In Illinois, you can only seek custody modification two years after the court has issued the original order. This rule is meant to allow time to see if the custody arrangement works well for your situation. Additionally, it prevents unnecessary and repetitive...
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Can you date before your Illinois divorce is final?
The short answer: Yes. Getting yourself back out there is not illegal while still finalizing your divorce. Illinois courts simplified their divorce provisions in 2016 by implementing a no-fault system. Cited as the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act,...
The importance of co-parenting plans
Illinois parents who are ending their marriages need to consider their child above all else. Working together to create a co-parenting plan is important. There are ways to ensure that the plan is cohesive for the sake of your child. Why do you need a good co-parenting...
Illinois DCFS accused of shackling children during transports
Children hold our hopes for the future, and we always want the best we can provide for them. Many parents that are in the process of separating or divorcing may feel like the children who came from their relationship are the only remaining things worth saving from it....
Illinois has new laws to protect children in 2020
It's a given truth that parents care about their children, even when they have problems of their own. But the needs of kids can take an accidental back seat during separation, divorce and other situations that demand a court case. This is one of the reasons that...
Get a custody order in place before the holidays
With the holidays fast approaching, divorced Belleville parents may be gearing up for another round of arguments over custody arrangements. This is especially true for those who may have just separated recently and who have no binding custody order in force. No parent...
Illinois state employees sued over child’s death
If you're a parent, you were probably already thinking about the safety of your children before this sentence reminded you to do it. Where are they? What are they doing? Is someone looking after them? If these questions are unanswered, they can gnaw at you whether...
How is child custody decided during a divorce?
What happens when parents feel the need to divorce? Even if the finances and properties are well sorted out, there will be emotional consequences that can last a lifetime. Before you say that it's not affecting you as a divorcing parent, think about the child who has...
Parents no longer have to lose custody to pay for health
It's a lot of work to raise a child in Illinois. When parents need extra help, they should not be penalized by losing custody of their charges. The Prairie State just issued a new law designed to protect parents' claims to custody if their children require certain...
When addiction interferes with child custody
It's hard to reconcile addiction with competent parenting. Many alcoholics and addicts struggle mightily with their demons while retaining custody of their minor kids. But it's a sad fact that those who are most impacted by the struggle are the children. An addict's...