There are unique considerations and decisions that come with divorcing parents of a special needs child should be carefully examined. There is no standard solution for parents with a special needs child because each situation is different and requires customized solutions. Here are some of the key decisions that may need to be addressed. Child Custody Decisions One major aspect is the importance of navigating custody decisions. When a child has a diagnosed condition with established treatments and practices, it’s typically easier for the court to follow existing patterns set by both parents an ..read more

  Co-parenting during and after a divorce can be an enormous challenge, but modern technology has brought forth a solution: co-parenting apps. These apps, such as Our Family Wizard and Talking Parents, offer a plethora of advantages to make the co-parenting journey smoother and more organized for you and your co-parent (The other parent of your children). Let’s look into the benefits of using co-parenting apps and why they have become a staple in post-divorce communication. One of the standout features of co-parenting apps is their comprehensive calendar functionality. Parents can input ..read more

Participating in Divorce with Respect Week holds profound significance for me, rooted in my strong belief in the power of collaborative methods and mediation. Over the years, I’ve come to understand that the essence of a respectful divorce lies in resolving conflicts outside the courtroom—a task demanding considerable effort, energy, and professional skill. My journey towards embracing a non-adversarial approach began around 15 years ago, while working at a law firm with a heavy emphasis on litigation. It became increasingly evident that the conventional court route was far from an ideal solut ..read more

You have just gotten engaged, and the excitement is exhilarating. In the midst of the wedding preparations and dreams of a shared future, the question of a prenuptial agreement (prenup) might arise. But what are the pros and cons of taking this legal step? Having Important Conversations Before Marriage One significant pro of a prenup is the opportunity it provides for you and your soon-to-be spouse to have crucial conversations about the legal aspects of your marriage. Many people enter their marriage without a clear understanding of their legal obligations and rights. A prenup acts as an educ ..read more

After a divorce is over, alimony or spousal maintenance as it’s known in Illinois serves as a financial lifeline for many people. However, what you may not realize is that you can lose receiving those spousal maintenance payments in Illinois in ways other than by getting married. The specter of cohabitation looms large, presenting a complex web of factors that, if not navigated carefully, could lead to the termination of monthly spousal maintenance payments. In this blog post, we will explore the lesser-known threats to alimony, the legal nuances surrounding cohabitation with a significant oth ..read more

When a marriage reaches the point of divorce, it often raises questions and concerns. One of the common dilemmas that individuals face is whether they should move out of the house or continue living together during the divorce process. Here are some valuable tips on this topic: Don’t move out until you have a plan. This is particularly true if there are minor children. It’s essential to establish a temporary parenting time schedule through a court order, as opposed to relying on informal agreements. Moving out can trigger a series of immediate issues such as parenting schedules, financial supp ..read more

When seeking legal guidance for your divorce, opting for a Collaborative Divorce can make the process smoother and less adversarial. Collaborative Divorce involves you and your spouse and your attorneys working together to find amicable solutions, rather than engaging in a protracted courtroom battle. If you’re considering this approach, here are some valuable tips on how to choose the right Collaborative Divorce attorney. 1) Look for Commitment: Not all family law attorneys concentrate in Collaborative Divorce. It’s essential to find an attorney who is genuinely committed to this approach. A ..read more

In recent years, the legal landscape regarding same-sex marriage and divorce has undergone significant changes. With the legalization of same-sex marriage in all 50 states, including Illinois, the question arises: Is a same-sex divorce any different from a heterosexual divorce in Illinois? Equality in Divorce Rights Same-sex divorce is no different from any other type of divorce in Illinois. The legalization of same-sex marriage on a federal level has ensured equal treatment for same-sex couples. Previously, when civil unions were recognized instead of marriage, there were certain limitations ..read more

This is a question that often arises when couples find themselves in a tumultuous relationship but are unsure about how that is impacting their children. When children are exposed to high levels of conflict and hostility between their parents there is a higher risk that they will be faced with problems later in life. These problems can manifest as: Emotional issues Behavioral challenges Physical health concerns Social difficulties While it’s important to note that exposure to conflict doesn’t guarantee negative outcomes, it does increase the likelihood. When considering divorce as an alterna ..read more

The topic of relocating after a divorce is a complex issue that often arises when children are involved. While many people may think that they can just up and move with their children, the reality is that it’s not that simple. The rules and regulations surrounding relocation are designed to protect the best interests of the child and ensure that both parents have continued access to their children. In most cases, if there is no divorce or custody case pending, then someone can move with their child without the court’s involvement or permission. However, if a case is pending, such as a custody ..read more