Does the Adoption Status of a Child Impact Parenting Decisions in a Divorce?

Divorce never ends a parent’s rights or responsibilities for a child for whom they are the legal parent, either biologically or through adoption. Adoption is permanent—it remains in effect even if the marriage is dissolved, and it endures beyond the marriage. Once the adoption is complete, a legal parent has the exact same rights and responsibilities as a biological parent both during and after the divorce process. Divorce does not negate or reduce a legal parent’s rights or obligations to their children.

What Specific Financial Considerations Exist for Adopted Children?

The financial considerations, and obligations, for an adopted child are the same as those for a child born to their legal parents. An adoptive child has the same right to child support and other forms of financial support, as well as the same right to inherit from their legal parent. The law treats an adoptive child the same as a biological child when it comes to financial obligations and benefits.

What Are the Best Strategies for Creating a Parenting Agreement that Prioritizes the Best Interests of Adopted Children?

A parenting agreement for an adopted child would be the same for any child born to the parties who are seeking a divorce. Both parents would have the same legal rights and responsibilities for the child. This means both parents have the same rights to parenting time and decision-making for the child, and both have the same obligation to financially and emotionally support the child. This is true whether one or both parents have adopted the child.

How Can Parents Address the Emotional and Psychological Needs of Adopted Children During a Divorce?

The needs of adopted children during the divorce process in Illinois are generally akin to the needs of a child whose biological parents are divorcing. Those children need emotional and financial support from both parties, as well as encouragement to maintain a strong relationship with both parents whenever possible. They need reassurance that both parents love and care for them and will be present and active in their lives both during and after the divorce. They need parents who can work to put the needs of their children above their own in order to co-parent amicably , rather than put the child into the middle of the parents’ conflict. In general, it is helpful for children going through a divorce to participate in therapy with an experienced counselor who can help them navigate the feelings they experience as their family separates.

Anderson Boback & Marshall

Divorce Considerations for Couples with Adopted Children: Legal Tips and Considerations

Published August 24, 2024

Categorized as Adoption, Divorce, Family Law

When parents make the difficult decision to divorce, deciding how they will continue to parent their children and protect their well-being is always the primary concern. This is true for all parents, no matter whether they became parents through biology or adoption. While the way they became parents may vary, the rights and responsibilities of

How Can I Enforce a Court Order Against My Ex?

Published August 22, 2024

Categorized as Child Custody & Visitation, Family Law, Illinois Family Law

If you’re dealing with an ex-spouse who is not complying with a court order, you’re not alone. Many individuals find themselves in frustrating situations where their ex ignores legal obligations, whether it’s related to child support, alimony, or visitation rights. Understanding how to enforce these orders in Illinois is crucial to protecting your rights and

Ways to Avoid Indirect Civil Contempt

Published August 19, 2024

Categorized as Divorce Litigation

Compliance with court orders is a cornerstone of family law, ensuring that all parties adhere to agreed terms and maintain fairness in proceedings. In Illinois, indirect civil contempt is a key mechanism used by courts to enforce compliance, addressing situations where individuals willfully disregard their legal obligations. Understanding this concept is crucial, as failure to

Custody and Special Needs Children: What Parents Need to Know

Published August 14, 2024

Categorized as Child Custody

Parenting a child with special needs presents unique challenges that can become even more complex during a divorce. It’s essential for parents to understand the legal and practical considerations in custody cases involving special needs children to support their child’s well-being. This article will explore key factors and legal aspects that parents need to consider.

Social Media Missteps in High-Net-Worth Divorce Cases: Avoiding Costly Mistakes

Published August 10, 2024

Categorized as Divorce, High Asset Divorce

With texting, email, and Facebook Messenger rising in popularity as methods of communication in relationships, so is their use as divorce evidence. Chicago divorce attorneys used to look for evidence in files, notebooks, ledgers, memos and photo albums. Now, we also look at emails, text messages, Facebook, LinkedIn, Snapchat, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, and even Pinterest

Protecting a Case From Dismissal

Published August 10, 2024

Categorized as Illinois Divorce

Protecting your Case as a Respondent Domestic relations cases are civil in nature. In Illinois, divorce cases are civil matters that involve at least two parties: the Petitioner and the Respondent. The Petitioner is the spouse who initiates the divorce by filing a legal document called a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage. This petition

Month: August 2024

Divorce Considerations for Couples with Adopted Children: Legal Tips and Considerations

How Can I Enforce a Court Order Against My Ex?

Ways to Avoid Indirect Civil Contempt

Custody and Special Needs Children: What Parents Need to Know

Social Media Missteps in High-Net-Worth Divorce Cases: Avoiding Costly Mistakes

Protecting a Case From Dismissal

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