Consistency can be a powerful source of security for children navigating a co-parenting arrangement. While different households may have unique vibes, establishing a foundation of shared rules across them can be important for a child’s well-being. Unless a child’s...
Elgin Family Law Blog
Who should know you are divorcing?
If you have decided to divorce (or your spouse has already filed), you might not want to talk about it much. You may be feeling shock, distress or even embarrassment or guilt. However, it is important that you do talk about it, to certain people at least. Here are...
What are my options for serving the divorce in Illinois?
The divorce process typically begins by filing the necessary forms, but the next steps can be lengthy and tedious depending on your and your former spouse's situation. After completing the paperwork, you must notify the other party about the divorce through a summons,...
Does infidelity have any impact on an Illinois divorce?
Some couples decide to divorce because the spouses have slowly grown apart over many years. Other times, one spouse does something that damages the relationship. Adultery has always been one of the more common reasons that people file for divorce. Those who discover a...
Understanding the factors that determine a child’s best interests
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...
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...
Why parents must inform their child’s school about the divorce
Divorce can be a chaotic time. Amid the multiple things to process and consider, parents might forget to have a meaningful conversation with people who can be their ally in protecting their child’s well-being. In other cases, parents may feel that their family’s...
How are assets divided when community property laws are absent?
When it comes to the division of property during a divorce, not all states follow the same rules. In states like Illinois, community property laws are not in effect. This means that the court doesn't split property 50/50 but determines the division of marital property...
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...
Is uncontested divorce for you?
With many separating spouses dreading the thought of bitter courtroom battles, uncontested divorce has become a popular method to end marriage unions. But while this less confrontational path encourages mutual agreement, saving time, money and emotional turmoil, it is...