couples who want to legally end their marriage have only been in the relationship for a short time and have neither children nor significant assets for distribution. If...
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...
Are work patterns still a theme causing divorce?
A marriage is supposed to be a partnership of co-equals, especially regarding financial matters. But gender norms place men as the employed breadwinner while women stay home looking after the kids. However, ever-evolving societal shifts have seen women assuming a work...
Which parent decides where a child will attend school?
The decisions that parents make can have a profound impact on the lived experience of children and teenagers. For example, the schools the children attend will determine both the caliber of their education and the social network that they have to rely on later in...
Child custody mistakes you should avoid
One of the most painful aspects of divorce is losing time with your child. In Illinois, the court shall make a child custody determination based on factors relevant to your child's rearing and overall well-being. You should avoid these mistakes if you hope to have a...