Religious-upbringing Clause Almost Cost an Ex-Hasidic Mom Custody of Her Three Children During the divorce process, most parents come to an agreement about how to raise their children. For the most part, this agreement is based on the way the parents were raised, or the way the parties planned on raising their children. For two
Read More
How Are Pets Treated in Dissolution Proceedings?
For many people, pets are more than just animals. They are beloved members of the family. So, what happens to pets when couples divorce? Currently in Illinois, pets or “companion animals” are treated as personal property in dissolution proceedings. If parties are unable to come to an agreement, then the court will want to know
Read More
Pros and Cons of Private Mediation
After the filing of a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage or the filing of a motion related to parenting issues most counties require that the parties attend mediation. This service is provided by the county free of cost but may have a long waiting period. Another consideration is private mediation. A private mediator is a
Read More
Can my child speak to the Judge?
In cases involving issues of parenting time and decision-making responsibilities, it is not uncommon to hear that a minor child wishes to speak to the Judge. Pursuant to Section 604.10 of the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act (750 ILCS 5/604.10), the Court may interview a child to determine the child’s thoughts and wishes.
Read More
REPRESENTATION OF CHILDREN IN DISSOLUTION AND PARENTAGE PROCEEDINGS
Pursuant to Section 506 of the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act (750 ILCS 5/506) an attorney may be appointed on behalf of a child in any proceeding involving issues such as parenting time, allocation of parental responsibilities, education, etc. A party can file a motion asking for the court to appoint an attorney
Read More
What if I don’t want to comply with a Court Order?
This is an issue which arises in many cases. From doing exchanges of financial disclosures, to doing driving for parenting time, there are many issues which Judges decide and put into court orders that the parties are not happy about. However, court orders MUST be followed. So, if something is in a court order, it
Read More
What is an Uncontested Divorce?
Unfortunately, there are many negative connotations when it comes to the word “divorce.” Maybe you have personally went through a divorce in the past or maybe you know someone who has. When people think of divorce, it is not uncommon for them to also think of words like fighting, arguing, lawyers, judges, money, time, etc.
Read More
