When it comes to divorce, parents have many legal issues to take into consideration, such as property division, child support and custody, among others. As if dealing with divorce isn’t overwhelming enough for some parents in Belleville, and throughout Illinois, these legal hurdles can make divorce seem overwhelming. However, people who closely review their circumstances and approach divorce properly may be able to minimize stress and benefit from a more straightforward divorce.
A number of family law changes have recently been introduced in Illinois. The changes, which affect laws concerning divorce and child custody, will affect parents and children across the state. In January, reforms which were made to the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act took effect. While the changes may be modest, they will have a significant impact on some families.
The changes included clarifications concerning the valuation and division of marital assets and also eliminated the ability to file for divorce on accusatory grounds. Changes were also made to terminology involving the custody of children, dropping the terms visitation and custody for parenting time and parental-decision making.
Making the decision to file for divorce can be tough, but people who have decided that divorce is necessary should focus on protecting their rights and preventing unnecessary problems. Some people are unsure of the best path forward, while others aren’t very familiar with family law. For people in this position, talking with an attorney who is well-versed in family legal matters could help tremendously.
Source: Cook County Record, “Illinois family law, child custody rules undergo overhaul,” Annie Hunt, Feb. 15, 2016
