Divorce is a complicated process, and more so when children are involved. According to the US Census Bureau, the state of Illinois has one of the lowest divorce rates in the country at 6.6%, with the national average at 36%. No one gets married with the intention of...
Help children transition between homes
When people share parental responsibilities, they usually move the children between their homes. Transitioning between houses may sometimes be difficult for children. Parents may want to take intentional steps to help ease these transitions. Sometimes, children may...
Is sole allocation of parental responsibilities possible for me?
In most cases, parents end up sharing parenting responsibilities after a divorce. This joint allocation of parental responsibilities is also known as co-parenting. There is ample evidence that children do best when both parents maintain an active presence in their...
What makes a parenting plan effective?
Even if you and your spouse are going through an amicable divorce, you may have difficulty working out a parenting plan. Establishing a parenting time schedule may feel impossible if you both want to spend lots of time with your children. And agreeing on parenting...
What can I do when my ex will not follow custody rules?
While custody agreements are often hashed out between parents, the court has the final say on all official orders that are developed during a divorce. Accordingly, it is crucial that both parents follow rules related to custody, visitation, and parenting time. When...
What is a parenting plan and does it need filing with the court?
Illinois law requires divorcing couples to submit to the court a parenting plan or parenting time schedule. The court allows you to create an agreed-upon arrangement outlining how you can share in parenting and spend equal time with the children. A judge no longer...
How does 50-50 custody work?
In Illinois, divorce will have an impact on the children who must adjust to a significant change in their lives. One way that parents can make it easier for the kids is to implement a consistent schedule for when they will be with each parent. When parents decide to...
Relocation with the children is difficult for both sides
Change is constant, and few people realize this better than parents. Couples who are separated but co-parenting often have the added difficulty of trying to fit life changes into their parenting plans. However, when major changes include relocation with the children,...
Recently divorced? 3 tips to help reduce holiday stress.
Christmas lights are starting to go up in neighborhoods throughout the country, the snow is falling, and people are stocking up on stuffing and other grocery items to prepare for holiday feasts. As these preparations are well underway, some newly divorced families may...
Long-distance parenting is getting easier with technology
At least one spouse moves out of the family home during an Illinois divorce. When one or both parents end up moving far enough away from each other that evening and weekend visits are difficult, the parenting plan will need to take this into account. Noncustodial...
