Are you facing a Department of Children & Family Services (DCFS) investigation in Illinois and worried about a drug test? It’s a common concern among families and individuals facing inquiries from DCFS. This part of the process can seem intimidating, especially if you don’t understand your rights or what to expect.   Can DCFS Order You to Take a Drug Test? DCFS cannot make you take a drug test as part of a child safety investigation. DCFS provides a clear outline of clients’ rights and responsibilities, and those rights include: The right to make an informed choice of services The ri ..read more

The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) is responsible for protecting the welfare of the state’s children. One of the ways it fulfills this duty is by conducting investigations into reported cases of child abuse and neglect. Illinois parents may find themselves interacting with DCFS if someone reports them for child abuse or neglect. Individuals may call DCFS to file a report, but the law requires some professionals to report suspected abuse and neglect. Mandated reporters include teachers, doctors, social workers, therapists, and other medical professionals. P ..read more

The Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) is responsible for ensuring the safety and well-being of children in Illinois. They might wish to enter your home if they have concerns about a child’s safety. Here’s what you need to know about when they can do so legally.   How Does DCFS Determine When a Home Visit Is Necessary in Illinois?  In Illinois, DCFS decides to visit homes based on reports it receives. These reports often come from teachers, doctors, or neighbors who might suspect child abuse or neglect. DCFS takes these reports seriously. They review each one ..read more

Are you considering or pursuing divorce in Illinois? If so, thorough preparation is essential because it will allow you to navigate this challenging and emotional process with clarity and confidence. Effective preparation enables you to approach your divorce with a clear mind and realistic expectations, reducing the likelihood of unnecessary stress and confusion. Preparing well also sets you up to make informed decisions and better protect your family’s interests. Finally, being prepared can lead to a more efficient legal process, potentially saving time and resources as you move toward a fres ..read more

The parenting time agreement that you and your ex landed on when you first divorced or first addressed the matter through the court may have served your family’s needs well at the time, but times change, and the need for modifications is not uncommon. If you’ve experienced a significant shift in your lives or schedules, an experienced Illinois parenting time attorney can help. A Word about Casual Modifications between Yourselves If you and your ex have landed on a modification that works for you, you should know that your original parenting time orders remain legally binding. In other wor ..read more

Divorce or separation is never easy, especially when children are involved. Often, one of the most contentious matters that needs to be resolved is the question of child custody – referred to as “parenting time” in the Illinois statutes. If you and your child’s other parent are unable to come to an agreement about custody, a court will decide for you. When it decides, it will weigh certain factors in order to determine what custody arrangement is in the child’s best interest. At the Law Office of Bradley R. Tengler, P.C., we believe that everyone deserves outstanding legal representation. Base ..read more

Divorce can be expensive in Illinois. Hiring a divorce attorney to represent you is only one essential expense of this legal process. You may also need to pay court fees and, potentially, expert witness costs as well. If you are facing a divorce in Illinois, it is important to understand what costs you can anticipate. Understanding the Different Types of Divorce in Illinois The type of divorce you are seeking will play a significant role in determining the total cost you will pay for your divorce. An uncontested divorce — where there are no disagreements between you and your ex on any material ..read more

Co-parenting can be difficult enough, but when you’re co-parenting with a narcissistic ex, it can be all the more challenging. In this blog post, we’re going to discuss coping strategies for successful shared custody when dealing with a narcissistic co-parent. We understand that it can feel like an uphill battle at times, but armed with smart advice and practical tips, you’ll be equipped to navigate this delicate dynamic and create a harmonious environment for your child’s well-being. What is a Narcissistic Co-Parent? If you are sharing custody of your children with a narcissistic co-parent, y ..read more

Are you going through a divorce in Illinois and wondering about your options for alimony? Alimony, or spousal maintenance, can be crucial in divorce proceedings. A judge looks at various factors when deciding whether to grant it and the amounts related. There are four different types of alimony recognized by Illinois law to help you understand which one may apply to your situation. Whether you’re the spouse seeking support or the one who may have to pay it, it’s essential to understand these options before entering negotiations or mediation. What is Temporary Alimony? One spouse pays ..read more

When it comes to dividing property in a divorce Illinois uses an equitable distribution approach. Does this mean divorce in Illinois is 50-50? The short answer to this question is no. Few states use the community property approach, which would result in an automatic 50-50 split, but in Illinois, a judge will look at several factors to decide what is a fair, yet not necessarily equal, division of property. Marital or Community Property When it comes to deciding who gets the house or vacation home, the property first has to be considered marital (assets and debts acquired by either spouse during ..read more