What happens if parents cannot agree on a parental plan in Illinois?

If parents can’t agree on a parental plan during a divorce, a judge will impose a plan based on the child’s best interests. The court considers factors such as the wishes of the parents, the child’s relationship with family members, their connection to home and school, and the mental and physical health of the parents. The child’s wishes may also be taken into account if they are old enough. The court may appoint a Guardian ad Litem (GAL) or an evaluator to provide recommendations on what arrangement serves the child’s best interests.

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Q: What is a Parental Responsibilities Allocation Judgment in Illinois?

A Parental Responsibilities Allocation Judgment, or parenting plan, is a written agreement that allocates decision-making responsibilities and parenting time between parents. Both parties must submit a proposed plan within 120 days of the respondent receiving court papers. The plan remains in effect until the child becomes an adult, or a parent requests a modification. Modifications generally cannot be made until two years after the judgment, unless it’s in the best interests of the child. If parents fail to submit a plan on time, the court may hold hearings to determine the child's best interests.

Parental Responsibilities Allocation Judgments & What You Need to Include in Yours

Posted By Kimberly Anderson

Published September 1, 2024

Categorized as Child Custody

Divorce for couples with children is often a stressful and challenging process, filled with tense moments for both parents and their children. However, recent changes to Illinois Family Law, particularly the introduction of parental responsibilities allocation judgments, have made it possible for many Illinois parents to navigate divorce more smoothly. These judgments, which replace the

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

Posted By Jessica Sindel

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?

Posted By Kimberly Anderson

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

Posted By Janice Boback

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

Posted By Ana Garduno

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

Posted By Monika Barrett

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

Year: 2024

Parental Responsibilities Allocation Judgments & What You Need to Include in Yours

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

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