Can a Parent Relocate With a Child After an Illinois Divorce?

 Posted on October 30, 2019 in Child Custody

A divorce under any circumstances can be difficult, and when a couple has a child, that can further complicate the process. Typically, parents do not want to give up time with their child once the marriage ends, but changes to children’s and parents’ schedules are a reality of divorce. One parent may be allocated the majority of the parental responsibilities. However, the other parent does have a right to parenting time, which can be addressed with a parenting plan. In some cases, one of the parents may wish to move out of state to be near family members or due to a job transfer or new career opportunity. Depending on the circumstances, child support or parenting time may need to be modified. Therefore, it is important to ensure that parental rights are not violated in any way.

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Can a Divorced Parent Travel Internationally With a Child?

 Posted on October 24, 2019 in Divorce

Many families enjoy traveling together, and visiting another country can provide parents and children with an amazing experience that allows them to embrace new cultures. However, when a divorced parent plans to travel internationally with their child, this can raise concerns and legal issues. The other parent may worry about the risks the child may face and how international travel will affect their parenting time. If either parent plans to travel with their child to another country, they will need to ensure that the proper legal procedures are followed.

International Travel Restrictions for Children

When a child is preparing to go on an international trip, certain precautions must be taken before he or she can leave the United States. The child will need a passport for international travel just like every other person. However, there are additional processes that must be followed. If a child under the age of 16 applies for a passport, both parents must:

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What if My Spouse Is Hiding Assets During Our Illinois Divorce?

 Posted on October 17, 2019 in Asset Division

When a couple reaches the point where their marriage is irretrievably broken, they will likely seek a divorce. The process of legally ending a marriage can be complicated, especially if there are a lot of issues to resolve. If spouses are argumentative or bitter, this may only further complicate matters. Part of the divorce proceedings involve dividing any marital property or assets. In some situations, one of the spouses may try to hide monetary funds or other valuable possessions. A study by the National Endowment for Financial Education found that 31 percent of spouses with combined assets report they were deceptive about money, and 58 percent of those people admitted to hiding money from their partner or spouse. In divorce cases involving hidden assets, it is imperative to hire professional legal assistance to uncover such deception.

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Can Visitation Rights Be Granted to a Non-Parent in Illinois?

 Posted on October 10, 2019 in Child Custody

Siblings, grandparents, great-grandparents, and stepparents can play a critical role in a child's development. Bonds formed between a child and his or her family members can produce memories that will be cherished for a lifetime. Sadly, in cases of divorce, or when other conflicts or disagreements arise between extended family members, one or both parents may decide to end a relationship between a child and his or her relatives. While divorce may bring out the worst in people, it is important to remember that a child's best interests should be protected throughout the process. If a parent’s actions have had a negative impact on the relationship between the child and other family members, grandparents or other relatives may wish to take legal action to ensure they can remain in a child’s life. In these cases, an attorney can help family members determine their options for pursuing visitation rights.

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Tips for a Successful Collaborative Divorce in Illinois

 Posted on October 07, 2019 in Divorce

While the divorce process can be difficult, some couples may be able to work together to end their marriage as amicably as possible. Collaborative divorce is an alternative dispute resolution process where spouses and their attorneys work together cooperatively to negotiate an equitable settlement. The focus is on problem-solving based on the couple’s individual and shared values without having to go to court. There are many benefits to a collaborative divorce, but it may not work for everyone. A couple needs to be willing to compromise on certain issues in order to make decisions without a judge getting involved.

Benefits of Collaborative Law

A collaborative divorce has many advantages, and the primary benefit is the ability to avoid going to court to resolve disputes through litigation. Some of the other benefits of using a collaborative form of divorce include:

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What Will a Judge Consider When Creating a Parenting Plan?

 Posted on October 02, 2019 in Child Custody

The health and well-being of a couple’s child should always be a top priority when ending a relationship or going through a divorce. During this process, a parenting plan will be created to make decisions and establish rules that the parents should follow regarding issues such as the allocation of parental responsibilities and parenting time. Parents can save a lot of time and money by working together and addressing these matters prior to facing a judge. However, if a couple cannot come to an agreement, the judge will be required to make legally binding decisions that would reflect the best interests of the child.

Decision-making Responsibilities

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When Is an Order of Protection Appropriate in a Family Law Case?

 Posted on September 30, 2019 in Family Law

Domestic violence is unfortunately a common reason as to why a person would seek a divorce and request assistance from the law. An order of protection may be obtained if an individual is fearful for his or her safety or well-being. If a person’s former spouse does not adhere to the terms of this type of court order, consequences such as fines and/or jail time could result.

What Is an Order of Protection?

In the state of Illinois, an order of protection is a civil court ruling that provides a safeguard for victims of domestic violence or other crimes. These protective orders can be procured on an emergency basis when an individual is likely to be the victim of injury or abuse. An order of protection falls under what is known as the Illinois Domestic Violence Act. This law offers protection to victims that are abused by a family or household member, which can include:

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How Do Young Children and Adolescents Handle Their Parents’ Divorce?

 Posted on September 27, 2019 in Divorce

Whether heated debates over parenting time or disagreements about marital debts add fuel to an already stressful home environment, children caught in the middle of a divorce have plenty to contend with. Even if divorcing parents attempt to protect their children from conflict, the divorce process can be emotionally turbulent for them. Experts tell us that parental divorce has a significant impact on children of all ages, although younger children tend to process and react to the separation differently than older adolescents. These variations in behavioral changes can be alarming for parents, who themselves are feeling the emotional effects of such a big life change.

Behavioral Changes to Expect from Your Teen or Little One

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How Can I Address Parental Alienation After My Divorce?

 Posted on September 23, 2019 in Divorce

When a couple goes their separate ways after a dissolution of marriage, one or both of the spouses might encounter some hardships. Feelings of depression and anger can resonate in an ex-spouse, affecting the relationship with other family members, including children. Regardless of how rocky a divorce can be, it is important to remember that when a child is involved, his or her best interests should remain the focal point of both caregivers. Parenting plans are created to ensure the child receives quality parenting time with both parents. However, parental alienation is a growing area of concern. It can be defined by one parent manipulating his or her child and attempting to negatively affect the child’s relationship with the other parent. This malicious behavior could result in the child associating negative emotions or even hatred with the alienated parent.

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What Is the Business Valuation Process in an Illinois Divorce?

 Posted on September 18, 2019 in Divorce

When two people decide to get a divorce, there are many issues to consider, especially if they have been together for a long time. In some marriages, a couple may have even worked with each other and started a business or professional practice together. In other cases, one spouse may have owned a company prior to getting married, but his or her partner helped run it during their union. Dividing this important asset during a divorce can often be a contentious and time-consuming procedure. Regardless of whether the business is family-owned, or if one person acts as a silent partner, each party may be entitled to part of the value of the business assets. In some cases, if the spouses cannot agree on the value of their business, they may need to go through business valuation litigation in order to receive their fair share of the marital property.

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