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.
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I Think My Spouse May File for Divorce – How Can I Prepare?
There are many different facets of preparation for a divorce, both physically and emotionally. One of the questions I hear the most often from potential clients is how they can prepare for their spouse filing for a divorce. Here is a summary of some items to consider: (1) Where are your valuables? Do you have
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What is the Right of First Refusal?
According to Section 602.3 of the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act (750 ILCS 5/602.3), the right of first refusal means that if a party intends to leave the minor child with a substitute child-care provider for a significant period of time. That party must first offer the other party an opportunity to personally
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Corporal Punishment in Illinois
The issue of child discipline has been a hotly debated topic for centuries and varies in response depending on the person’s cultural background. In most cultures, spanking is an acceptable and encouraged form of discipline. The point of contention has been, however, the form and extent of the spanking. Pursuant to Illinois law, it is
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Suspect Your Child is Being Abused By the Other Parent?
One of the hardest things as a divorced/separated parent is knowing or suspecting that your child is being abused while visiting the other parent. The frustration is exacerbated if there is a court order for visitation, subjecting the parent seeking to withhold visitation to sanctions for violating the parenting agreement. To protect children who are
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What is a contribution hearing?
Typically, unless a divorce is agreed to, both parties are going to incur attorney’s fees and court costs throughout the dissolution proceedings. Section 503 of the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act (750 ILCS 5/503) provides that a party may generally file a Petition for Contribution said fees and costs against the other party
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A Practical Approach to Holiday Parenting Time
Now that Halloween is over, it seems that everyone is looking forward towards the holidays. For those who do not yet have a holiday parenting time schedule in place, this can be worrisome. However, there are some common-sense ways to deal with establishing a holiday parenting time schedule. First, make a list of the holidays
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